Government yesterday began paying out an estimated $10 million in flood relief to citizens who were adversely affected by Tropical Storm Bret almost two weeks ago.
Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn, presented cheques valued at $10,000 each to more than 27 residents at her office on St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday.
The payment was made in record time and many of the recipients openly expressed their gratitude to the minister for her speedy assistance.
Crichlow-Cockburn said more affected residents were expected to receive their cheques throughout the weekend and next week. She said she was aware of the challenges being faced by the affected residents and appealed to them to use the funds to ensure that they replace some of the appliances and furniture that were destroyed by floods .
Crichlow-Cockburn said her ministry “empathises and understand to a large extent what you have been through and we hope that this check helps to alleviate some of the suffering that you have been through.”
Later, in a brief interview, Crichlow-Cockburn said she was happy to have delivered the cheques in less than two weeks. She said cheques will be presented in different parts of the country in the coming days.
One resident from El Carmen, St Helena, Neemchan Seuraj, said he lost his fridge, stove, bed and couch during the storm. He said he was really appreciated what the Government has done for flood victims by providing this relief so quickly.
Tropical Storm Bret hit T&T on June 19, affecting citizens across the country but those in south and east suffered greater losses.
