Delma Thomas

A directive has reportedly been given to the state-run National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) to channel all assistance to victims of last week's heavy rains in St. Andrew's through the ruling New National Party (NNP).

According to a well-placed source, the agency was ordered by a senior official in the Office of the Prime Minister to direct the help through the NNP's Caretaker candidate for St. Andrew North-west, Delma Thomas. The move is seen as a clear attempt by the Keith Mitchell-led government to boost the image of Thomas, a virtual newcomer in frontline politics in the country.

Thomas is said to be facing an uphill battle to defeat the incumbent, Alleyne Walker of the main opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the seat. When contacted on Tuesday for comment on the issue, NaDMA Co-ordinator, Superintendent Sylvan Mc Intyre was rather guarded in his response on the issue.

Mc Intyre admitted that the agency had taken a decision to donate some blankets to persons who were affected in the St. Andrew North-west constituency but could not say whether NaDMA had handled the distribution itself. He stopped short of admitting that any such instructions were given except to say that NaDMA is any agency that falls within the scope of the Office of the Prime Minister and takes its instructions from there.

Supt Mc Intyre promised to find out the details of the blanket distribution and to get back in touch with this newspaper within the hour but failed to do so. He could not be reached at his head office at Richmond Hill and several calls made by this newspaper to his cell phone 407-2342 went unanswered.

GRENADA TODAY was able to reach Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Elizabeth Greenidge-Henry for comment on the issue. However, she declined to comment on the grounds that she could not make public statements as a civil servant.

"Mr. Worme, as you are aware I cannot talk to you and I would follow Public Service Commission rules on this. I will not make any comment on this issue", said Greenidge-Henry. The Balthazar area, in the rural parish of St.Andrew, was one of the regions severely impacted by the heavy rainfall.

Not only did the river which runs through the area flow approximately six feet above the level of the Balthazar Bridge, but it also overflowed its banks and invaded the homes of some of the residents living within close proximity.  

Many residents said that it was the first time that they had seen the normally placid -flowing river in such a violent state. Some of the families living close to the river lost their clothes, mattresses, food supplies and other household paraphernalia as a result of the severe flooding.

The level of the flood waters reached inside some of the homes, thoroughly soaking the flooring and then leaving behind a sludgy residue.

The NNP Caretaker for St. Andrew North-west was seen distributing food supplies, bed sheets, clothes, blankets, mattresses, baskets, mops and other items to families who suffered great loss.