Two days after battling raging flood waters, irate residents of Diego Martin staged a fiery protest yesterday claiming wanton neglect by the Government. Across the Diego Martin Main Road, near Charles Avenue, residents piled furniture and household items ruined by the deluge and set it on fire under the watchful eyes of police officers.
The residents taunted the police telling them, “All yuh bed dry and you want to lock we up for protesting.” The residents, from Tesheira to Mason Streets, complained that they were denied mattresses by the Diego Martin Regional Corporation on Friday night, while no food stuff, supplies and help were forthcoming by the relevant authorities. They also accused Diego Martin Central MP Dr Amery Browne of turning his back on them.
Only two Port-of-Spain City Corporation trucks were seen clearing debris when the Sunday Guardian visited the affected residents, as mop up operations continued for yet another day. The Jesus is the Answer Prayer Centre donated lunch to only 100 flood victims.
‘Residents slam Govt’
Leading the protest was Adana Springer who slammed the Government for their lack of action. “What we want is for the Government to fix the river that is causing the flood. They will give us compensation to replace the things that got water soaked, but the problem will continue. Is years we facing this. Where Kamla? Why she not here to see what we going through.” Donnie Salandy said the corporation turned him down when he asked for a mattress. “They told me they only giving people they know.”
Agnes Gillford said Petal Thomas, who is deaf, almost lost her life inside her home after she became trapped. Thomas was discharged from hospital yesterday. Browne said he heard about the protest while visiting Gopaul Avenue, another affected area. “I have been speaking to the ODPM all day. There has been no foodstuff and they have nowhere to sleep. These residents had a horrible night. They are seeing these ministers in front of the television cameras saying that all is well and they are responding.”
Browne said he forked out money from his own pocket to buy cleaning agents for the residents. Admitting that the problem was widespread, Browne said he could not be everywhere at once, but has been keeping in touch with those who have been voicing displeasure and are in need. Messages left on the phones of Dr Stephen Ramroop, CEO of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management and chairman of the corporation Anthony Sammy were not returned.