IN an effort to meet the more vulnerable groups and those in need of support during this coronavirus epidemic, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Saturday, presented 97 food hampers to Differently Abled NGOs in the mining town of Linden.

The groups are the Wismar Resource Centre for the Blind, the Wismar Baptist Deaf Association Group and the Lindeners Supporting Efforts for People with Disabilities (LINSEED) .

Presenting the hampers, 2nd Lieutenant Alexis Williams said the aim is to meet vulnerable groups within the communities. The NGOs were tasked with submitting names of members more in need of the hampers, to meet the CDC’s target. The first distribution done in Linden by the CDC was done in vulnerable communities.

Expressing gratitude to the CDC, representative of the Wismar Baptist Deaf Association Group June Julian explained that the group is very elated to benefit from the distribution, since members have been experiencing difficulties at this time. “Sometimes people from the deaf community are marginalised and so they start with a struggle, so it is really a good gesture from the CDC and I know that it will go a long way in helping the deaf to mitigate the challenges.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by Chairman of Linseed, Mr. Colin Ault. He said, “Many people in normal times are having real struggles, so I think this gesture by the CDC and others responsible is very timely.” The group has made efforts to assist members but more was needed to meet all members and the CDC stepped in at the right time.

At the Wismar Resource Centre for the Blind, teacher Shellon Swaving, said that the 49 hampers gifted to her organisation will be donated to the families of the students and past students who attended the school. With children being home presently, there is a dire need for food and the CDC stepped in at a time when the families really needed it the most.
The CDC will continue to monitor the situation to ascertain how best to meet the needs of vulnerable groups at this time. Over 1000 residents have benefitted from the CDC’s hamper distribution across Guyana thus far.

Linden has so far recorded three cases of coronavirus infection.
Second Lieutenant Alexis Williams presenting hampers to representative of LINSEED Mr. Colin Ault Lieutenant Williams presents hampers to teacher of the Wismar Resource Centre for the Blind, Shellon Swaving