NEW ORLEANS – Dozens of mostly Vietnamese fishermen gathered in a New Orleans East church to get the latest information on the oil spill and how to apply to receive help.
Senator David Vitter, R-La., and Congressman Joseph Cao, R-La. were in attendance.
The fishing community in New Orleans East is being hit hard by the spill and in need of some assistance. One of the biggest problems they are running into is a language barrier, according to organizers of the event at Mary, Queen of Vietnam Church.
“A lot of Vietnamese fishermen, they basically have limited English proficiency, so when they’re approached by BP representatives or the company itself or other attorneys or law firms, they get them to sign waivers and sign contracts,” said Tuan Nguyen. “They’re signing and hoping they’re going to get helped.”
