By CAROL MATROO Sunday, January 17 2010

Aid continues to pour in for earthquake-ravaged Haiti from all over the world and Trinidad and Tobago is holding its own as local groups continue to collect foodstuff and other essentials for the Haitian people, who are now fighting each other for scraps of food and where drinking water is almost non existent.

Local group Is There Not A Cause yesterday continued to receive donations by the truckload at their office at Jardine Plaza on Charlotte Street in Port-of-Spain.

One truck was filled with foodstuff and cases of bottled water, but that was a sample of what the group has already collected.

Inside the mall was crammed with ready to eat baby food, canned goods, non perishable items, clothing and boxes of medical supplies.

Team member LaToya Tracey said the call for aid for Haiti has been overwhelming and donations were still coming in.

“Right now we are sorting through everything and getting ready because some of the members will be going to Haiti to drop it off. They were supposed to go tomorrow (today) and we have already chartered a flight, but because of air traffic control and new developments, we have to wait for clearance.

“What they can’t take on the flight we will pack into a 40-foot container and ship it, but we also have to wait until the port in Haiti gives the all clear,” Tacey said.

She said Haiti was very close to the group’s heart since they have made 22 trips to Haiti through the years while providing assistance to the impoverished people.

“We have relationships with people in Haiti and while there we run medical clinics and soup kitchens, anything to help the people.

“Our group works throughout the year. We work locally, regionally, internationally...anywhere there is need for help, we’re there. We’ve also assisted St Lucia, Jamaica and Guyana.”