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Contact:
Julita Peter
Monday, February 7, 2005 - Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony, who is
chairman of the National Emergency Management Organization [NEMO], has activated
NEMO to respond to the Flooding situation in Guyana. This follows a meeting
chaired by Dr. Anthony, between a team of officials from NEMO and other
government agencies, and the St. Lucia /Guyana Association last Thursday
(February 3).
It was agreed that there should be a combined effort between the Guyanese
community here and the Government of St. Lucia, to stimulate greater support
among the private sector and individuals.
NEMO, the Guyana/Saint Lucia Association and the Saint Lucia Red Cross have
launched an appeal to the Nation to open their hearts to yet another sister
State affected by a disaster. The flooding in Guyana has resulted in major loss
to private and commercial properties.
Honorary Council for Guyana to St. Lucia, Lokesh Singh said, “We will be working
with the government agencies through the post offices, in coordinating
collections of materials from individuals in the society for consolidation in
containers for shipment to Guyana. In addition to that, the government of St.
Lucia has discussed the review of possible cash allocation to the government of
Guyana towards the relief efforts”.
Mr. Singh said to date, the contributions from the international donor community
towards the Guyana relief effort was in excess of US$2 million. Other agencies
such as PAHO, CEDERA and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), have pledge their
support to Guyana, which has suffered millions of dollars in damages
“We are speaking of this flood affecting at least a third of the population of
Guyana, we are talking of loss of households items, we are talking of loss of
property, loss of businesses, companies and the country being completely
dislocated”, Mr. Singh informed.
While most of the water has receded, the country continues to experience heavy
rains. A needs list issued by the National Emergency Management Organization
indicated that clothing was not required. The focus at this time is on medical
supplies, layette, toiletries, and cleaning items.
Packages should be labeled NEMO and taken to the Saint Lucia Red Cross Building
at Vigie in Castries or to any Post Office. A container is scheduled to leave
Saint Lucia on Thursday, February 10th, 2005.
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