Dear Editor,
The PPP is now sending one of its representatives to Linden to hold consultations on El Niño on October 8. The Prime Minister and his “comedic caravan” will be at the Regional Democratic Council chambers.
Guyana is already months into harsh dry weather, with residents enduring the effects of El Niño. Propaganda and window-dressing consultations will not address the situation.
Fires, drought, people reportedly collapsing in the streets, electrical wires being affected by the extreme heat, and elderly residents suffering at home because they can afford little more than a fan are among the challenges associated with the current hot and dry conditions.
The frequent blackouts are compounding the problem, leaving residents unable to properly operate fans and other essential household appliances in already difficult conditions.
Consultations should take place well before a threat or hazard reaches crisis proportions. Where is the disaster preparedness committee, the logistics and the infrastructure needed to support the Prime Minister’s response?
Human suffering caused by El Niño does not need a political circus. It requires planning, resources and professional disaster management.
It is time for local democratic institutions to be given the funding, authority and scope needed to protect residents and respond effectively to emergencies. It is also time for the PPP Government to do something meaningful and allow the people’s elected representatives to do the work at the community level.
If the Government is serious about mitigation, it should bring in qualified professionals and leave the politics out of disaster preparedness and response.
Yours truly,
Troy Glasgow
