Distribution exercise for Venezuelan migrants continues
DPI, Guyana, Monday, July 30, 2018
The distribution of supplies for Venezuelan migrants in Barima-Waini continued on Friday and Saturday in the hinterland communities of Powaikuru, Kamwatta, Imbotero and Smith Creek.
The exercise saw several families being given foodstuff, baby items and sanitation supplies. These items were procured by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), International Organisation for Migrants (IOM) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Regional Chairman, Region One, Brentnol Ashley stated, “this exercise is one that is very welcome,” since there is an increased number of Venezuelans seeking refuge from the economic crisis. He added, “as a region we are grateful, the RDC is very grateful to the Civil Defence Commission as well as the International Organisation for Migration which would have come onboard.”
Toshaos of the Indigenous communities also noted their satisfaction with the distribution exercise and the efforts of the CDC and IOM.
On July 27, the three-day distribution exercise commenced with ten migrant families at Khan’s Hill receiving much-needed supplies. Hampers were also given to the village Toshao, Ernest Santiago. The donation was intended to ease the burden of those who have been supporting these migrants for a number of weeks.
Venezuelan migrants have been crossing the border into Guyana’s territory to escape the continuing crisis in their country.
On July 16, 2018, Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix convened a multi-agency coordinating meeting to tackle the influx of Venezuelans in the country. This meeting included members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Ministry of Communities, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Ministry of Social Protection, Ministry of Public Health and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).
By: Anara Khan
Images: Leon Leung