EVEN as aid continues to pour in to assist affected residents in Lethem in Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) who are still grappling with flood waters, members of the Private Sector have also stepped in and pledged their assistance. During an interview last evening, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo, revealed that funds to assist in bringing much needed aid to the affected communities will be raised through several activities, including a telethon, a dinner and through contributions from the business community.
As to how the aid will be facilitated, he noted that a Lethem Caucus has been formed consisting mostly of stakeholders, including members of the Lethem Business Community and the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce.
“We have decided that we will try to assist in whatever way we can … a team was deployed to various private sector organizations with the aim of garnering further assistance in an effort to bring relief to affected residents,” Dookhoo informed.
Continuing, the Chairman of the Private Sector Commission revealed that they have already received a commitment from the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and have also had reactions from the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) which will see the reduction in cellular rates for all calls coming out of Lethem.
In addition, he pointed out that assistance is also being given by the Aircraft Association in getting supplies to the affected areas.
Dookhoo expressed the hope that other entities will follow suit and join in the efforts to mitigate the impact of the flooding in the region.
“I’m sure there are going to be many more contributions from various parts of the Private Sector,” he posited.
Meanwhile , the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Mr. John Tracey, explained that the financial institution Board of Directors has decided to donate half a million dollars toward the relief efforts.
In addition, the bank will also be collaborating with the Guyana Bankers Association to build on its financial pledge, Mr. Tracey said.
He said that the bank will also be providing special non-collateral loans to assist affected business owners, especially those involved in agriculture.