The T&T Red Cross Society is refuting reports that there is no proper co-ordination or communication to ensure specific and urgent needs are met for the various islands affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
In fact, disaster management coordinator at the T&T Red Cross Society Stephan Kishore says stakeholder meetings are held every week between the organisation and the different countries so they are keep abreast of the islands’ needs.
He said when items are brought into the Red Cross by NGOs, every items is catalogued and documented.
“Items being shipped to the various islands must also be properly documented not only by us, but also by the Customs and Excise Division and when the goods arrive in the affected countries officials of those counties must also keep an inventory of what is being brought in.
“This information is also channelled to the Red Cross so we can have a clear picture of what is being distributed and what is still and immediately needed,” Kishore said.
He said the Red Cross perspective was not just helping but also lending support, adding that the International Federation of Red Cross has also been assisting Dominica by providing tarpaulin, foodstuff and non-food items.
Regarding reports of a donation overkill, Kishore said this was not the case as water and food, for instance, will always be in demand due to the devastation caused on some islands, in particular Dominica.
“The Red Cross will never say there is an overkill of a donation of items because people will always need things like water, food and hygiene products and the idea is to try to meet the demand,” Kishore said.
“When we send relief this month, what is going to happen in the next three or four months? People will still be in need because in the instance of Dominica there was total devastation and therefore jobs will not be something immediately available.
“There is always a need for hygiene products especially to prevent disasters like cholera.”