Goodwill presentations to the relief fund for Haiti were made recently by the Bartica Lions Club, the AME Zion Church (Suriname/ Guyana Conference) and the Guyana International Relief Organisation (GIRO) at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).
Meanwhile, Minister of Human Services and Social Security and Chairperson of the Guyana National Committee for Haiti Relief, Priya Manickchand has urged everyone to pray for the strength of all those who were affected by the earthquake disaster, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said in a release.
The committee’s chairperson also said she was very enthused by the warm responses of Guyanese to the plight of thousands of traumatized, injured and displaced Haitians.
However, she noted that the island is now faced with a new and growing obstacle as the rainy season begins to hinder progress.
“As if the earthquake wasn’t enough, they now have heavy rainfall that is causing flooding. So in addition to our financial contributions I now ask that you pray for the people of Haiti,” Manickchand said.
She added that Haiti’s resilience has been reflected in the fact that it continues rebuilding efforts despite various setbacks, following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake which ripped through its capital Port-au-Prince on January 12.
“We continue to be in solidarity with the Haitian people and to pray for their faith and strength both internally and externally.”
According to GINA, representative of the Bartica Lions Club, Gordon Bradford said that the group hosted a telethon and managed to garner in excess of $300,000.
And Mohamod Mujay, who made a contribution of $500,000 and a quantity of clothing on behalf of the GIRO, stated that it was the first of many other donations. Mujay, who also represented the Guyana Islamic Trust, said that members of mosques across the country are being persuaded to contribute in cash or kind.
Reverend Gordon Hamlet, on behalf of the AME Zion Church also made his contribution of clothing and $57,340.
On hand to witness the presentations were committee members Raphael Massiah of the Christian community and Gem Roberts of GAP/ROAR.
