Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma met yesterday with experts to discuss the natural disaster in Japan and the possible effects on T&T. The minister speculated that the magnitude 8.9 earthquake might be the worst earthquake in the past 100 years and the worst in recorded history.
"We are very saddened by what is happening in Japan," said Sharma. While he stated there may be little effect on T&T he maintained that because of the constant rise in sea levels it is absolutely necessary to be on alert. Sharma said after discussions with the his ministry's permanent secretary as well as the Ministry of National Security and the Office of Disaster Preparedness (ODPM) he felt that they would be ready for any fall out.
He went on to say that in the last six months they had established disaster relief centres and had access to 12000 volunteers who can be mobilised within 20 minutes of a disaster. Through the services of the Non Governmental Organisation, Trinbago Emergency Network Team (TENT), they have the ability to set up emergency clinics in almost every community and have over 200 doctors on board. He noted the explosion of the nuclear plant in Japan following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake yesterday and commented that it was cause for concern locally, because of the fact that T&T is a gas and energy producing country and has gas installations throughout. Sharma presented his desire for all citizens to be on board and ready to volunteer if needed. He also advised that in the event of a disaster, citizens needed to make their lives their number one priority.
"When a disaster comes, protect yourself..don't come with your passport and jewelry and telephone, we don't need that. We just want to protect you," said Sharma. The resources of the State are always available to the country during disaster incidents. According to Sharma, a report has stated that up to 60 countries could be affected by the earthquake. In response to questions about the ministries ability to influence the thinking of Trinidadians that God is a "Trini" Sharma said he believed that people are taking a more mature and responsible stance. "God is a Trini...but we must be prepared and able to take mature collective action." He reiterated that because of the changing global environment and the rise in water levels T&T was very much at risk. "One foot of water is too much for this country if a tsunami were to hit." He said that even if effects were minimal as compared to other countries, any effects T&T could experience would be damaging.