Trinidad Flood Relief: Here’s How You Can Help Victims…

Trinidad and Tobago is dealing with the aftermath of devastating floods that took place on October 19th through 21st. For over 48 hours straight, Trinidad suffered rainfall that caused tremendous damage to homes, infrastructure, wildlife and the economy.

“This is a national disaster, the flooding is quite widespread and quite severe and it is going to cost a lot of money to bring relief to people who have been affected. Notwithstanding whatever shortages we are experiencing we will have to find the resources to help,” Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said, after touring some of the affected areas.

GOVERNMENT

In advance, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service had issued a “Red Riverine Flood Alert” warning locals to take all precautions to protect life and property. After the torrential rains, people were being rescued from homes totally immersed in flood waters. Some were forced to seek refuge on their roofs, while others were lucky enough to seek shelter on higher grounds. Now that the water is subsiding, many residents of Caroni, Chaguanas, La Horquetta, St. Helena, Kelly Village, Deigo Martin, Carenage, Mayaro and Barrackpore, just to name a few, will have serious cleaning up and rebuilding to do.

LOOPTT: Flood victims begin to receive relief cheques

Many nationals abroad have been rallying to assist their fellow countrymen in cash and kind; taking it upon themselves to help their families, as some believe the government is stalling relief efforts. National Security Minister Stuart Young came under fire on social media when he stated that shipping goods was not advisable at this time and urged family members and donors to send money to their loved ones instead. Many were in outrage that the Minister was somehow denying assistance.

As one of the largest importers in the Caribbean, Trinidad already has most of what the flood victims need – water, food and basic needs. From my perspective, the Minister was ensuring that the items on the island be bought and used first. This would be a needed boost to the economy after suffering days of catastrophic and undetermined financial loss. The funds needed to ship, clear and transport items could be used for much needed items on the island. In addition, some places are still under water, so where would that barrel with new clothes and food go? Unfortunately, some locals businesses have taken advantage of people’s misfortunes and began price gouging!

In an article in the T&T Guardian,  Min. Young was asked whether the gov­ern­ment was con­sid­er­ing es­tab­lish­ing an in­ter­na­tion­al fund to col­lect do­na­tions from Trinida­di­ans liv­ing abroad and for­eign na­tion­als.“I have said at this stage hold off on that, be­cause the lo­gis­ti­cal el­e­ment that can come along with that, we don’t need at this time. Quite frankly, we are try­ing to pre­vent the op­por­tu­ni­ty for cor­rup­tion to take place be­cause when you have this flood of mon­ey, it tends to go,” Young said.

NEIGHBORS

The Kalpoo Brothers, Navin and Ravi, have been a beacon of light in their Kelly Village community. The brothers who have a boat touring business, used their boat to help rescue residents and feed them. Much love to these guys and their selfless work! To support these good neighbors, contact Navin Kalpoo directly at 1-868-303-4287.

FRIENDS

Soca’s royal couple, Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez have taken up the charge by being vocal and visibly active in bringing awareness and getting aid to those affected. Machel Montano and his management team have also stepped up to donate 100 mattresses, per team, to families in need. Cricket legend Brian Lara has donated items from his home and national men’s football coach Dennis Lawrence is staging a Friends For A Cause charity match. 3x Soca King, Voice, released a track with Bishop Anstey High School choir, Alive and Well. Beyonce’s Trinidadian hairstylist, Neal Farinah has also rallied his friends to make contributions. Groups, organizations and families across the disapora are lending a hand and donating in many ways, including Trini-born superstar, Nicki Minaj, who is also using her platform to bring international awareness to the flooding and has pledged her support.

As with any major disaster, the most vulnerable are children, elders, pregnant women and those who are very ill. However, with flooding, everyone is affected. I reached out to Dr. Leslie-Ann Williams  (Internal Medicine and Pediatrics), the CEO and Founder of Healing Wings International, who provided some insight into her concerns for those affected.

NEEDS

Some of the critical items being requested are:

Cleaning supplies: Mops, Brooms, Bleach, Disinfectant, Detergent, Anti-bacterial Wipes

First Aid Kits: Sterile pads, Gauze, Bandages, Band Aids, etc.

Medicine: Antibiotics, Anti-bacterial Creams, Dettol, Candid V, Candid B, Ventolin, Antibiotic Cream, Paracetamol, Methodex, Piroton, Gravol, Blood Pressure Medication, Calamine lotion, Prolyte, Andrews, Enoos, Panadol, Baby Cough Syrup, Imodium

Baby supplies: Baby Food, Diapers, Wipes, Rash Creams

Toiletries: Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Antibacterial Soap, Deodorant, Feminine Products, Toilet Paper

Adult Diapers

Mattresses

There’s also need for Bottled Water, Canned Foods, Rubber Slippers, Blankets, Pillows, Towel, Clothing and shoes – for all ages.

ORGANIZATIONS

It can feel helpless being abroad and wanting to help, yet unsure of where to give your support. Lend a hand by donating funds or items to these organizations:

Habitat T&T

Is There Not A Cause (ITNAC)

Trinidad & Tobago Red Cross

Rotary Club of Port-Of-Spain

Rotary Club of St. Augustine

OJO World / TTRN

Love From Abroad GoFundMe

There are so many ways to help the people of Trinidad and Tobago. If you know of any other reputable grassroots organizations and NGOs that are on the ground, doing the work and in need of financial support and resources, please leave their names and contact info in the comment section.