The Guyana Government through the country’s Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has activated its response mechanism to facilitate assistance and support for The Bahamas, which has suffered devastating effects from Hurricane Dorian.

In a statement from the Department of Public Information, Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, is quoted as saying that he also intends to meet with the Private Sector Commission to have combined efforts to dispatch needed resources to the sister Caricom state.

Lieutenant Colonel Craig said that the Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is monitoring the effects of Hurricane Dorian.

The Rapid Needs Assessment Team (RNAT) located in The Bahamas has prepared a pre-impact analysis, in collaboration with the national lead agencies, which is currently being reviewed by the Government of Bahamas through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). 

The Bahamian government had described the damage left by the hurricane as unprecedented and extensive, with many homes, businesses and other buildings completely or partially destroyed.

Mr. Craid said water pumps, reverse osmosis plant, bladder tanks, generators and hygiene kits were the immediate needs identified by the country, but the most appropriate need at this time is financial support.

He noted that CDC plans to establish accounts at various commercial banks in Guyana so persons can make donations for relief efforts in the island. The accounts’ information will be circulated as soon as they are made available. The monies raised would be used to support response teams deployed, establish and manage shelters and to procure relief supplies.

The Commission will also be reaching out to Guyanese living in The Bahamas who were impacted, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to determine what level of support is needed.

Hurricane Dorian made landfall on the Bahamas at Elbow Cay, Abacos Islands on Sunday with winds of 185 mph.

At least seven persons lost their lives in the hurricane.

Guyana has expressed its solidarity with The Bahamas and its people as the country has committed to offer needed assistance.

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