On Thursday, a meeting was convened between Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Director-General (DG) of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig along with other representatives of the CDC and members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC).
During the hour-long engagement, CDC Senior Response Officer, Captain Salim October briefed members of the PSC on the devastating effects of Hurricane Dorian on the island of the Bahamas. The commission heard that while the number of confirmed deaths is seven, it is expected to rise as assessments continue throughout the islands. They were also presented with a list of items which would be sent to the islands.
The CDC also indicated that the financial assistance is one of the initial needs identified by the island and has established accounts at several commercial banks in Guyana so persons can make donations for relief efforts on the island. The monies raised would be used to support response teams deployed, establish and manage shelters and to procure relief supplies.
Chairman of the PSC, Gerry Gouveia assured the minister of the sector’s commitment to being “good developmental partners in both good times and rough.”
“We will circulate the information that we have and we will certainly have close collaboration over the next few days,” Gouveia said, adding that the commission will ensure that all resources are utilised to render the necessary assistance.
In acknowledging the commitment made, Minister Hastings-Williams said the Government of Guyana looks forward to the continued support as the country looks to send relief to its sister island.
In an invited comment following the meeting, Lieutenant Colonel Craig said the engagement was a success. He noted that in the event of a disaster, whether regionally or internationally, the private sector would also respond to the call.
The DG related that they were open to discussions and recommendations to meet the immediate needs of the island as well as the medium and long-term recovery needs.
“We have given them [the PSC] the needs list and they have indicated their willingness to support those needs,” he said, adding that the CDC looks forward to working with the PSC to put the necessary measures in place to assist Guyana’s regional neighbour.
The Civil Defence Commission will be engaging government agencies, ministries, non-governmental organisations and the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce on Friday with the same objective in mind.
On Sunday, September 1, 2019, Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm, made landfall on the Bahamas at Elbow Cay, Abacos Islands at approximately 12:40 pm with 185mph winds. On Tuesday, September 3, 2019, it was downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane, still exhibiting slow forward movement. After stalling for the three days, the storm moved off and headed to the coast of the Carolinas in the US.
Hurricane Dorian inundated the Grand Bahama and Abacos Islands and left massive destruction and devastation in its wake. The last count was 30 dead with the numbers expected to rise. ( Department of Public Information)
