The Guyana National Committee for Relief for Haiti, which was established following a meeting held with President Bharrat Jagdeo and a wide-cross section of interest groups, yesterday received $500,000 from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA).

President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, (GGDMA) Norman McLean hands over the cheque to Chairperson of the Guyana Committee for relief for Haiti. Also in photo is Pastor Raphael Massiah (at right) Executive Director of GGDMA Edward Shields (at left) and Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn, third from left.

The cheque was presented to chairperson of the committee, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand, by President of the Association, Norman McLean.

Executive Director of the Association, Edward Shields, also made a personal contribution of $50,000. BK International has promised to use one of its ships to ferry supplies to the devastated country.

Minister Manickchand said the committee is pleased to receive the contribution and was especially heartened by the very small donations from some persons.

“I’m convinced that these people are giving all they can afford, but I also believe that persons can be much swifter in their reaction,” Manickchand stated.

She added that Guyana’s initial response of US$1M is now being matched by countries such as Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean nations with limited resources.

Manickchand noted that the destruction in Haiti is on a massive scale and so warrants a wide range of assistance.

A team from Guyana is also expected to be deployed to Haiti once the type of support required is made clear.

The telethon held at the National Communications Network (NCN) has since netted $8.7M and another was held last night.

“We are encouraging all those who want to contribute to call us regardless of how small the donation is. The Little Rock TV station in Berbice will also have a telethon, so you can come in to the CDC which opens all day.”

The chairperson reiterated the committee’s commitment to transparency and stressed that funds are not being spent on management expenses.

The committee is also in the process of establishing a website and will announce the address very soon. The website will provide vital updates on the amount of cash garnered and details of its distribution.

McLean stated that the Association attempted to make the contribution during the telethon last evening but could not connect to the telephone lines.

He noted that this is a positive sign of the overwhelming response of Guyanese to the plight of Haitians.

The GGDMA said other pledges include $500,000 worth of oil from the Pomeroon Oil Mill and $500,000 worth in pharmaceuticals from the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC).

Past President of the GGDMA, Alphro Alphonso, is also among those who made similar pledges, as well as Omai and Terry Singh from Japarts.

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake tore through the capital of the already impoverished nation of Haiti Tuesday, killing thousands and leaving irreparable damage in its wake. (GINA)