Tears flow as Guyanese evacuees from hurricane beaten Tortola arrive

The Trans Guyana plane touched down just after 7:00pm. The first evacuee to walk off the aircraft was Randy Ragnauth, who lost his father, Derek Ragnauth when the hurricane battered the small island. 

Tears flow as Guyanese evacuees from hurricane beaten Tortola arrive

Anxious relatives were teary-eyed as the first flight with Guyanese evacuees from the hurricane beaten  of Tortola touched down at the Eugene Correia Airport, Ogle on Monday night.

Ten passengers made the three hour flight to Guyana. They were met on their arrival by Minister of State, Joe Harmon, Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix and officials from the Civil Defense Commission.

The Trans Guyana plane touched down just after 7:00pm. The first evacuee to walk off the aircraft was Randy Ragnauth, who lost his father, Derek Ragnauth when the hurricane battered the small island.

Fighting back tears, he recalled the horror of the hurricane and told reporters that he and his family were forced to seek refuge in a bathroom as the hurricane ripped through their home. His father had decided to ride out the storm at the family’s business place. That decision proved fatal as his body was discovered in the store when the storm ended.

He said all that is left in Tortola is devastation and residents did not expect the storm to cause all the havoc that he did.

The government has committed to bringing home the body of Derek Ragnauth for burial. The son said he is pleased with that assistance since the family wants the father to be buried in his homeland.

Most of those who arrived last evening were children. They appeared tired and weary as they walked off the aircraft and were ushered to a special immigration area for processing.

A grandmother, who was at the airport to pick up two of her grandchildren, said she was happy to welcome them home. She hugged her grandchildren and kissed them repeatedly as they emerged from immigration.

She explained that the parents decided to stay behind but intend to travel to Guyana later. Another woman who was at the airport to pick up a relative also said she is pleased with the effort to assist those Guyanese nationals affected by the storms.

Minister of State, Joe Harmon, said the Government will be doing all that is possible to bring those Guyanese home, once they agree to evacuation.

He noted that most of the evacuees will be staying with their relatives, but for those who may not have been able to locate relatives, the government will provide accommodation for them. Minister Harmon said the government wants to ensure its citizens are taken care of and given a warm welcome.

The Ministry of Citizenship have special desks set up at the airport to assist those persons who would have misplaced their birth certificates and other important government documents during the hurricanes.

Today, a number of flights will be heading out to St. Maarten and Tortola to bring home other evacuees. On Saturday, Roraima Airways brought a family of three persons from Dominica. Other flights are also expected to bring Guyanese home from Dominica.

The evacuation move is a collaboration between the Guyana government and the local airlines.

 

SEE St. Maarten evacuation schedule below

The Government of Guyana will conduct evacuation exercises from St Maarten to Guyana tmr Tues Oct 10 & Wed Oct 11. Please call Mrs Kim Lucas Felix on 721-527-0704 for more details

Flight details:-

Tuesday, 10 October 2017

1. Jags Aviation Sky Truck

Estimated Time of Departure from St Maarten – 11.00h on Tuesday, 10 October 2017

Estimated Time of Arrival in Guyana – 17.00h on Tuesday, 10 October 2017

This aircraft can accommodate 14 passengers with 20lbs of luggage each.

Wednesday, 11 October 2017

2. Trans Guyana Airways Beechcraft 1900D

Estimated Time of Arrival in St Maarten – 14:00h on Wednesday, 11 October 2017

Estimated Time of Departure from St Maarten – 15.00h on Wednesday, 11 October 2017

Estimated Time of Arrival in Guyana – 18.00h on Wednesday, 11 October 2017

Wednesday, 11 October 2017

3. Jags Aviation Sky Truck

Estimated Time of Arrival in St Maarten – 17:00h on Wednesday, 11 October 2017

Estimated Time of Departure from St Maarten – 11.00h on Thursday, 12 October 2017

Estimated Time of Arrival in Guyana – 17.00h on Thursday, 12 October 2017

Passengers are allowed 20 lbs each.

Persons who have registered with Mrs Kim Lucas Felix will be given first preference.

Please call her on 721-527-0704 for more details.

 

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