A third shipment of approximately 250 tonnes of emergency relief items is scheduled to depart for St Vincent and the Grenadines today to aid the island in its recovery from the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano.
The vessel ‘Lady Fazeela’ has on board 100 water tanks, approximately 12,000 cases of bottled water, a quantity of rice, food items, fruits, vegetables and personal protective gears.
President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’) Mark Phillips yesterday afternoon visited the Muneshwer Wharf, Water Street, Georgetown to tour the vessel and conduct an inspection of the items before departure.
Delivering remarks following the activity, Ali lauded the teams from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for their long hours and commitment towards the project.
“This tells a story…..This really tells us how much we can achieve when we come together….all of us working together. There are no barriers that can stop us from achieving what we plan to achieve,” Ali said.
“….It must not only be disasters that push us to work like this together. This must be a part of our culture in building our country and building the CARICOM region. Guyana understands our responsibility to CARICOM, we understand our role in CARICOM,” he added.
Ali lauded the PSC which he said should be given “great recognition” for mobilising resources on several occasions.
“I think the Private Sector of Guyana has shown on many occasions that they can rise to different challenges. That their commitment to the development of Guyana and the region as a whole is key to their success and I think in CARICOM itself, there should be great recognition for the tremendous work of Guyana’s private sector in mobilising resources. Not the first time, not the second time,” he noted.
“….All those who would have contributed, when we called upon them there were no questions as to what payment is there, what reward is there. In a selfless manner everyone came forward…..This is how we have to operate. This is what Guyana must be known for. A collection of people ready to serve at any time, ready to answer the call of humanity at any time. These are traits of Guyanese. We are loving people, we are caring people, we are sharing people and we are committed people and for this I am most proud,” Ali stated.
For this, he said the country ought to derive great satisfaction for playing its part by aiding the member states of the region, who he said from time to time “do their part in helping us in our times of need”.
Dormant since 1979, the La Soufrière volcano started showing signs of activity in December last year, spewing steam and smoke and rumbling away. The first explosion was recorded at approximately 8.40 am on April 9th. For several days after that, continuous explosions and heavy ash fall was recorded.
As a result, thousands of persons including a number of Guyanese were displaced.
Barbados
Days after the eruption, Barbados was also affected by the tremendous ash fall.
This resulted in the country currently being faced with a water shortage.
As such, half of the amount of water tanks and bottled water on the `Lady Fazeela’ will be going to Barbados.
Ali yesterday said that the vessel is expected to stop in Barbados during its journey to deliver the items.
“….A tourism state, (its) airport was closed completely for a prolonged period, the water resources tremendously stressed to the extent that they do have tremendous water shortages in Barbados,” he said.
All assured the Prime Ministers of both countries that Guyana will not only assist in the short term but also will provide support in the rebuilding process.
…..I want to assure Prime Minister (Mia) Mottley (of Barbados) and Prime Minister (Ralph) Gonsalves (of St Vincent) that not only we are with them in this immediate term but we are with them throughout the process of rebuilding not only the physical infrastructure but rebuilding the lives that would have been affected,” Ali said.
Guyana’s first shipment of relief items arrived in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Saturday morning. A second shipment dispatched comprised two containers of drinking water.
