Guyanese humanitarian nature

Venezuela is grappling with two earthquakes (7.2- and 7.5-magnitude) which have claimed at least 2295 lives, with another 11,267 injured and 50,000 others still missing. In addition, there have been reported cases of extensive damage in parts of the country, including the capital, to its infrastructure.
This devastation has led to countries around the world, including India, the United States, Jordan, Mexico, and now Guyana, mobilising and sending aid to the earthquake-hit nation.
Following the announcement by President Dr Irfaan Ali to organise a large-scale donation drive to mobilise humanitarian assistance for Venezuela, the vast majority of the Guyanese populace was caught by surprise despite that country’s recent aggression and its claims over the Essequibo Region.
For some, this showed the maturity of the Guyanese leader and his consideration to put differences aside and his commitment to assisting our western neighbours to see them through this difficult period. In fact, interim President Delcy Rodríguez expressed gratitude to President Dr Irfaan Ali and the people of Guyana after he extended solidarity and support following the disaster.
His message was seen and welcomed by President Rodríguez, who commended Guyana’s commitment to good neighbourliness in a social media post. However, since the launch of its humanitarian efforts to support Venezuela last Friday, our small nation has managed to mobilise almost 100 containers of relief supplies, which will be shipped off this weekend.
Guyana has made available an 8000-tonne vessel to transport the aid to the neighbouring country. At the time, five containers of critically needed pharmaceutical items had already been procured, as well as several containers of food items through the Private Sector.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is leading the humanitarian response, visited the John Fernandes Limited Container Terminal to observe the packing of the containers. He stated that some of the containers are being packed with rice in a way that, upon arrival, it will be easy to distribute.
Among the other relief items that are being packed are drinking water and non-perishable foods such as canned vegetables, beans, fruit, soup, tuna, chicken, dry pasta, rice, oats, cereal, peanut butter, shelf-stable or powdered milk, pasta sauce, canned tomatoes, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, instant noodles, boxed meals, baby food or formula, cooking oil, flour, sugar, salt, spices, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate mix.
Personal hygiene items, including soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, nappies, and other essential hygiene supplies, are also being loaded onto the vessel. Additionally, sleeping items such as sleeping mats and/or mattresses, blankets, and sheets, as well as flashlights, batteries, solar chargers, and cutting equipment, will be on their way to the most affected communities in Venezuela.
Apart from these, a contingent from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be deployed in the recovery efforts in Caracas. Similarly, over 40 ranks from the GDF were deployed to Jamaica to support reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa earlier this year.
As demonstrated, the deployment underscores Guyana’s strong sense of regional responsibility and solidarity as regional neighbours continue to recover from natural disasters.
Guyana has, without a doubt, stepped up to the task to assist whenever it is necessary. Whether in Venezuela, Jamaica, St Vincent, Barbados, or any other Caribbean nation, Guyana has always been the first to lend support when destruction strikes.
One wonders if Guyana were to experience a devastating natural disaster, would the same courtesy be extended?
Furthermore, as Guyanese rally for Venezuela, the two South American neighbours are embroiled in a decades-long border controversy, with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) expected to deliver its ruling sometime later this year or early next year.
Venezuela’s interim President has already stated that she would not accept the ICJ ruling and will continue to push to annex Essequibo as part of that country.