TRINIDAD, Tobago – PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised by St Lucian Prime Minister Dr Stephenson King for her quick response to rally to his countrymen’s assistance in the wake of the passage of Hurricane Tomas.
King made the comment following a meeting with Persad-Bissessar at his official residence in Castries, after she kept her word by travelling to the island to get a first-hand look at the devastation caused by Tomas. He said the country was grateful for whatever assistance Persad-Bissessar’s government could offer.
Speaking to King at a Press conference after the meeting, Persad-Bissessar said, “I want to make it very clear, Mr Prime Minister, that we remain committed to assisting you here and the people of St Lucia. There are no strings attached to the humanitarian aid that we bring and will continue to send to you for reconstruction.”
The PM’s comment seemed directed at those who had expressed anger at her previous comment, among them the St Lucian business community, that in extending a helping hand to Caricom countries affected by Tomas, Trinidad and Tobago should benefit.
Many of the St Lucians the Express approached yesterday, however, were thankful for Persad-Bissessar’s intervention.
During the meeting, King said the country would need approximately US$500 million (TT$3 billion) to get up and running again. He said one of their immediate concerns was a supply of fresh water. (Trinidad Express)
