More than 130 households, Government buildings and other public facilities have benefited from a comprehensive Government-led relief and recovery initiative following a freak storm last week, which ripped off roofs, utility poles and uprooted trees along the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

In addition to residential properties, several public spaces and Government buildings also sustained damage from the high winds. The Anna Regina Fire Station, the Department of Education building, and the Anna Regina Library were all affected during the storm. Additionally, a section of the roof of the yet-to-be-commissioned new Anna Regina Stadium was also ripped off during the severe winds. Within hours of the incident, President Dr Irfaan Ali led a team to the region to assess the damage, engage affected residents and mobilise an immediate response. Following his visit, a regional task force was established to coordinate relief operations under the leadership of Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj.

The task force comprised representatives from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Guyana Police Force (GPF), Essequibo Civil Society and several other stakeholders. Relief efforts commenced last Wednesday, with some emergency teams working well into the evenings to ensure affected families could return to safe and secure homes in the shortest possible time. The operation included damage assessments, the distribution of roofing materials and the completion of emergency roof repairs across several communities. Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Minister Ramraj said the response reflected the Government’s unwavering commitment to putting people first. “His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali made it clear from the very beginning that every affected family must receive the support they need. That clear vision has guided every decision we have made over the past few days. We have worked around the clock because our priority has always been the people, and we will continue until every affected household receives the assistance it deserves,” the Minister said. Ramraj noted that interacting with residents throughout the operation has reinforced the significance of the initiative.