A total of $2.1 million was raised by several US-based organisations through a GoFundMe campaign to assist flood-affected communities in Linden.
These organisations were G.I.V.E Foundation #592, Guyana Youth Development Association (GUYDA), Linden Dream Team, Caribbean American Family Fun Day Committee, Mackenzie High School Alumni Association North American Chapter, and Linden Fund USA.
At a simple ceremony held on Thursday in the Boardroom of the Mayor and Town Council’s Office in Linden, the funds raised were handed over.
The cheque was handed over to Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell
In her remarks, the Mayor, Her Worship Waneka Arrindell, noted that the funds will be used to prepare hampers, cleaning supplies and, where possible, provide infrastructural support to the affected residents.
Moreover, it was also noted that through consultation with Regional Agricultural Officer (RAO) Deryck Collins, support will also be provided to farmers for agricultural essentials such as seeds and in some cases, livestock.
During the May-June rainy season, unprecedented rains led to devastating floods in several regions in Guyana. One of the worst-hit regions was Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), particularly Kwakwani and Malali.
Several pockets of communities within the township of Linden itself experienced severe flooding due to heavy downpours, with losses to small-scale farmers and damage to homes.
As a result of the devastation, Mayor Arrindell and Deputy Mayor Wainwright Bethune engaged the six organisations to rally support for the community.
Board Member with Linden Fund USA, Damani Corbin noted that the opportunity to support the relief efforts is one which the diaspora organisations were proud to be a part of.
“These organisations consider Region 10 home and the opportunity to provide support to fellow citizens of the region during this time is a continuation of work that some of these organisations have already been doing in the community.”
