The Prime Minister also made it clear that even though the government is cash-strapped, and that he is only going to be in office for a few more days, he has identified 10 million dollars which will fund the disaster relief to those 30,000 flood victims.
Here's how he addressed the potential protests that may come from his successor, after Wednesday's general election:
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Outgoing Prime Minister
"Money is no object. In terms of what has to be done, it will be done. I guarantee you that the funds are available from the Ministry of Finance. And less the leader of the UDP or the leader of the PUP get a heart attack, just remember that there's only so much we can spend between now and Wednesday. That's you're guardrail, but whatever needs to be spent between now and Wednesday will be spent. We have it in hand, and we are not going to stop to count the cost."
Reporter
"Has there been a figure that you have your eyes on, in terms of the amount that will be disbursed?"
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow
"Well, I can tell you that we have immediately in hand certainly 10 million dollars. I don't know that we can spend 10 million dollars between Monday and Wednesday, but is [inaudible] to the extent that perhaps, we might have to make some commitments, knowing that the new administration will have to follow through, I at least assure the Honorable Patrick Faber, assure the Honorable John Briceno that there is that minimum amount that's going be available for dealing with this crisis."
Judith Alpuche - CEO, Ministry of Human Development
"The Ministry of Human Development is the humanitarian arm of NEMO. So, right now, we are working as a part - we're activated as the relief and supplies management committee of NEMO, and working hand in hand with the entire system. So, wherever there are shelters that are opened, and people who are in there, we're responsible to make sure that people are fed, that we have all the supplies in the shelters, etc. All the reports the Minister of National Security talked about in terms of people being moved, the coast guard, police, etc., going into the various communities, RSMC is right there with them. So, we're going into Bullet Tree this morning - or this afternoon, because there's a bit of delay. We have been working in the Calla Creek area with families that have been moved."
According to the PM, a series of reimbursements from the international financial institutions, as well as a sort of "rainy-day" savings which are closely watched by the Financial Secretary, will allow the Government to have the money to bring disaster relief.
