THE continuing Government effort to relieve flood-affected residents of Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) received a US$5,000 (G$1M) boost on Thursday, from the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown.
The donation was handed over by Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Yu Wenzhe to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, who passed it on to Head of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Colonel (ret’d) Chabilall Ramsarup.
The diplomat, who said he became aware of the serious flooding in that region through the print media, noted the prompt response by the Government of Guyana and the fact that the victims had to be reached by aircraft.
Yu said: “I read, in the newspapers, that the situation is quite bad and the response by the Government of Guyana was very prompt and, in that regard, has won the praise of people in all circles of various areas.”
He expressed the hope that the monetary contribution, which is a gesture of solidarity and friendship with the residents of Region 9, will further consolidate the ties between Guyana and China.
The envoy recalled that the Government and people of Guyana had offered both moral and material assistance and in other fields to China,  when parts of his country and its residents were hit by a massive earthquake in 2008.
An appreciative Minister Rodrigues-Birkett remarked that the occasion, though simple, was important, particularly for the people of Region 9.
She said, Government has, since the flood situation arose, deployed all the necessary resources at its disposal to help restore the lives of the affected, adding that the Chinese money will further aid the restoration
Rodrigues-Birkett said the gift is testament to the old adage, “a friend in need is a friend indeed” and hoped that the Chinese Government would continue its support to Guyana.
She said, while the relief donated has been made for Region 9, the Guyana Government is aware of the suffering caused by flood waters, in other regions and is also putting measures in place to alleviate their situation, as well.
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett reiterated the need for Guyanese to become aware of the erratic climatic conditions resulting from climate change at the global level.
She recalled that, in 2010, the highest levels of carbon emissions were recorded, in spite of discussions at various fora.
The minister said, while those talks on lowering emissions are ongoing, Guyana is looking forward to China’s support at the bilateral level and its continued leadership on the international scene.