Minister of Human Services and Social Security, and Chairperson of the Multi-Stakeholder Committee established to oversee the relief effort for Haiti, Priya Manickchand, last evening, issued a statement expressing disappointment in a message sent by the Red Cross Association via the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T).

Minister Manickchand said that this entity was present at a meeting convened by President Bharrat Jagdeo; and despite the Red Cross signing on to the national effort, it has instead sought to undermine the effort by issuing the text message appealing for help.

“It is disappointing and sad that the Red Cross appears to be departing from this noble, patriotic decision taken today (yesterday), for aid to be nationally coordinated, and appears to be engaging in an attempt to stymie a national effort,” she said.

The Minister urged the Association to be guided by the understanding that divided efforts will hardly realise the level of assistance that can be provided for the people of Haiti.

Further, she urged all those who are desirous of contributing to this cause to do so through the National Committee for Guyana’s Assistance to Haiti by calling telephone number 226-4080.