President Irfaan Ali yesterday announced that Guyana has secured an 8,000-tonne cargo vessel to transport humanitarian supplies to Venezuela following two disastrous earthquakes on Wednesday that claimed hundreds of lives with thousands more missing.
Speaking at the official launch of Guyana’s relief response, Ali said the vessel, which was provided with support from the private sector, will also carry humanitarian aid from other CARICOM countries as part of a coordinated regional effort to assist Venezuela.
“We are responding to one of the greatest humanitarian needs as a result of a disaster in Venezuela at a scale and magnitude that is unimaginable,” Ali said. “As good neighbours, we must reach out.”
The President said Guyana has already mobilised close to 100 containers of relief supplies, including pharmaceuticals, food, milk products, diapers and other essential items, and hopes to dispatch the vessel from Guyana’s shores by Friday.
The immediate priority, he said, is to provide support to children, women, families and the elderly who have been affected by the disaster. He said pharmaceutical supplies, medical assistance, food, sanitation products and equipment for recovery efforts have been identified as critical needs.
Ali noted that Guyana’s response is being coordinated in collaboration with CARICOM governments and Venezuelan authorities, with Prime Minister Mark Phillips leading and overseeing the country’s humanitarian efforts.
The operation is also being supported by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Police Force, private sector organisations and members of the Venezuelan community living in Guyana.
The President said Guyana’s sizeable Venezuelan population has responded “in an unbelievable way” to the humanitarian appeal, alongside the Guyanese public. He said the Government is encouraging individuals, businesses and organisations to contribute specific relief items. As an example, he noted that a container of rice can be procured for approximately US$12,000, while a mixed container of food supplies and essential items for children and families costs about US$25,000, or roughly $5 million.
Ali said that Guyana stands ready to support Venezuela “in whatever capacity we can” and said the country’s response reflects its commitment to humanitarian assistance and regional solidarity during times of crisis.
The humanitarian mission comes as Venezuela grapples with the aftermath of the two earthquakes that have affected thousands of families and prompted regional calls for emergency assistance.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister announced that a central collection point for the donations will be established at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. He said the facility will be managed by Azad Ibrahim, with support from the GDF and the CDC, and will serve as the main point for receiving, sorting and packaging relief supplies before they are loaded onto the vessel.
Phillips urged individuals, businesses and organisations wishing to contribute to deliver their donations to the Woolford Avenue facility, noting that priority items include pharmaceuticals, potable water, food supplies, mattresses, medical and sanitation equipment, and dry grocery items such as rice and peas.
This facility will be open on a 24-hour basis so that day or night, persons can deliver their donations.
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