Min. Cummings visits Essequibo storm-hit victims

April 20, 2018

DPI, Guyana, Friday, April 20, 2018

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, on Thursday, paid a visit to three families in Lima, Essequibo who were affected by a recent storm. The minister and her team conducted a first-hand assessment of the damaged homes and distributed sanitary supplies and food items to the affected families.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings handing over packets of rice to Narainee Naraine.

Heavy winds, lighting, and thunder on April 13 damaged three homes. The roofs for two homes were completely destroyed while another was partially damaged. Narainee Naraine, who resided at Lot 18 Lima Housing Scheme, Sultan Rasool of Lot 19 Lima Housing Scheme, and Hassan Ali of Lima Public Road were the affected persons.

While the house on Lima Public Road jointly owned by the Scheme and Hassan Ali was repaired by the regional authorities, the occupants of the other two homes are awaiting additional building materials to reconstruct. Minister Cummings speaking with both families pledged the ministry’s support.

Narainee Naraine, who resided at Lot 18 Lima Housing Scheme, explained to the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the upper flat of the home was completely destroyed. She said three families resided in the house and described the experience as horrifying. Naraine expressed profound gratitude to the government for visiting and ensuring they receive the necessary help.

Sultan Rasool of Lot 19 Lima Housing Scheme, who endured a cut to his head, took the initiative of repairing a section of his roof while awaiting regional support.

The after-storm assessment was managed by regional authorities who also undertook the responsibility of aiding the families and support was also provided by the Civil Defense Commission (CDC).