Dear Editor
THE International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana extends its sympathy to the citizens of Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe on the loss of life caused by cyclone Idai. The death toll from Cyclone Idai, which devastated the African nations last month, is nearing 1,000, according to the latest figures released by the two governments. Zimbabwe on Tuesday updated its death toll to 344, Mozambique’s recorded fatalities stood at 602, while 860,000 people were said to be affected by floods in Malawi, with 85,000 losing their homes and are now living in camps.

The IDPADA-G is saddened by the suffering of the hundreds of thousands across Southern Africa in the wake of the storm. The Assembly calls on the Government of Guyana to extend assistance, in whichever way possible, through the international agencies working to bring aid and comfort to those whose homes and livelihoods that have been destroyed. We also request that all African Guyanese of faith work through their religious organisations and other bodies to assist in response to this tragedy.

IDPADA-G stands ready to work with its member organisations, churches and other charitable institutions in demonstrating our solidarity with the citizens of countries so terribly impacted by Idai.