Several Private Sector entities reached out to residents of Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara, who were recently affected by the floodwaters following persistent heavy rainfall over the holidays.
The entities distributed 200 hampers to the residents of the area, consisting food and other household items.
Residents of the community waiting to receive their hampers
The hampers were supplied by NEW GPC INC, N&S Mattai and Co Ltd, Deodat Deokinandan National Milling Company Limited (NAMILCO); Bakewell and Beni Sankar.
Prior to the distribution, members of the Private Sector did a brief walk around of the affected areas and witnessed the continuing misery being borne by the residents.
According to Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram, who spearheaded the initiative, the assistance was a mere token compared with the level of suffering and the needs of the community but that the collective Private Sector wanted the people to know that their suffering and fortitude had not gone unrecognised.
He also noted that from all reports received, this was a manmade disaster caused by neglect and negligence which should have been avoided.
Ram thanked the donors and the members of the community who at very short notice organised the event, and the recipients for their patience, discipline and courage.
Ram also announced that efforts are currently underway to organise assistance and support for the sugar workers of the closed Wales Estate whose employment was terminated last year, and their families, particularly children, whose education and future may be affected.
Also in attendance were Country Manager of NAMILCO, Bertie Sukhai; Bakewell representative, Roy Vontholl; Executive Director of the Private Sector Commission, Elizabeth Alleyne and representatives from Region Three Three administration.
