THE number of Guyanese affected by Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas is yet to be ascertained but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that it has a person on the ground to relay any information that becomes available.

This is according to a representative of the ministry at a meeting at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Friday. The meeting was called to discuss collaboration at a national level to provide support to Bahamians and Guyanese living in the affected country.
Director-General of CDC, Kester Craig, called the meeting to order in the presence of representatives of various organisations who stand ready to provide whatever support is needed. The Ministry of Presidency has designated the CDC to coordinate such efforts.
Some of the organisations present were Guyana Power and Light (GPL), the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC), Red Cross, Digicel, the Guyana Police Force, and Ministry of Social Protection.

The Government of the Bahamas issued an Immediate Assistance Supplies List through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition, specific support for the Water and Sewerage Corporation based on pre-impact data and needs analysis undertaken was issued through the National Emergency Operations Centre.

The list includes wash needs (potable purified water, hygiene kits, and water pumps), shelter needs (tents, insect repellent, blankets), food needs (canned stuff, dried fish, and rice), health needs (health personnel) and reconstruction and recovery needs (portable generators, chain saws, outdoor lamps).

Senior Response Officer at CDC, Salim October, reported that the Bahamian Government has indicated its interest in financial donations primarily, as the length of time items may take to ship there might be too long.

The CDC has set up a bank account # 651-993-8 to channel donations towards this cause, October informed, and cash donations are also being accepted at the office.
Craig offered that it may be best to focus on providing assistance that may make the most impact so that efforts will not be duplicated. Furthermore, he noted that some amount of coordination can take place there because the entire country was not devastated; the capital is still intact.

The representative from the Ministry of Health encouraged that a system be set up so that Guyanese here can report on their relatives in that country at the CDC. He also advised that persons going to help from here should ensure that they are covered with the relevant vaccines.

The Department of Citizenship representative said that department was on hand to provide help with replacement of important documents, and other services.
UNICEF reportedly has a team on the ground, and a GWI representative said the water company may be able to help with sanitation, infrastructure repairs, and water quality.
On Sunday, September 1, 2019, Hurricane Dorian, a Category Five storm, made landfall on The Bahamas at Elbow Cay, Abaco Islands, at approximately 12:40 hrs with 185 mph winds.

The Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama, which collectively have a population of approximately 76,000 people, have been severely affected.