The Bankers’ Association is making it clear that money donated to the T&T Relief accounts at banks will not be going to the Government.
The association has set up relief fund accounts at Republic Bank, Scotiabank, First Citizens, RBC Royal Bank, JMMB and First Caribbean International for the public to deposit donations to assist flood victims.
BATT communications specialist Dixie-Ann Dickson said yesterday it was a private sector initiative to set up the relief fund accounts and it is being done in collaboration with the joint business chambers, which include the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce, American Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturers’ Association, Energy Chamber and the T&T Coalition of Services Industries.
With regard to the donations from the public, Dickson said, “It’s not going to any government ministries or entity. It’s going straight to the Living Waters Community.”
Meanwhile, Guardian Media will continue its relief effort for flood victims tomorrow when it hosts its Flood of Relief Telethon on CNC3 and the TBC radio network from 5 to 9 pm.
Viewers and listeners will be invited to donate to the BATT relief fund accounts as well as the Guardian Neediest Cases relief fund at RBC. Mobile phone users will also be able to text to donate.
Journalists from CNC3 and the T&T Guardian will provide updates on the recovery efforts in worst-hit areas and GML personalities from television, radio and the newspaper will serve as hosts of the Telethon.
Representatives of the business community and non-governmental community, who have been at the forefront of efforts to help those in distress, will be on hand to share their experiences and offer further help.
Entertainment will be provided by a range of performers—gospel, parang, calypso, chutney, steelpan and spoken word—showcasing the rich musical traditions of T&T.