Private Sector donations to aid Venezuelan migrants increase

More Private Sector companies are coming on board to aid the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in their relief exercise to Venezuelan migrants.
A donation was made on Monday by the Atlantic Southern Trades Incorporated at the CDC’s headquarters in Thomas Lands, Georgetown. The company’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Joseph Messiah, said the contribution seeks to support the ongoing exercise by the CDC to aid the migrants crossing into Guyana’s border regions. The company donated several food items, along with some toiletries.
CDC Director-General (ag), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as expressing much appreciation to the company for their timely donation. He emphasised that the products donated are those used by the Venezuelans, given their culture. The acting Director-General added that they are distributing supplies in remote communities in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Region One (Barima-Waini).

For the past several months, the Civil Defense Commission has been conducting distribution exercises in various communities in Region One where migrant families received basic food and sanitation supplies.
During the latter part of January, a total of 273 hygiene kits were distributed to migrant families in Eteringbang. Migrants in Khan’s Hill, Mabaruma and Imbotero also received hygiene kits and food hampers while 151 food hampers were distributed to migrants in Kaikan, Cuyuni Mazaruni.
The National Multi-Sectorial Coordinating Committee, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), has been providing relief to migrants in the border regions. Venezuelans have been crossing the border into Guyana to escape the political and socio-economic crisis in their homeland. These migrants have also been going through the registration process.
About two weeks ago, Region One’s Regional Chairman Brethnol Ashley had expressed worry over the fact that the region lacks resources to cater for the individuals who are seeking refuge there.
In a document to this newspaper, the Chairman stressed the lack of human resources, adding that shortages of drugs and other medical supplies continue to plague the region as a result of the high number of Venezuelans.
These matters were highlighted during a special meeting between regional executives. The meeting was attended by the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Pauline Lucas and others. It was hosted with the intent of establishing a collaboration between the two regions to address the number of issues birthed as a result of the increased influx of Venezuelans.
“There continues to be shortage of drugs and medical supply as a result of the increased number of Venezuelans seeking medical and other attention,” the Chairman pointed out.
The Chairman had told the visiting team that he would be thankful for any assistance while noting that officials in the region are faced with increased challenges and difficulties and support from Region Four’s health sector would be appreciated.