Statement on relief distribution efforts

Tue Feb 18, 2013

In light of recent developments and our own investigation on the relief process since the December 24th/25th disaster, the Democratic Republican Party makes the following statement:{{more}} 1. As far as is possible, the Government needs to remove ULP hand-picked political party hacks who are engaged in the practice of putting names of persons who are without need, on lists to receive aid. This has helped to cause the confusion that now exists. Replace these persons with workers from NEMO. Let NEMO do its job. Similarly, when the time comes, no building material distribution should be given to ULP area representatives and/ or to political party hacks hand-picked by them. It should be done by NEMO.

2. The Opposition NDP must learn to work with organizations such as NEMO and desist from giving the impression that the NEMO is incapable of responsible and professional work. The NDP must refrain from blaming NEMO unnecessarily for things that have gone wrong. We at the Democratic Republican Party have experienced working with NEMO to bring relief to affected persons, without any blockage or interference with our work. This has also included successful bringing in of relief items into the country through NEMO. This cooperation can be done and the NDP must learn to do it and desist from misleading the public on this matter.

3. We are appealing to our people to refrain from any hostile or violent reactions at all times because it is unhelpful. If you are due assistance but you have not received it, remain calm and take your complaints forward to NEMO and exercise patience. We call upon the Government to remember that the relief supplies are for the victims of the disaster, regardless of political persuasion. It is necessary to ensure that impacted persons get relief FIRST, regardless of their political affiliation. The relief and rehabilitation process must not be used as an election gimmick. A caring and responsible government will ensure that ALL Vincentians who have been impacted by the disaster receive the aid they deserve and that the impacted persons are the FIRST to receive any distributed aid. May God help us to be fair, just and peaceful and keep us ever free.

Anesia Baptiste