IN Guyana we are always quick to criticize and place blame but we never seem to be able to give compliments or credit where it is rightly due. The flood situation in Lethem is now a national disaster with so much water on the ground and so many residents affected. The government has undertaken emergency relief efforts to bring aid and much needed supplies to the residents who are affected and much is being done by the various agencies as they coordinate this effort. This coordinated approach is ensuring that residents in the Rupununi receive food supplies, medical assistance, and there is continuous monitoring of the situation. I think that with the relevant agencies combining their efforts, the people of Lethem and surrounding communities will definitely receive the assistance they need.
There are some who criticize the actions that are being taken and I feel that since they claim to be knowledgeable about efficient emergency responses then they should offer their help to the residents of the Rupununi because at this time, they do not need talk instead they need help. These persons should give support to the national effort instead of criticizing because talks alone will not help.
Persons who feel strongly enough to want to give some assistance to the residents of the Rupununi can call the various agencies and find out how they can help. The Ministry of Agriculture is doing much in the Region at the moment in trying to assist farmers and residents in ensuring that their livestock are saved and that they harvest whatever crops they have on the ground that can be harvested now. They are also providing additional support to the residents. Other agencies including the CDC which is coordinating the efforts will be able to advice people on where they can make donations of whatever items they can afford.
I have seen that government has also announced that it is spending $50M on the relief efforts but of course this is in addition to medical assistance and other forms of assistance provided by the business sector and private individuals. I think that this is the time that Guyana needs to support our Amerindian brothers and sisters, because even if we on the coastland may forget that they are there, since Lethem is so far away, they are a very integral part of our country and of our Guyanese family.
I think that instead of talking and trying to turn this natural disaster into a political issue, everyone should come together and offer whatever support they can because rainfall is not controlled by man and it is definitely not controlled by the government.