A vessel capable of transporting 8,000 tonnes of humanitarian supplies is expected to depart Guyana next Friday carrying relief items for earthquake-stricken Venezuela, as Guyana intensifies a national and regional response to support its neighbour’s recovery efforts.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made the announcement on Saturday during a social media address outlining Guyana’s coordinated humanitarian operation and regional mobilisation effort following the devastating earthquakes.
The president said the vessel’s large carrying capacity has allowed Guyana to expand the operation beyond national support to include contributions from across CARICOM.
“We’ve extended the operation to include CARICOM support,” President Ali said, noting that relief supplies from regional partners are expected to arrive in the coming days before the shipment departs.
Guyana’s assistance package will prioritise pharmaceutical support, medical supplies, food for children and families, sanitation items, recovery equipment and essential humanitarian aid.
Expressing concern for those affected, President Ali said the country’s response is centred on helping vulnerable groups, especially children, women, the elderly and families displaced by the disaster.
“As neighbours, we must reach out,” the president stated, adding that Guyana remains in active discussions with Venezuelan authorities to ensure aid aligns with immediate recovery needs.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has been tasked with leading and coordinating all aspects of the national response through a multi-agency structure involving the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force, private sector bodies and other partners.
So far, Guyana has mobilised close to 100 containers of humanitarian supplies, including pharmaceuticals, food items, rice and water.
A central collection point has been established at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) facility on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, where donations will be received, sorted and loaded for shipment. The facility will operate with support from the CDC and GDF.
President Ali also encouraged groups and organisations wishing to donate entire containers of supplies to coordinate with the response committee so that all items can be documented and integrated into Venezuela’s distribution system.
In addition to supplies, Guyana has offered logistical and recovery support, including the deployment of teams to assist with relief operations.
The Office of the Prime Minister will oversee daily coordination and public updates as preparations continue for Friday’s departure.
President Ali thanked the Guyanese public, Venezuelan nationals living in Guyana, private sector partners and CARICOM member states for their response and solidarity during the humanitarian effort.