Govt restores homes, public buildings after devastating Region 2 storm

More than 130 households, Government buildings and other public facilities have benefited from a comprehensive Government-led relief and recovery initiative following a freak storm last week, which ripped off roofs, utility poles and uprooted trees along the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
In addition to residential properties, several public spaces and Government buildings also sustained damage from the high winds. The Anna Regina Fire Station, the Department of Education building, and the Anna Regina Library were all affected during the storm. Additionally, a section of the roof of the yet-to-be-commissioned new Anna Regina Stadium was also ripped off during the severe winds. Within hours of the incident, President Dr Irfaan Ali led a team to the region to assess the damage, engage affected residents and mobilise an immediate response. Following his visit, a regional task force was established to coordinate relief operations under the leadership of Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj.

The task force comprised representatives from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Guyana Police Force (GPF), Essequibo Civil Society and several other stakeholders. Relief efforts commenced last Wednesday, with some emergency teams working well into the evenings to ensure affected families could return to safe and secure homes in the shortest possible time. The operation included damage assessments, the distribution of roofing materials and the completion of emergency roof repairs across several communities. Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Minister Ramraj said the response reflected the Government’s unwavering commitment to putting people first. “His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali made it clear from the very beginning that every affected family must receive the support they need. That clear vision has guided every decision we have made over the past few days. We have worked around the clock because our priority has always been the people, and we will continue until every affected household receives the assistance it deserves,” the Minister said. Ramraj noted that interacting with residents throughout the operation has reinforced the significance of the initiative.
“Being on the ground and hearing directly from residents allowed us to make the best decisions possible to assist those affected. We spoke to elderly persons, single mothers, and even persons with disabilities, and were able to make strategic decisions on prioritising resource distribution.
Family after family has shared how much this response has meant to them. For many, it was the difference between spending another night under a damaged roof and sleeping safely in their homes. That is the impact we set out to make and it is exactly what this Government is committed to delivering,” he added. The operation was supported by Regional Chairman Devin Mohan, Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit, the Prime Minister’s (PM) Regional Representative Arnold Adams, ranks of the GDF’s Infantry Battalion and 4 Engineer Battalion, Guyana Police Force (GPF) recruits, regional officials, volunteers and several businesses across the Essequibo Coast, all of whom played a vital role in the success of the relief effort.
Regional Chairman Devin Mohan said the response is a clear demonstration of Government’s commitment to its people, noting that from the very first hours of the incident, agencies moved swiftly following the President’s mobilisation to ensure support reached affected families without delay. “This response is a clear demonstration of strong coordination and Government’s commitment to its people. We are grateful to all agencies, volunteers, and partners and I especially want to thank the 12 private contractors who volunteered their services and crews to support the relief efforts. Their contribution has been invaluable in reaching affected households in such a short space of time.” As recovery works continue, the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every affected resident receives the necessary support while restoring homes, public infrastructure and essential services across Region Two.