On Monday, Guyana’s Civil Defense Commission (CDC) staff members and volunteers from the CDC Volunteer Corps packed relief hampers for residents of Grenada who were severely affected by Hurricane Beryl.
Items include tarpaulins, chainsaws, generators, batteries, torch lights, safety vests, hygiene items, water purification tablets and collapsible water bottles.
The items left Guyana for Grenada early on Tuesday via Guyana Defence Force aircraft.
Hurricane Beryl became the earliest category-five hurricane in recorded history late last night.
Our thoughts and prayers are with our Caribbean brothers and sisters as they endure the effects of the hurricane.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, as Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), expressed deep concern and continued anxiety over the passage of Hurricane Beryl through the region.
Initial reports indicated significant damage and destruction to infrastructure and private property in some territories.
“As this weather phenomenon roars its way through the Region, we must continue to brace ourselves against the effects of high winds, storm surges along sea coasts, and heavy rainfall,” Dr. Ali said.
In light of these challenging times, he also urged all citizens and the private sector of the region to coordinate closely with their respective governments and regional emergency response mechanisms in providing immediate support and relief to those affected by the hurricane.
The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is already working to mobilise and coordinate assistance and disaster relief even as the storm is still passing through the Windward Islands.