NDP distributing relief aid to affected families

New Democratic Party candidates and Members of Parliament in the five flood affected constituencies were this week collecting and distributing items to affected families from the relief supplies shipped to party Leader Arnhim Eustace following last December’s disaster.{{more}}

The party, in a release said from Monday March 24, 2014 candidate for North Central Windward Kenroy Johnson, and in the days that followed North Leeward and South Leeward MPs Roland “Patel” Matthews and Nigel “Nature” Stephenson along with candidate for Central Leeward Ben Exeter and candidate for North Windward, Lauron “Sheara” Baptiste collected parcels of food items, stuffed toys and clothing and delivered to families and shelters in affected areas.

In accordance with the party policy, more than two hundred parcels have been delivered to persons affected by flood damage, on the basis of need, and regardless of their party affiliation, the NDP said.

The relief supplies have been the centre of much controversy, following the NDP’s decision not to involve the National Emergency Relief Organization (NEMO) in the party’s request for duty free concessions, over concerns about NEMO’s handling of the flood relief process. The NDP’s subsequent request to Cabinet for removal of duty on the supplies was denied. The party held a radiothon last month which it said raise over $26,000. Eustace has said amounts raised in excess of the requirements for meeting the port charges will be put towards providing further assistance to flood relief victims.

The relief effort follows the December 24, 2013 passage of a trough system across the country which caused significant flooding, extensive damage to personal and public property, and loss of lives.