ExxonMobil and its partners here have pledged more than $60 million to local organisations to support COVID-19 programmes that are in need of funding.
According to a RED Marketing press release yesterday, ExxonMobil Guyana and the Stabroek Block co-venturers, Hess and CNOOC, are providing funds as part of the programme established collaboratively with the Department of Energy to support social projects. The Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Salvation Army and Rotary Guyana, have received more than $60 million to support COVID-19 relief programmes.
The release said that the CDC has been given $40 million to support the Ministry of Public Health for additional quarantine facilities, food, sanitation items and equipment, including personal protective equipment for staff at the quarantine facilities. Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig said the funds will also be utilised to supplement the humanitarian efforts designed to bring hampers of relief supplies to the people most vulnerable to COVID-19. These hampers will include food, cleaning and sanitation supplies, cloth masks as well as COVID-19 educational material, and will be distributed to senior citizens, children’s homes and the economically disadvantaged.
“We continue to develop the most effective mechanism to ensure that the vulnerable population receives the most appropriate relief, since the levels of impact vary and can have short-, medium- and long-term effects,” Lieutenant Colonel Craig added.
The Salvation Army received $10 million to support its hamper distribution in the regions, in coordination with the CDC, as well as for providing hot meals for the homeless in Region 4.
“The Salvation Army is working hard to be there for vulnerable people at this time and we are pleased that this contribution will help us to carry out this mission,” Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, Major Matignol Saint-Lot said.
Rotary Guyana also received $10 million which will be used for medical supplies including procurement of N95 masks, oxygen tanks and personal protective equipment for hospitals and clinics throughout Guyana.
“This complements our Community COVID-19 Initiative which was launched a few weeks ago to provide protection for our brave frontline workers and supplies for those who are infected by this virus,” Assistant Governor Renata Chuck-A-Sang was quoted as saying.
Director of the Department of Energy Dr Mark Bynoe acknowledged the “challenging times” faced by the Department and expressed his pleasure to be associated with the collaborative effort “to bring some level of relief to our vulnerable communities and those on the frontline in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic in conformity with the ideals of shared sacrifices.”
ExxonMobil Guyana President Rod Henson noted the importance of mutual support “during these unprecedented times” and assured of the industry’s support of the first responders “who are working hard to help Guyana confront this pandemic as well as those who need additional assistance.”
On a similar note, Tim Chisholm, Hess Vice President of Exploration committed his company to helping address the health, safety and economic challenges posed by this pandemic “wherever we do business,” while declaring, “As part of the Stabroek Joint Venture, our focus is on providing hospitals and clinics with the medical supplies and equipment needed for the fight against COVID-19, and on helping the populations most vulnerable to its impact with food and other necessities.”
Liu Yongjie, Executive Vice President of CNOOC International emphasised that his company stands with Guyana during this challenging period and stated, “As we come together in the face of this global pandemic, we hope that this contribution makes a positive difference in Guyana.”
