His Excellency, President Bharrat Jagdeo has today, appointed a Cabinet level Drought Assessment Committee. The Committee is made up of the Minister of Local Government, Mr. Harripersaud Nokta; Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues; Minister of Housing and Water, Mr. Shaik Baksh and Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Navin Chandrapal. The committee will be supported by relevant technical and regional officers.

The Committee has been tasked with conducting an assessment of the situation on the coast and in the hinterland regions caused the current dry weather.

The Committee is to present a report to Cabinet shortly, for consideration and action.