President Paula-Mae Weekes says now is not to time to ascribe blame for the flooding that has taken place but a time to come together and help those affected by it.
However, when things are rectified Weekes said citizens need to do everything humanly possible to ensure that we do not have a repeat of the "catastrophic events and the chaos recently experienced."
Weekes made the statement in a press release issued yesterday of the devastation caused by flooding over the weekend and the emergency response and relief efforts since then.
The President said she "looked on with mounting horror and grave concern at the immediate and after-effects of last week's deluge."
"Whether caused by an act of God, omissions or commissions of institutions or individuals, or any combination thereof, this is not the time to ascribe blame," Weekes said.
"It is the time for us all to come together as a nation to render whatever assistance we can to those in such desperate need. Many of our individual and corporate citizens have led the way in extraordinary demonstrations of bravery, compassion and generosity. We thank and commend them and let us all follow suit to whatever extent we are able."
Weekes said the selflessness displayed by citizens is also a cause for hope.
"We are also grateful for the efforts of the protective services, the regional corporations,
disaster management organisations, NGOs and all who selflessly gave service. Just when many were despairing of the national ethos, we have seen cause for hope. Trinidad is a real place," Weekes stated.
She also extended sympathy to all those who have suffered trauma and loss.
"To those who have suffered trauma and loss, some of whom are staff of the Office of the President, we extend our heartfelt sympathy. As dire as things are, know that we are all hoping, working and praying to bring whatever relief we can in the shortest possible time," Weekes said.
"When the immediate concerns have been treated with, let us as individuals and organisations re-examine our practices and processes and put in place both preventive and remedial steps to ensure that all humanly possible is done to avoid a repeat of the catastrophic events and the chaos recently experienced."
Weekes added, "Trinidad and Tobago is possessed of the heart, the knowledge and the expertise to get this right. Let us ensure that it happens. And may God bless our nation."