“It was humbling to see their smiles even in a tough situation” – Human Services and Social Security Ministry

− CDC dispatches additional supplies to Region 7

Even as flooding across Guyana has caused severe devastation and suffering to residents, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud has taken note that the situation has moved Guyanese to come together and support each other.

On her visit to Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and other badly-affected areas over the weekend, Minister Persaud and a team from her Ministry saw first-hand, the dire circumstances that people are enduring.
“What I’ve seen here is devastation and people are very resilient as they try to cope with the floods. They need to be supported over the long term to rebuild and recover from what has disrupted their lives and displaced many of them. I am humbled by their spirit in face of this great difficulty and deeply concerned by how badly the lives of families, the elderly and children have been affected. It was heart-breaking,” Minister Persaud expressed.
The Government Ministers have been on the ground across the country since the beginning of the rainy season, intervening and providing as much assistance as possible.

The team took hampers into Kwakwani, along with a quantity of long boots, baby and feminine care packages, mattresses, and pillows. They then made their way to Patentia, West Bank Demerara (WBD), where the team went from house to house to distribute 500 food hampers, along with mattresses and pillows for those who are severely affected.

Other areas such as Vriesland and Two fields were also provided for.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar was also on the trip, along with her deputy Anjanie Ramlall, Principal Personnel Officer Rafael Boodhoo, and other staff from the Ministry.

“It broke my heart to see how people are suffering. The flood has resulted in persons losing their homes, some have relocated and some remain trying to salvage what remains,” Hoosein-Outar said, adding, “While we know that they made need much more at the moment, it was beautiful to see them smile even though they are in such a tough situation.”
She mentioned also that the Ministry is very grateful that many companies have donated. “It really is amazing to see what a great outcome we have when we all work together.” Boodhoo observed that many people in Kwakwani were removed from their homes, forced to sleep under makeshift tents, and in some cases, had their rations and belongings all destroyed by the floods.
“While visiting some of the homes in the affected waterfront area, our boat was floating above their fences and right up to their verandas, where parents and children were both eagerly awaiting our arrival. It was truly devastating to witness. But there was a glimmer of hope in the smiles we saw as Minister Persaud interacted with them; we could see the relief in their eyes and we made a promise to continue our support to ease their suffering,” he expressed.
While at Patentia, Boodhoo reflected that the team walked to every house to deliver packages of relief to every household.
“Residents were eagerly awaiting our arrival and we asked them not to come into the floodwaters; we went to them. Some residents indicated that it’s the first time they would have received a flood relief hamper while some others indicated that it’s the first time they received one in their hand from a Minister of Government,” Boodhoo added.
The Human Services Ministry has every intention to continue to support the affected communities. Minister Persaud has expressed gratitude to her tireless and dedicated staff and to the members of the community and community leaders who volunteered with the Ministry.

More relief for Region 7
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) dispatched additional supplies for distribution to flood-affected residents in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) communities. This followed an extensive flood assessment of the areas which was done recently.
In Waramadong, over 200 farms have been impacted, five houses are inundated and residents have been relocated to higher ground. Residents indicated that there is a shortage of cleaning supplies, medicine, and chlorine tablets. In Jawalla, over 150 farms and over 60 households have been affected, with seven families being relocated to safer living quarters.
One house was reported to have collapsed due to the floodwaters. Quebanang, another village in the region, has a total of 86 affected households. Additionally, five Government buildings are inundated. In Kako, 120 farms and 12 houses have been flooded. Residents who are concerned about water-borne diseases have requested mosquito nets, rain boots, and water tanks.
An assessment of Chinoweng and Wax Creek found that 132 farms and 98 farms, respectively, were destroyed by floodwaters. However, no family was required to be relocated. In Abbou, a small mining community in the region, three houses were flooded but no residents had to be relocated. In other mining areas such as Imbaimadai, Ominik, and Kambora, at least 20 mining camps have been flooded, forcing miners to relocate to higher ground.
Several pieces of equipment were damaged and fuel and ration destroyed in floodwaters. Additionally, 11 homes were inundated while farming communities suffered major losses. In Kamarang, 15 households were flooded with 71 farms destroyed. Institutions including schools, churches, and multi-purpose halls have been identified as possible shelters should the need arise.
Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, who was part of the assessment teams in Region Seven, has pledged the Government’s support to the affected communities. President Dr Irfaan Ali along with Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, visited several villages on Saturday where they assured residents that additional supplies would be sent.
On Sunday, the CDC dispatched a total of 800 food and cleaning hampers, 200 pairs of long boots, two drums of gasoline, 500 mosquito nets, 10 tarpaulins, and a quantity of face masks and water purification tablets. Regional authorities are working in tandem with the CDC and Central Government to ensure that relief supplies are dispatched to the affected areas.
Region Seven, similar to other regions across Guyana, continues to experience flooding due to consistent rainfall and the overtopping of creeks and rivers. All impacted areas are being closely monitored by the CDC, which is prepared to provide support where needed.