President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo this afternoon held an urgent meeting with members of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Private Sector to coordinate an emergency response to help St Vincent and the Grenadines following yesterday’s volcanic eruption which has displaced thousands.
The Caribbean nation is grappling with the effects of the eruption of the Soufrière volcano, which has severely affected residents, including a large number of Guyanese.
A release from the Office of the President said that Guyana is aiming to dispatch relief items over the next 48 hours. The team that met with the President this afternoon brainstormed on the fastest possible route to the islands, as flying is prohibited.
The President said that it is extremely important to get the items off quickly and urged those present to put all systems in place to get it done in the fastest possible time.
This emergency response is expected to be the first of many from Guyana, the release said.