Resilient villagers in Indigenous communities across Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) have cooperatively begun the reconstruction process after floods devastated the villages, as they move on with their lives.
The Toshao of Chenapau Village in Region Eight, Edward McGarrell, told Guyana Times that although rain continued to fall on a periodic basis, it was not as heavy as before. Despite these light showers, he said, most of the village is no longer flooded, as the water continues to recede.
Post-flood: A female resident of Kanapang in the process of repairing her humble adobe
“Some have lost everything…a cost cannot be ascribed to their losses…Our people are resilient and will rise again…,” were the words of Michael McGarrell, Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) member.
This publication had previously reported that Kanapang Village was one of the most severely-affected areas; some homes were completely submerged while others were washed away by the flood. Efforts to deploy relief to this community had proved to be a challenge as the roads leading to the village (in close proximity to the fierce Ireng River) were washed away by the floodwaters. Based on media reports, boats had to be utilised to reach the flood-hit village via the Orinduik route.
McGarrell disclosed that the APA has been assisting since gaining knowledge of the flood. “As a matter of fact, we were the first to respond to the disaster bringing relief supplies to the affected communities. Now that the CDC [Civil Defence Commission] has a base in Orinduik, we will continue to coordinate with them in providing support to the communities…,” he stated.
Water gradually receeding in Chenapou
When asked whether the Government will assist in rebuilding affected communities, one Toshao was reluctant to comment, relating that he would be unable to speak on behalf of the Government as he was not knowledgeable in this regard. In the meantime, he said “we as a village are doing what we can for our people.”
The flooding in both regions has persisted as a result of recent excessive rainfall in the highland districts. Many of these communities are located in mountainous valleys of the Pakaraima Mountains. The CDC and the Public Health Ministry, in collaboration with several local businesses and organisations, on Saturday (May 20) dispatched relief supplies, delivering food items as well as health-care services to these areas. Minister within the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe paid a visit to the community of Chenapau on Sunday last, rendering much-needed assistance to the victims. (Paula Gomes)
