Having seen the “profound impact” of recent floods on communities across Guyana, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently donated US$30,000 ($6.2m) to the Guyana Red Cross Society and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).
Of the total, US$15,000 will go towards the Red Cross for hampers for distribution to persons in hard-hit areas and the rest will be used by the CDC for the transporting of relief items.
The announcement was made yesterday by USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean’s Regional Representative Clinton White during a press engagement at the Duke Lodge, Duke Street Kingston.
Also at the briefing was US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch.
Underscoring that the issue of climate change was of paramount importance to the Joe Biden Administration, White explained that USAID would seek to continue its partnership with the Caribbean in strengthening awareness and preparedness for the impact of climate change.
The USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean’s Regional Representative echoed this position as he pointed to the current floods here and Guyana’s continued risk given its below-sea level status and USAID’s dedication to helping build resiliency.
“Climate change poses a serious threat here to Guyana …with 90% of the population living in the low-lying coastland region, Guyana is at risk for rising sea levels and coastal flooding impact…” White said, while pointing out the effects it could have on individuals and the agriculture and economic environment.
“The Biden Administration has made Climate Change a US Foreign Policy priority and USAID…will work with the CARICOM, our donor partners and other countries in the region, to put the world on a path to sustainable future…,” he added.
Witnessing firsthand the impact of the current floods here, having only recently visited St Vincent and the Grenadines which is still recovering from the La Soufrière volcanic eruption, White stressed the importance of being prepared and emphasized that USAID is committed to helping build capacity in this area among others.
The donation and a two-week symposium on climate change by the agency comes even as this country has been putting to use items donated by the US Embassy last year.
Lynch related that through the military, the importance of having nonperishable items stored was explained and the CDC here had a storage centre cater for this “in the event of a disaster or emergency”.
As such, the plastic sheeting, cots, water jugs and other items donated were stored at the CDC warehouse and have now “come in very handy during this flooding period”. She added “it shows the importance of being prepared”.
A USAID Climate Change Symposium also started yesterday morning and White announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with three regional partners, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology, and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.
The US embassy had said White’s visit here is to also emphasize the US Government’s focus on regional and government partnerships, climate change, public financial management, and private sector-led growth. While in Guyana he will meet with government officials, CARICOM representatives, leaders in the business community, youth representatives and members of civil society organizations.
It is the first meeting of White and the Irfaan Ali administration.
USAID is celebrating 60 years in Guyana this year. The agency said that over the years, it has exemplified the best of American values abroad—while advancing the safety and prosperity of Americans at home.
“In every area—from disaster response to entrepreneurship—we have made progress towards a world where every man, woman, and child can live with dignity and reach their full potential. Our partnership with Guyana promotes a more peaceful, stable, and just world. Our work benefits recipients around the world, strengthens national security, and advances shared prosperity for all.”
