SCORES of Venezuelan migrant families residing in the Khan Hill community, Region One on Saturday received food hampers in time for the Christmas holiday. The hampers contained basic food items such as canned beans, oil, milk and biscuits.

This was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the Civil Defence Commission, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Regional Democratic Council and the Guyana Defence Force.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe was on the ground leading the undertaking. The minister said it is Guyana’s international obligation to make sure that our neighbours are cared for. “We are here to ensure that they have an enjoyable Christmas” Minister Garrido-Lowe stated.

The minister said that with the number of migrant children at Khan Hill, she will ensure they receive toys for the holidays.
Further, preparations are being made to assist Venezuelan families in other areas in Region One. Last week, a similar exercise was conducted in Kaikan in Region Seven for the migrant families living there.

Over the last few months, Guyana has seen an increase in the number of Venezuelans crossing the borders into Guyana to escape the political and socio-economic crisis in their homeland. The government has been working to ensure that these migrants are documented and vaccinated upon entry and housed in proper shelters. (DPI)