In the midst of all the much-deserved Olympic gold celebrations, I would like to take this opportunity to commend our Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, for not losing focus on the residents of Diego Martin during this time of distress after heavy rains and extensive flooding.

I believe the PM deserves to be praised for her personal tours carried out on Sunday after the rains. It was admirable to see our PM hit the roads and wade through mud to visit and extend her condolences and assistance to flood-stricken victims.

The PM never fails to emulate the qualities of a true leader, truly passionate when it comes to the citizens of this country. It is also a huge relief to know the Government has assured assistance and compensation to these victims.

On May 27, 2010, just days after leading the People's Partnership to a landslide victory in the general election, Persad-Bissessar hurriedly left the swearing-in ceremony to tour flood-affected areas in east and central Trinidad.

Then, in November 2011, our beloved Prime Minister again took the time from her busy schedule, unlike no other prime minister ever before, and toured flood-affected areas in Diego Martin and Maraval.

Over the weekend, she displayed true leadership qualities when she postponed her attendance at the wedding of Minister Stacy Roopnarine on Saturday to tour affected areas. 

The Government should not and cannot be blamed for the floods as they are only two years in office, and it would take years of neglect from the former administration to allow the Maraval River to deteriorate into the state that is being described by Opposition MPs.  

I look forward to more stringent methods which would undoubtedly be put into place shortly to ease the plight of flood victims. My heart and prayers go out to the families of the two men who lost their lives in this tragic incident, but I am positive our Government would not let these cries go unheard.

Dexter Harewood

St James