Joint Chambers set up disaster relief account

The Joint Chambers –  Amcham, the Energy Chamber, TTMA and TT Chamber – have established a relief account that can accept donations and disburse funds as needed.

In a release, the Joint Chambers said the funds will be issued to respected NGOs with an excellent track record or to procure specific items on approved national “needs lists” published by national response agencies (such as OPDM).

"The Trinidad and Tobago private sector has always responded to disasters, both here in TT and throughout the Caribbean. We have provided relief items, equipment, supplies and expertise in post-disaster situations, working with national authorities, private-sector partners and NGOs.

"We follow best practices in post-disaster relief efforts by making sure that we only provide support and relief items that are required," the Chambers said.

But they noted that post-disaster response is made difficult by people sending items that are not on the priority lists and clogging up ports, warehouses and other distribution points.

It added that people should only donate items when it is clear they are required and there is a clear route to ensure they can be effectively distributed into the hands of people in need.

"In many cases it is better to make financial contributions rather than to donate relief items," the Chambers said, as financial contributions allow relief agencies to procure specific items required at the right time.

The account details are as follows:

Beneficiary Name: The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago/Joint Chambers
Currency: TT$
Bank: First Citizens Bank Ltd, Pt Lisas
Account Number: 2818368
Account Type: Chequing

or

Beneficiary Name: The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago/Joint Chambers
Currency: US$
Bank: First Citizens Bank Ltd, Pt Lisas
Account Number: 2818367
Account Type: Savings