| Junta Government “don’t care” attitude |
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| Written by Carmilita Jamieson | |
| Friday, 16 May 2008 | |
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The international community is appalled by the attitude of
Cyclone Nargis hit the country on May 3 but the international community particularly US aid was only able to access the country this week. Many would believe that any nation in such a state would even welcome help from its foes, but the leaders of the country are either too proud or just doesn’t care. Having pride at such a time is more than a selfish feeling, especially when millions of people including children are starving to death and inevitable diseases will even take more lives. And in a wretched effort to conceal the true picture of the disaster, the few foreign journalists have to operate undercover for fear of prosecution. According to reports, the phones of foreign journalists are tapped and they face jail terms for painting a “grim” picture of the situation, which in reality is worst. The
The previous aid flights took water, blankets, plastic sheets, mosquito nets and other relief supplies. However, according to CNN reporting, the Government forces took possession of the aid shipment to do their own distribution in their country. The Junta leaders are yet to accept a proposal made by the
The U.N disclosed that the World Food Programme was only getting in 20 percent of the food needed due to logistics and government restrictions. Even the quality of supplies that reaches the victims calls for concern, as the CNN report stated that rotting rice was distributed in the worst hit area of Irrawaddy Delta. One source even told the Associated Press that the high-energy biscuits that were sent by the World Food Programme was taken to a military warehouse, and was substituted for “tasteless and low quality” ones. This is as worst as it can get. Can you imagine that even in such a time of need and starvation, these leaders are still selfish in what they offer to their people? The
The U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said the government was putting out an “unacceptably slow response.” However, if the situation continues, one would want to believe that several of the international communities would find it hard to sit back and wait – would brave the road in the struggle for human survival and air drop food and supply randomly in areas that need it the most. This is very risky, but it is difficult to sit and watch people die because of the negligence and selfishness of their leaders, when we can help. Our prayers are with those survivors. Meanwhile, in
A very touching image on a CNN website shows a young child under rubble with only one hand outside of the rubble, gesturing for help. The child was one of over 18,000 people buried in rubble in the city of
That is indeed the true picture of the disaster, and as much as many might not want it to be seen, it is important for the world to know what is going on and what they can do to help. In a reasonable statement from the Chinese Civil Affairs Ministry, the country said they welcomed foreign donations of money and materials but was not ready for outside team of rescue and relief workers because its transportation system could not handle additional traffic. U.S. President George Bush said he is prepared to help
As people sharing a world that is susceptible to natural disasters, it is very important for us to work together and help each other in times of need. Our prayers are also with those in
As the BVI prepares for a very active Hurricane season, it is imperative that we prepare early and be aware of what such a season can bring. Comments (0)
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