Dr. Godwin Friday, President of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), has criticized the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) for excluding opposition parliamentarians from the rebuilding efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024.Speaking at a press conference held at the NDP headquarters on Murray’s Road, Dr. Friday emphasized the importance of unity in recovery efforts, stressing that the country must come together to support those severely impacted by the hurricane.
“We are one people. We must come together and support those badly affected,” he stated.Dr. Friday expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of preparedness by the government, noting that the country should not be scrambling after each hurricane. He called for a period of unity to “set aside differences and work together for the common good,” pledging that the NDP would contribute constructively to the rebuilding process.As part of their recovery efforts, the NDP plans to raise $100,000 to assist children from the Southern Grenadines in returning to school, with an optimistic target of $200,000. The party’s headquarters is currently being used as a hub for the collection and distribution of supplies. Dr. Friday assured the public that relief supplies would be managed and distributed efficiently and transparently to reach those in need promptly.Funds raised will also be allocated to support affected households with essential supplies and to assist in rebuilding homes. Dr. Friday emphasized the urgency of restoring people to their homes and reopening businesses, critiquing the government’s response as often inadequate and untimely.Flanked by opposition parliamentary colleagues Terrence Ollivierre (Southern Grenadines) and Daniel Cummings (West Kingstown), Dr. Friday pledged continued support and advocacy for affected communities. Ollivierre, who expressed sadness over the devastation but was heartened by residents’ resilience, stressed the importance of keeping primary and secondary students on their home islands rather than relocating them to temporary structures on the mainland.Cummings, who canceled other activities to assess the situation in West Kingstown, criticized the involvement of political operatives in the recovery process, arguing that it discouraged people from seeking help. “A government that cares will deal with this recovery in a non-partisan way,” he asserted, calling for a more inclusive and impartial approach.The NDP leader concluded by urging the government to implement measures for strong economic growth to support the national recovery effort.