Flash floods caused by a weather trough on Nov. 6, destroyed the material possessions of more than 300 households in the worst affected areas which included Corinth Estate, Gros-Islet and Bexon.

Immediately following the trough, Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre released EC $200,000 to the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) to strengthen its post-disaster response, and also provide affected households with emergency supplies.

The Prime Minister, following consultations with the Cabinet of Ministers, then took measures to facilitate additional assistance for the affected households following a comprehensive damage assessment report compiled by NEMO. The reports indicated that most of the victims were not comprehensively insured at the time of the storm.

At the Prime Minister’s request, EC $800,000 was allocated to the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) for the purpose of providing additional financial support to the households and families who lost their possessions due to the flood damage caused by the trough.

On December 22, the affected households were each given a cheque for EC $2500, from the SSDF. This timely intervention, actioned by Prime Minister Pierre and supported by the Cabinet of Ministers, was rendered in less than two months following the floods.

Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre takes this opportunity to encourage the public to spare a compassionate thought for the dispossessed and less fortunate among us, and to embrace the spirit of Christmas which is to share blessings, and work together as a community and country.