Canadian High Commission, UNICEF and the Government of Guyana collaborate to supply Emergency Flood Relief Supplies to Kwakwani (Region 10)

February 1, 2022.

The Canadian High Commission, along with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on behalf of the Government of Guyana today provided water tanks and other emergency flood relief resources to residents of Kwakwani, Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice (Region 10) today.

Residents of Kwakwani, especially those in Lamp Island and Bamboo Landing, today received a quantity of water tanks collapsible water containers donated by UNICEF. Persons in those areas also received hampers including rain boots, mosquito nets and treatment kits, and face masks donated by the Canadian High Commission. The CDC provided logistical support and coordinated the mission, ensuring that all items were distributed accordingly. This is all part of a collaborative effort to provide relief to communities such as Kwakwani where the devastating effects of the May-June 2021 Flood took its toll. Persons in the area are still recovering from the consistent rainfall and unprecented flood levels of last year.

A ceremony to officiate the distribution took place at the Kwakwani Recreational Center, which saw at least 50 residents present. There, the Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, gave brief remarks lauding the joint effort. “I am elated to be given the opportunity to deliver remarks at today’s handing over ceremony for the Emergency Flood Relief Project made possible by our valued partners in humanitarian services, the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Canada’s Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project funded by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).” The Director General also indicated that the CDC and its partners were challenged with responding to multiple flood events in every Administrative Region, along with other hazard impacts such as the 5.7 magnitude earthquake that impacted several communities in Deep South, Rupununi, Region 9 last year. As a result, Relief Efforts like this are essential to equip persons with the tools necessary to respond to hazards and disasters in the future.

The Canadian High Commission representative, Political Counselor Ms. Caroline Mireault, shared similar sentiments. She recognized the effects of the May-June 2021 Floods and the importance of continued support for the vulnerable communities. Ms. Mireault also expressed her joy for having her organization be a part of such a venture. The Political Counselor assured attendees that the Canadian High Commission is always poised to help in any that they can and that they aspire to have consistent symbiotic relationship with the CDC.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region 10, Mr. Dwight John, Regional Coordinator, Mr. Andrew Forsythe, Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Vice Chairman of Region 10, Mr. Kurt Simeon and Prime Ministerial Representative, Mr. Orin Wilson were also in attendance.

Supplies have been distributed to some residents and the remaining have been handed over to the NDC so that they may distribute them appropriately.

Eteringbang in Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region 7) is the next community set to receive similar supplies in the near future.