Preparations remain on schedule for the departure of a relief vessel carrying humanitarian supplies to earthquake-hit Venezuela, which killed at least 2,295 people and left more than 11,000 persons injured.
The vessel, capable of transporting 8,000 tonnes, will take pharmaceutical support, medical supplies, food for children and families, sanitation items, recovery equipment and essential humanitarian aid to Venezuela.
Close to 100 containers of supplies have been mobilised, and CARICOM member states are contributing to the shipment coordinated through Guyana.
“We are hoping to have that ship loaded by this weekend,” President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said when questioned by reporters on the sidelines of the swearing-in of six Puisne Judges on Wednesday at his office.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has been tasked with leading and coordinating all aspects of the national response.
A multi-agency structure has been established involving the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force, private sector bodies and other partners.
Donations are being received, sorted and loaded for shipment at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) facility on Woolford Avenue in Georgetown. The facility is operating with support from CDC and GDF.
In addition to supplies, Guyana has offered logistical and recovery support, including the deployment of teams to assist with relief operations.