Grenada has recognized Guyana for the support it provided in 2004 in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Ivan.
Widespread destruction was caused by the hurricane on September 7, 2004 on the Spice Island and Guyana provided help with rebuilding.
On September 5, when Grenada hosted its Annual Disaster Awareness Showcase under the theme “Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present and Preparing for the future” at the Grenada Trade Centre, Morne Rogue, St. George’s, Guyana was among the countries honoured for its support in the aftermath of the devastation.
GINA said that Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill who represented Guyana at the event, received the Award on behalf of the country from former Governor General, Sir Daniel Williams.
GINA said that in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, the financial cost of the devastation to Grenada was estimated at more than US$900 million, more than twice the country’s GDP. The hurricane had damaged an estimated 27,000 homes. Further, sixty-nine percent of the infrastructure in the health sector was damaged.
GINA said that twenty-six containers containing relief items from the government and the private sector here were sent to Grenada.
Guyana’s aid, GINA said, also included taking up the $40M bill for sugar supplies that were in Grenada when the hurricane struck. The Government of Guyana repaid the Guyana Sugar Corporation for the shipment.
In addition, 100 Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers were deployed to Grenada for a six-month period to assist in the rebuilding process. Among the soldiers, GINA said, were carpenters and electricians. The Guyana Government financially supported the soldiers’ mission there and their upkeep for the six months, GINA added.
