-as Guyana-led efforts bring region together

A major shipment of regional humanitarian aid is set to leave Guyana for Venezuela on Monday… carrying with it 88 shipping containers of relief supplies, light machinery and hundreds of water tanks bound for communities devastated by recent earthquakes.

Guyana has led the regional effort to gather supplies for Venezuela and the call for assistance has been answered by several CARICOM member states, the private sector and civil society.

Contributions have come from the governments of Belize, Jamaica, St Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.

In Guyana, the government has not only contributed supplies but brought together private sector and civil society organizations.

The cargo of almost a hundred containers, light machinery and more than 300 water storage tanks, is being transported aboard BK International’s Mega Motti vessel.

“Thanks to leaders both in the private sector organization, the leader at the CDC, the disciplined forces and other government agencies, all the workers who worked behind the scenes, in some cases hours into the night,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the collaborative effort demonstrates the region’s commitment to supporting the Venezuelan people during their time of need.

Meanwhile, Belizean High Commissioner to Guyana, Gale Miller-Garnett, expressed thanks to Guyana for coordinating the relief effort.

“So we are very much grateful to you for your assistance in transporting the medical supplies that we have assisted with and the non-perishable items. So thank you again on behalf of my Prime Minister, and thank you on behalf of the people of Belize,” Miller-Garnett said.

The vessel is expected to arrive in Venezuela in approximately four days, delivering life-saving supplies to those in need.