Flood relief discrimination?

THE EDITOR: It was fantastic to witness the participation of corporate Trinidad and Tobago in the flood relief efforts, joining hundreds of normal citizens and small businesses. There are now flashy adverts on electronic, print, and social media indicating what is being done by corporate T&T in their humanitarian efforts.

There is already the perception that the Rowley administration has been inequitable against the UNC controlled areas in terms of providing flood relief. The visible absence of a government presence in places like Kelly Village, St Helena, Bamboo Settlement etc was telling. Now it appears some businesses are following, perhaps reflective of their party affiliation to the PNM.

Affected residents are asking where are these donated items by the corporate community actually going? Reports from volunteers are that some in the corporate community have specifically indicated the assistance is not to be sent to areas controlled by the UNC. Perhaps this is why some of the flood-stricken areas appear to be more neglected than others.

There is an apparent discrimination in the manner and way in which these selected businesses distribute items to be given to flood victims. While the corporate community now competes with government to ensure they get their pound of flesh with media exposure, they are provided with the evidence that they are assisting.

The TTMA correctly condemned retailers (mostly small businesses) who engaged in price gouging without providing evidence to substantiate these allegations. There is an equal and urgent need for both the TTMA and the various chambers of commerce to equally condemn its members who discriminate against the UNC areas in the distribution of relief items.

Devant Maharaj via email