Desist from using flooding to gain political mileage and promote division

Dear Editor,
I find it sad that in a time when Guyana is experiencing a natural disaster, several agents of the Opposition continue to play on the emotions of the citizens in an attempt to peddle misinformation and cause division. The rains and floods have not discriminated against persons based on who they would’ve voted for during the last Regional and General Elections. The people chose and today the PPP/C is in Government. This fact needs to be accepted and respected.
His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali and all Ministers of Cabinet along with other PPP/C Members of Parliament have been visiting flood-affected areas across the country engaging citizens and offering assistance regardless of race or perceived political affiliation.
Contrary to what is reported during their many unsubstantiated social media rants, the Opposition has demonstrated that it is incapable of delivering to the citizens of this country.
The President himself has been leading flood-assessment outreaches across the country. Rather than sending officials from the various Ministries, the Head of State has been on the ground engaging the people and delivering relief to those affected. These acts must be respected and commended.
Minister Zulfikar Mustapha’s activities must also be commended. The agriculture sector is one of, if not the most affected by the ongoing flood situation in Guyana.
Many farms and pastures are now inundated and he has been on the ground almost every day engaging those who were affected.
The Minister has assured residents that every effort is being made to ensure floodwaters are drained in addition to the systems being put in place to minimise further instances of flooding.
Although most areas are still severely flooded, it would be unfair to say that the Government has not made attempts to remedy the situation or that the Government is only engaging persons in perceived PPP/C strongholds.
Noticeably enough, the NDIA has been mobilising machines and mobile pumps to pump water on a 24-hour basis and clear clogged drains and canals in various communities. The GLDA has also been supplying livestock farmers with feed and treatment for their animals. Efforts were also made to relocate animals after sections of the Cookrite Savannah have become inundated. Other agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture have also commenced flood-assessments in many if not all of the affected farming communities. Minister Mustapha has also openly pledged to assist farmers to return to the land once this period passes.
The CDC has also been working, through the regional bodies, to provide hampers with food items and cleaning supplies to every household. To date, thousands of hampers have been distributed to affected persons across the country.
I am appealing to those persons with political influences to desist from using this very unfortunate occurrence to gain political mileage and promote division. Once again, I stand in solidarity with those who were affected and hope relief comes your way soon.

Yours sincerely,
Raymond S Chapman