EDITORIAL - Long road to recovery
The outpouring of support for nations affected by recent natural disasters has been heart-warming, especially as many people in these states still suffer desperately the effects of the initial events. These states face a long, challenging road towards rebuilding and the donations of emergency supplies and food being received are greatly needed at this time.
Therefore, it is distressing to hear reports from people ‘on the ground’ saying that the situation remains dire and that essential supplies are not reaching those in need. In Mexico for example, there are reports of relief supplies piling up at rescue sites in upscale districts, along with volunteers standing idly by ready to dig trapped earthquake survivors out, while in poor, far-flung neighbourhoods in the outskirts of the capital aid and comfort are less abundant.
Also, there are reports that in Dominica, food, water and emergency supplies are not reaching those in desperate need, resulting in frequent episodes of looting following Hurricane Maria. Similar stories also emerged from countries like St. Marteen and even Florida in the United States after the passage of Hurricane Irma.
What is evident then is that direct donations of supplies, though needed, will be ineffective if not properly distributed. This will require fast, improved and increased co-ordination of relief efforts, supported by a police or military presence, as well as a co-operative population. In this way supplies can be airlifted to blocked off areas and transported to others in the first instance, then after roads are cleared, distribution centres can be established. Meanwhile, work must continue on clearing away debris from the natural disasters, along with waste and garbage being generated presently from relief supplies, to ensure no risks to health develops.
In addition to making sure that relief supplies are fairly and effectively distributed, one also needs to ensure that underhanded people do not seek to benefit from the misfortune of others. There are a few individuals who, having obtained aid or gaining access to necessities, would try to sell them at exorbitant prices or seek to take advantage of the less fortunate.
On the flipside, some businesses can also be blamed for taking advantage of the current misfortune. Many have employed marketing strategies highlighting the need for others to send relief supplies, so instead of donating supplies and taking the opportunity to give of themselves, they put their efforts into persuading others to give – a move that benefits them through increased sales.
Celebrities are also guilty of this behaviour. In a recent telethon in the United States, for instance, numerous celebrities gave of their time to use their fame to encourage everyday people to call in and pledge money for Hurricane Harvey survivors. Yet, some astute people pointed out that if these same celebrities donate a small fraction of their net worth, there would be no need for a telethon. In light of this Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and a few others must be commended for actually
“putting their money where their mouths are”.
In the final analysis, though some may disagree about who should give more, and challenges may exist with regard to distribution, there can be no doubt that everyone who can, should seek to help our Caribbean neighbours in their time of need; not only because it could have happened to us, but more to the point, because it is the right thing
to do.