IN an effort to assist those in Region Five who have been severely affected by the recent flooding, Western Scientific Company Limited, (WSCL) last week, donated more than $3.5 million in care packages and infant disposal diapers.

The 600 care packages included a number of sanitary products such as soaps, soap powder, garbage bags, hand sanitisers, bleach, sanitary pads, mouthwash, disinfectants and other items. A total of 34, 608 diapers were handed over.

President and Founder of the company, Edwin Mackoon noted that WSCL’s effort to assist was fuelled by the desire to render assistance in the time of need.
“The flooding in Region Five has devastated so many families who have been left without the basic commodities required to run their homes. We quickly recognised the need for assistance to these families affected by this disaster, and wanted to aid the relief effort currently being undertaken by the Government of Guyana,” Mackoon was quoted as saying in a press release disseminated by the company on Monday.

He noted that the company takes pride in extending a helping hand to communities in need since it believes that community development is critical for the progress of society.
“Upon hearing that the floods affecting the regions across the country were categorised as a level two (2) disaster by His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali, we immediately sought to identify an affected region and provide our support and assistance in a tangible way,” he added.

According to Mackoon, the company was alerted to the needs of residents along the Mahaicony, Mahaica and Abary Rivers and made contact with the Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal, indicating its intention.

“Within three days of being told of the need in these areas, we procured and delivered the items donated. This is our corporate responsibility. We are thankful that we were able to meet so many households,” the WSCL President said.

“It is our hope that the donation of these items will help a family in need to get back on their feet in some way until this disaster is overcome,” he added.
Three hundred and fifty of the hampers were recently handed over by WSCL’s Manager for Southern Territories, Richard Ramlal, to the Regional Chairman at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital while the remaining diapers were delivered to Branch Road, Mahaicony.

According to the release, Ramlal said that his company has always taken its social and corporate responsibility seriously. “As best as we could at Western Scientific, we render assistance in times of need,” he said.

“Having seen the floods first hand, I know we made the right decision to make our contribution. I know the people who the care packages are intended to benefit will certainly make good and much needed use of them. I am happy I am a part of a team that gives back to our community,” he added.

In expressing gratitude for the donation, the regional chairman said: “This means a lot to us in the Region and it means a lot to the people of Region number five (5) and we are grateful that we have Western Scientific being a part of this movement to bring adequate supplies that are of need to the people of this Region.”

He said the donation from the private company is timely as the state’s resources are stretched to cater to all of the residents and areas countrywide affected by the flood disaster.
Meanwhile, the release added that Western Scientific Co. Limited, is an external company duly incorporated in Trinidad and Tobago with chapters throughout the Caribbean and, most recently, Guyana.

“With over 36 years in existence, the company is a well-respected distributor whose main activities are focused in the Supply, Installation, Commissioning and Training of Scientific, Clinical & Medical Laboratory Equipment and Supplies,” it said.

Currently, the distribution network spans more than 22 countries and over 300 small to medium clients and 150 large clients.

Locally, the company has a client list which features both in the public and private sectors such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Guyana Bureau of Standards, Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), University of Guyana, and all other ministries, Banks DIH, Demerara Distillers, ExxonMobil and its partners in the oil and gas Industry, among others.