Even when the community they are residing in wasn’t considered a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hotspot in Guyana, residents of Santa Rosa had made known their struggles with the restrictions that were implemented to keep the Indigenous village safe.
Their voices have not gone unheard as five persons, who were born and raised in Santa Rosa, located in Region One (Barima-Waini), have formed an informal group, called ‘Santa Rosa Family and Friends,’ in response to the cries for assistance by members of the community. The group, which has a corresponding Facebook page, aims to provide food and cleaning supplies to affected residents.
Members of the group include Miranda LaRose, Nadia De Abreu, Murphy DeSouza, Stephanie Fraser and Graham Atkinson, all of whom are currently residing on the coast.
Santa Rosa had recorded 46 confirmed cases of COVID-19 inclusive of one death and one recovery up to last Thursday. The community is now considered the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country as it has the highest known number of active cases in Guyana.
In April, the village council had instituted its first community lockdown. La Rose, who was in Santa Rosa during that period, recalled that she was approached by a family who related their plight. She also observed that no one was taking any precautionary measures to avoid getting infected with the virus. Based on her observation, she highlighted, the community was very susceptible to the disease.
When La Rose returned to Georgetown, she was approached by two persons who told her that “it was very tough in the community.” She revealed that two of her family members have since tested positive for the virus and she knows first-hand of the struggles that many persons are facing.
La Rose pondered on the situation and decided that she should do something to assist those persons who have been badly affected by COVID-19 in the community. She proceeded to ask residents of the community who are living on the coastland if they would be willing to help and the four persons indicated their interest. Hence, the Facebook page was created so that any other person who is interested in donating food supplies or cleaning products can contact them.
De Abreu disclosed that they approached the Toshao of Santa Rosa, Whanita Phillips, and asked her how many persons were affected by the pandemic in the community. They were told that all the residents were affected and the toshao welcomed the help offered by the group. As a result, the members had their first discussion on Sunday via social media platforms.
The group’s main objective is to seek contributions or donations of food supplies and cleaning equipment to help at least 500 families who are affected by COVID-19. Priority would be given to families who are in quarantine given that they are not allowed to leave their home space for any reason.
On Thursday, the first set of hampers was sent to the community via boat. De Abreu revealed that the boat is expected to arrive today and the hampers will be distributed to families by the toshao. Another shipment is expected to be sent later this week.
De Abreu added that the group is overwhelmed by the response they have received. She said that even though they had composed letters to send to various companies, they were surprised when Sterling Products Limited, Bank DIH Limited and John Fernandes Limited approached them and donated to the cause of their own accord. “We really admire those people who are coming forward. The response have been very overwhelming,” La Rose added.
However, De Abreu noted that there is still a long way to go as they are aiming to assist 500 of the most vulnerable families at this point. She said that they would welcome any contribution or donations to the cause even if it is a very small amount. They are continuing to appeal for contributions while highlighting that the largest Indigenous community is being affected by the pandemic.
Anyone wishing to donate or contribute can message ‘Santa Rosa Family and Friends’ on Facebook.
The group is thanking everyone who have contributed thus far and anyone wishing to contribute.
