In Louisiana, president's visit brings hope

Concerned Louisiana inhabitants reacted to Obama’s visit to the affected coastline after oil from a giant slick washed onto area shores, threatening an environmental calamity.

By Emmanuel SAINT-MARTIN / Nathan KING (video)
FRANCE 24 (text)

While concerned fishermen waited to be trained for operations to clean up after an oil-well explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, President Barack Obama's motorcade arrived in Venice, a small community 120 kilometres south of New Orleans.

"This is the first time a president has come here. At least it's on his mind," one local said.

Obama’s appearance was well received by people in town.

"At least he is making an appearance, making an effort," a fisherman said. "He has got his hands full because this country has never had to deal with a catastrophe like this."

Venice inhabitants gathered at their favourite watering hole to listen to the president’s speech and expressed hope that the government wouldn’t forget them, as they feel it did after hurricane Katrina.

During his speech, Obama said that the federal government would not let Louisiana down, but the enormity of the calamity means his government will have to maintain a long-term commitment to the region.