Here is the story that above photo relates to.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/politics/0,166467.htmlWoman kisses Moonilal’s shoe
By DARCEL CHOY Thursday, September 20 2012
IN A show of respect and appreciation commonplace in Hindu society, a woman yesterday bowed and kissed the shoe of Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal after she received a cheque from him, to repair her home in Morvant which was damaged after heavy rains in August.Bernadine George was overcome with emotion as she was handed the cheque and dropped to her knees and kissed Moonilal’s shoe at the cheque distribution ceremony in Diego Martin. A surprised Moonilal quickly pulled George up from the ground and hugged her.
Later, George told Newsday she was so grateful to Moonilal and his ministry for giving her some much needed help. On August 23, following heavy rainfall, the roof of her house at Second Caledonia which she shares with her daughter Sparkle and her two grandsons, was blown off and rain destroyed most of her furniture and appliances.
Since the incident, George said she and her family have been staying at her sister’s home nearby. Her daughter Sparkle said while they were thankful for all the help their family provided, they can’t wait to start rebuilding so they can return to their own home.
“Home is where we want to be so as soon as we can. We are going to start with a new roof and rebuilding two rooms. The rains really damaged our home which is old to start with. Rebuilding will be done piece by piece and hopefully we will get everything done by Christmas,” Sparkle said.
In his address to the homeowners, Moonilal explained that his ministry will distribute cheques to over 100 beneficiaries of the Emergency Shelter Relief Programme, totalling $1.8 million.
The cheques distributed yesterday ranged from $7,000 to $30,000 and was based on assessments of individuals needs.
He said the programme was established to bring about short term relief for those who have experienced sudden emergencies arising from disasters which rendered their homes uninhabitable.
“The grant provides immediate funding to carry out urgent remedial work. Our ministry has varied the standard amount of the home improvement grant funding for the purpose of home repairs and renovations which is normally $15,000. Though the amount won’t satisfy all the needs, we hope it will help in a meaningful way,” Moonilal said.
Meanwhile, three families who still occupy the Diego Martin shelter after their homes were damaged by heavy rains on August 11, are still waiting for assistance.
Samantha Silva lives at the shelter with her parents David Cemento and Patricia Silva-Cemento and son Justin Gonzales. She said it is difficult to hear that other people are getting help while they continue to stay at the shelter.
“It has been five weeks and counting, we can’t stay here for much longer. All we are asking is for a home. Somewhere we can rent and hopefully own in the future because we can’t return home. The land behind our house will continue to come down everytime it rains. It is too dangerous for us. We need help,” she pleaded.
