The Government of Guyana through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Friday honoured 88 private and public-sector agencies for their contributions to the relief efforts during the 2017 Caribbean hurricane season that left several islands devastated.
According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), representatives from the various agencies accepted awards of appreciation from Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix.
Felix said that disaster preparedness and response require the input of the private sector and called for a closer relationship, which can develop into a “strong fighting machine”.
Director General (ag), CDC, Lt. Col. Kester Craig emphasised that the region must remain vigilant and responsive.
“The mobilisation of resources is key to successful disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. To achieve and mobilise resources, all stakeholders including the private sector must collaboratively make and honour contributions,” he said.
Craig noted that over the last few decades, despite enhanced national systems, Guyana has still been severely affected by floods and droughts.
In this regard, he underscored the role of the private sector during the response and recovery phases, DPI said.
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Desmond Sears said every citizen has a duty to protect the environment.
“We need to vehemently embrace and adopt climate-smart techniques,” he noted while committing to the PSC’s continued support, DPI said.
Agencies presented with awards include Bravo Arts, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the PSC, Nand Persaud and Company Limited, Digicel, Trans Guyana Airways, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), John Fernandes Limited, NAMILCO, Tropical Shipping, Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC), Globe Manufacturing, GAICO Construction and General Services Inc., the Discount Store, David Persaud Investments Limited and Banks DIH Limited.
