Emancipation Support Committee chairman: 'Weather can't rain on our parade'

UNDER 'BROLLIES: Women in traditional African garb walk under their umbrellas as rain fell on Frederick Street and the rest of Port of Spain on July 31. - Photo by Faith Ayoung
UNDER 'BROLLIES: Women in traditional African garb walk under their umbrellas as rain fell on Frederick Street and the rest of Port of Spain on July 31. - Photo by Faith Ayoung

WITH the Meteorological office predicting a medium chance of heavy showers and even thunderstorms on Emancipation Day, executive chairperson of the Emancipation Support Committee (ESC) Zakiya Uzoma-Wadada said on Wednesday that the weather cannot rain on plans already in motion for Thursday's Emancipation Day parade in Port of Spain.

She made the comment after large parts of Port of Spain were flooded due to heavy rains on July 31.

Several areas in the capital experienced flash flooding including on Wrightson Road, Sackville Street, Piccadilly Street, St Vincent Street, Independence Square South, and South Quay.

The Emancipation parade is scheduled to start at the Treasury building on Independence Square North and proceed east to Besson Street. It then turns north on to Piccadilly Street and makes it way to Park Street before turning on to Charlotte Street. The procession continues north to Memorial Park and then to the Queen’s Park Savannah.

Speaking with Newsday hours after the flooding on July 31, Uzoma-Wadada said the rains did not stop the plans on Wednesday night and she does not expect it to affect plans for the Emancipation Day parade either.

>

“We are proceeding. We didn’t have a lot of activities during the rain (on Wednesday), but once it eased up, we continued with our program. And we are also continuing with our plan for our Pan African program this evening.”

She said ESC does not intend to be deterred by the possibility of heavy rains.

“All plans are ahead for the Kambule. All things remain and we are continuing to plan for it.”

Uzoma-Wadada said rain on Emancipation Day is not a strange phenomenon and most people now come prepared in the event of bad weather. She urged people to do the same come Thursday.

“Sometimes the rain starts when we are at the Savannah, which has been what has happened most times in the recent times, and sometimes it catches us on the route.”

WATER WALK: People wade through floodwater at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village at the Queen's Park Savannah following heavy midday showers in Port of Spain on July 31. - Photo by Roger Jacob

“I think many people who come to the Emancipation Day procession, they walk with their umbrellas. Some walk with change of clothes because they've had the experience of rain falling on Emancipation Day during the procession. Sometimes we get lucky. We get a beautiful sunny day and we make it to the Savannah before the rains. There are times of course the rain will meet us on the way. So walk with your umbrellas, and be prepared.”

Uzoma-Wadada said she is not concerned about the possibility of flooding along the route.

Uzoma-Wadada said she remains optimistic, but added the ESC is paying attention to the weather forecast in the event any adverse weather alert is issued.

>

“This is not just a physical activity. It is also a very spiritual one and we are certain all will be well with the Kambule tomorrow. It's the one day that we come together to remember our ancestors and have them share their energy as we remember them in this special way. And we anticipate that all will be well.”

According to information from the Port of Spain City Corporation, Edward, Richmond, Henry, Charlotte and Colville streets were also affected by flooding on Wednesday.

At around 4 pm, the East Dry River was at 80 per cent capacity as many other areas across the country also reported instances of flooding.

Flooding on the western end of Saddle Road, resulted in near-standstill traffic in Maraval while Hololo Road, Bourg Mulatress, and La Canoa Road were also under water causing traffic in Santa Cruz.

Empty chairs at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village, Queen's Park Savannah on Wednesday as heavy midday rains kept people away from several events. The weather improved later in the day and activities resumed as normal. - Photo by Roger Jacob

The San Juan Laventille Regional Corporation also reported flooding on the Eastern Main Road in the vicinity of Republic Bank.

Speaking with Newsday by phone, Lt Commander Kirk Jean-Baptiste, public relations officer at the Office of Disaster Preparedness Management (ODPM) confirmed the areas affected by the heavy rains.

Jean-Baptiste said that in central Trinidad, Todd's Station Road in the vicinity of Paula's Bar, Couva and Tabaquite were also amongst the affected areas.

Three residential areas at Thompson Road, Palmiste and Boy Cato Road and Ramdass Street, Felicity, Chaguanas were also affected.

>

Despite heavy rainfall and flooding, there have been no reports of loss of life, property and livestock.

The bad weather led to one report of a fallen tree in the vicinity of U-pick farms.

Newsday understands the Diego Martin Regional Corporation, although aware of the situation, did not need to get involved as the tree was removed by nearby business owners.

The Penal Debe Regional Corporation, Siparia Regional Corporation, San Fernando City Corporation and Princes Town Regional Corporation were all spared from major, serious flooding.

Jean-Baptiste reminded people to avoid wading in flood waters and to secure livestock and homes to prevent injury or loss of life.

He added in the event of emergencies such as flash floods, people should monitor updates from the ODPM, the Meteorological Services and local government authorities.

Comments

"Emancipation Support Committee chairman: ‘Weather can’t rain on our parade’"

More in this section