St. Lucia reaches out to Guyana’s flood victims!!!
The Government of Saint Lucia, it citizens and Guyanese resident in St. Lucia have all reached out to Guyanese people in their time of need. A Guyana Flood Relief Fund bank account was established at the Main Branch of the Bank of St. Lucia in Castries with access to the public at all branches around the island. The initiative was launched on Friday, January 28, 2005 by the Guyana St. Lucia Association with the full support of the Honorary Consul for Guyana to Saint Lucia, Mr. Lokesh Singh. In just a few days, members of the Association and well wishers came forward with offers of assistance. Mr. Ronald Ramjattan, Managing Director of Baron Foods Ltd. was instrumental in getting Cagema Shipping to donate a 40ft container to ship donations of products collected from government agencies, schools, businesses and individuals. He also made his offices available in the North and South of the island as collection points and provided transportation and warehousing for the supplies which were finally loaded on the container from his facility on Friday, February 11, 2005.
The push came when the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Honourable Dr. Kenny D. Anthony on his return from an overseas trip where he met with the St. Lucian citizens resident in Cayenne, convened a meeting with the Honourary Consul for Guyana to Saint Lucia, Mr. Lokesh Singh and Members of the Executive Board of the Guyana St. Lucia Association. The meeting was held on Thursday, February 3, 2005 in the Cabinet meeting room in the office of the Prime Minister where members of his delegation included the Ambassador to Caricom, His Excellency Anthony Severin, Miss Dawn French, Director of the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) and Officials of the Ministry of Health.
The Prime Minister requested that NEMO get involved immediately and put into operation its disaster mobilization plans, and get off to Guyana a supply of drugs by airfreight by the following Monday, while other supplies would be forwarded by ocean freight. NEMO’s Director promised to take immediate action to get out media releases and request the Post Offices around the island to act as collection points. The meeting brought into effect a collaborative effort between the Guyana St. Lucia Association and the National Emergency Management Office. The Vice President of the Association, Mr. Doodnauth Shivnauth coordinated the Flood Relief Project and was responsible for putting together the shipment of Drugs in time to meet the deadline as directed by the Prime Minister. Cabinet will meet shortly to decide on further assistance to the citizens of Guyana. NEMO provided direct assistance in the supply of essential commodities also involved the assistance of the Red Cross as a collection point in Castries.
Offer of assistance has come from neighbouring Martinique and it is possible that many persons would be calling after Friday with assistance. A decision would have to be taken to deal with the spill over of assistance. In the meantime, the Guyana Flood Relief Fund will be open for cash donations until the 23rd of February, 2005. It is expected the amount raised will be handed over to a Representative of the Government of the Republic of Guyana at the Annual Awards Ceremony of the Association which is scheduled for Thursday the 24th of February, 2005 at the Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary School at 6.00pm
The flooding in recent weeks in Guyana has caused untold sufferings and has been rightfully qualified as a national disaster. The international aid donors have stepped up with substantial assistance. The UN is now on the ground and as a result the world is fully behind Guyana and its peoples. The citizens who reside on the coast line and river banks of the low lying areas can no longer feel safe. Serious consideration needs to be given to the Conservancy Dam as it has been proven that we can no longer only consider the Atlantic Ocean to be a threat but we are now faced with the reality of the Conservancy Dam as well.
Guyanese living outside of Guyana – around the world rallied to their families and citizens in general. Money transfers, barrels, containers of supplies were all dispatched and continue to be dispatched in an effort to ease the situation. It is said that the Lord helps those who help themselves and the Guyanese Diaspora has risen to the occasion and because of our interest in ensuring we do as much as we can for our countrymen and women, the world is rallying around us.
There have been reports of illnesses, diseases and deaths as a result of the flooding and the water remaining in certain areas for weeks which has only made things worse. Our neighbours and friends have made and continue to make substantial contributions in an effort to return things to normalcy while taking care of those who are suffering. Brazil and Cuba stand out. Their response was swift and effective. It is hoped that the leptospirosis disease will be controlled and the causes eliminated in the shortest possible time so that loss of lives could be minimized.
It has been a difficult time for all Guyanese whether at home or abroad. Many had to live with the grief of the loss of loved ones and had to wait a long time before committing them to their final resting place. To imagine the situation brings tears to one’s eyes, much more to live through the experience.
In times like these regardless of however we feel about the way things are going in the country, it gives us an opportunity to reflect upon the fundamental issues that redound to the very existence of our people. In my last article I received a lot of positive feedback and a few not so kind remarks but it is the price you pay for doing what many other persons will not. It is the timeliness of what is said that will make a difference. A call for unity among the races at this time is paramount as we must come together to win the war against disease and poverty which will evidently be inflicted upon the Guyanese people as a result of this disaster. Given the response of Guyanese living abroad, it is very clear to me that regardless of wherever citizens of a country reside, they are inextricably linked to their homeland. Those of us whose families are affected by this disaster would of necessity have to dig deeper into our pockets to provide support to them for many months to come.
In spite of the fact that the disaster has been substantial and the effects will linger for a long time, we have lots to be thankful for as the situation could have been much more disastrous. Thousands of lives could have been lost based the level of the flood waters. It is time for Thanksgiving now that the water has receded. Let us give God thanks for spared lives and for friends around the world who have supported in one way or another in the time of need. Most of all let us pray for unity and goodwill among the peoples of Guyana. May God continue to guide the leaders and peoples of the nation of the Republic of Guyana and make their burdens light.
Keep the Faith – God is in Charge !!!
Edward A. Harris
Freelance Journalist: Business & P. R. Consultant: Realtor:
President of the Guyana – St. Lucia Association