Two Amerindian villages located on the Corentyne River are now facing the shortage of food and other essential supplies due to a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) travel restriction now in place.
Carl Peneux, Toshao of Orealla, told Stabroek News yesterday the shortage of food and fuel still need to be addressed, although the authorities have made efforts to resolve other issues.
In a report to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Saturday, Peneux had explained that the closure of access to the Corentyne River by Suriname’s authorities due to their implemented curfew, prevented travel to and from Corriverton.
As a result, he said there has been a shortage of food and fuel for the village’s generating set and mechanical water-pump, among other essentials. “From tonight the village will start to experience Black-out. This also means that from tonight the village radio station will cease operations… it depends for power [on] the village gen-set. At present also GTT generators at its tower base need servicing. Mechanics from the coast have to come urgently. If they can’t travel, the generators will shut down… this means our main communication system will cease,” he noted in the report.
In the report, Peneux also made mention of pensioners not being able to uplift their pensions due to the lack of access to Corriverton and requested that they be brought to the village, as the elderly are considered a vulnerable population. He said, too, that public servants and other workers who are paid through the banks in Corriverton were without cash.
It was also noted that pineapple farmers, who have started to reap for the season could not sell in Corriverton, while the logging and lumber businesses had been suspended. However, in a telephone interview with Stabroek News yesterday, Peneux said that there have been some changes but the shortage of food and fuel still needs further addressing.
He said that as of yesterday, two boats were allowed to transport lumber from the area although because they are adhering to the COVID-19 precautionary measures, the boats are currently taking a smaller amount of passengers, so as to ensure social distancing.
This however, is taking a toll on the villagers, because even though persons are being allowed to travel, the numbers have been restricted.
He said pensioners will have access to their pensions on Friday and he also stated that village councillors are working towards informing the villagers of the changes as the changes are being made.
He remained hopeful that the situation would improve.
