TRINIDAD - PM calls for regional aid for Tomas victims

WASHINGTON (CMC):

The Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has called on the countries of the region to extend a helping hand to the nations that suffered damage from Hurricane Tomas.

The Prime Minister made the call during a meeting at the Organisation of American States (OAS) headquarters in Washington on Wednesday.

"I invite all of us, as colleagues, as neighbours, as members of the OAS family, where possible, to support our brothers and sisters who are in dire need," Persad-Bissessar said.

As a tropical storm, Tomas had earlier battered Barbados on October 30 before gaining hurricane strength on October 31 when it pummeled St Lucia and St Vincent, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake.

More than 12 people were confirmed dead and several communities across St Lucia were cut off following widespread destruction caused by the storm. The St Lucia Government said that the damage could surpass US$100 million.

Meantime, Persad-Bissessar said problems such as climate change, drug trafficking, the manufacturing of arms and ammunition, extreme poverty, hunger, diseases like HIV/AIDS, corruption and organised crime are the issues that most affect people of the Americas.

At the meeting, the OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, welcomed the Trinidad leader, highlighting that she is the first woman elected to that office in her country and affirming that she is a "symbol of change."