By Lisa Hamilton

MONTHLY donations of COVID-19 supplies from a team of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are helping Guyanese across the Rupununi to control the spread of COVID-19.

The organisations involved are Eírîpan, a charity in operation for over 15 years; the Kanuku Community Representatives Group (KMCRG), a community-based NGO; the Rupununi Learners Foundation, a US-based non-profit organisation; and the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC), among others.

Together, they have raised over $3.5 million in cash and kind to purchase critically-needed medical, sanitation, and other supplies for Indigenous communities in Guyana. Though their efforts commenced on July 17, 2020, via a GOFundMe page, it has grown to much more, receiving an outpouring of support from Guyanese countrywide.

In August 29, communities received emergency evacuation kits which included protective suits, gloves, masks, face shields, hand sanitisers, sanitising spray, wipes, and a piece of plastic and duct tape to create a barrier between drivers and COVID patients. Meanwhile, community health centres and village councils received special kits with the COVID-19 supplies they need.

Now, in preparation for September’s donation to some 24 communities, the team is also packing posters with information on how residents of the Rupununi can protect themselves from the deadly virus. Every Eiripan COVID-19 support pack includes posters and other materials to help community health centres and village councils educate their community members about COVID-19. The posters were donated by the Ministry of Public Health and PAHO/WHO.

“Already, those communities and areas which received donations last month have been able to successfully bring the spread of the disease under control. We are confident that with your continued support we can ensure that every community has the tools they need to continue to fight COVID-19,” President of Eírîpan, Melanie McTurk updated.

As of September 23, 2020, Region Nine, where the Rupununi is located, recorded 340 COVID-19 cases. This is even as many in the region have complained about costly and scarce sanitising materials and a slow adjusting of villagers to the sudden arrival of the virus.

McTurk urges persons to continue donating as the small acts of kindness are making a big difference in remote villages. She said: “We ask each of you to continue to support our cause by sharing our link and encouraging persons within your own networks to donate. With your support, we can achieve our goal of keeping mortality in the region to a minimum. We have just received confirmation from the Regional Executive Officer of Region Nine, that the Regional Democratic Council will once again be providing transportation to take items from Georgetown to the Rupununi for distribution. So, your donation along with that of our domestic contributors will soon be on route to the region and into the hands of village councils and health centres where it can do the most good.”

Eírîpan and its partners hope to provide support to as many villages across the Rupununi as possible through their GoFundMe project. Meanwhile, local donors who wish to join in have the option to make direct deposits to the Republic Bank Limited Checking Account # 962956709687 and can contact the team directly at +592 6113181.