By Anara Khan
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – As Guyana continues to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and the Stabroek Block co-venturers, Hess and CNOOC, are providing support funds.
A joint release from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Salvation Army, and Rotary Guyana, on Wednesday, indicated that to date more than $60 Million has been received to support COVID-19 relief programmes.
The oil companies, the release stated, have been “providing funds as part of the programme established collaboratively with the Department of Energy (DE) to support social projects.”
It noted that the companies were assisted by the DE in identifying programmes that were in greatest need of COVID-19 funding and could reach as many people as possible throughout the country.
Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig explained that the funds will also be utilised to supplement the humanitarian efforts designed to relief hampers containing food, cleaning and sanitation supplies, cloth masks, and educational material on protecting against COVID-19.
He noted that these packages will be distributed to the most vulnerable to COVID-19 senior citizens, children’s homes, and the economically disadvantaged.
“We continue to develop the most effective mechanism to ensure that the vulnerable population receives the most appropriate relief since the levels of impact vary and can have short-, medium- and long-term effects,” Lt. Col. Craig said.
The Salvation Army received $10 million to support hamper distribution in the regions, in coordination with the CDC, as well as for hot meals for the homeless in Region 4.
Rotary Guyana also received $10 million to be used for medical supplies including procurement of N95 masks, oxygen tanks, and personal protective equipment for hospitals and clinics throughout Guyana.
The release also highlighted the department of energy’s satisfaction to be lending support in the country’s fight against the pandemic.
“In these challenging times the department of energy, ministry of the presidency is pleased to be associated with this national effort to bring some level of relief to our vulnerable communities and those on the frontline in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic in conformity with the ideals of shared sacrifices,” the release quoted the director of the department of energy Dr Mark Bynoe.
Department of Public Information, Ministry of the Presidency.
