Johnson Ghut, Purcell

Speaking on ZBVI radio on Wednesday evening, Hon Hodge, who is also the Minister for Natural Resources and Labour stated that after Hurricane Earl passed over the Territory approximately 40 – 50 persons in his community  needed help.

“Those cheques are to be ready and put in the hands of these people sometime this week. I don’t know what is holding them up. I am going to find out about that and bring the relief to those people… some nice beds and stoves and things so that they could go back to being themselves,” Minister Hodge promised.

Cognizant of the residents’ frustration which could lead to rebellious attitude comes as no surprise to the Minister who acknowledged he understands. But he is confident his obligations to his people will be fulfilled urgently since he is a man of action.

“I am going to be working all the time. I am going to give out cheques faster than everybody else. I am built for speed and I am quite sure I will be moving on things long before anybody else. That’s the way I am, I love the people and the people love me,”  Minister Hodge said.

Misleading information on Johnson Ghut

Contrary to popular belief, Minister Hodge said the new Johnson Ghut had nothing to do with the recent flooding in Purcell.

“People like to talk about Johnson Ghut, but the new Johnson Ghut – it has nothing do with what has taken place. We had ghut coming through Purcell, we had ghut coming through Free Bottom. The people who are always trying to wash their mouth on the money spent on Johnson Ghut for the people, they found it necessary to mislead people. We are not taking on that. God is with us and so I am just calling on the people to have patience…I am depending on them to stay quiet and stay calm until the Government is able to put the infrastructure back in place,” Hon Hodge explained.

In light of this, he disclosed that engineers are on the ball in getting different contracts ready so that retaining walls in areas such as Free Bottom can be built.

Minister Hodge also noted that special engineering will be crucial for the Stone Haven’s ghut because “it can’t take the water”.