Point Fortin MP Paula Gopee-Scoon queries whether St Vincent and the Grenadines island is not worthy of assistance from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar after hurricane Tomas struck.
She made this comment in light of Persad- Bissessar's visit to St Lucia–led by Stephenson King. Yesterday, Gopee-Scoon said: "It begs the question: Why Persad-Bissessar did not see it fit to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines (Dr Ralph Gonzalves) whose situation is just as precarious as St Lucia?
"Surely they would have welcomed her visit. Are there political connotations to helping one Caricom country against the other."
Persad-Bissessar's visit to St Lucia last Friday, she said, "is recognised, though late, it was." She added: "Surely, the very large entourage of businessmen and media included would now acknowledge the serious blow inflicted on St Vincent and its effect on the banana and tourism industries." She painted a grim picture of "hundreds of persons still living in shelters. Power has not been fully restored. Water remains an emergency. Gonsalves said the island's capacity to rebound in a reasonable time frame is onerous."
Gonsalves: No comment on T&T PM's decision
Interviewed yesterday, Gonsalves said: "We have begun the process of reconstruction and rebuilding. I am in Park Hill in my constituency." He refused to comment on Persad-Bissessar's decision.