Many Guyanese living in Region Four have been spared the horrendous effects of the heavy rainfall and high tide over the past few weeks. But for other citizens in the Essequibo Region, the Hinterland Region, the Pomeroon Area, Region 10, and other areas, the effects have been devastating.
President Irfaan Ali said he was able to get a firsthand look at the extent of the tragedy that is facing the country following several visits to flood-affected areas.
During the opening of Saipem Guyana’s Offshore Construction Facility at Water Street, Georgetown yesterday, the Head of State who was tasked with delivering the feature address said his assessments have left him to conclude that the floods have left the nation facing the worst disaster it has ever had in its history.
Before participating in the opening ceremony, the Head of State said he had just returned from Olive Creek, Kurupung Bottom, and Kamarang where the lives of citizens have been destroyed. He said everything they worked for all their life has disappeared. Ali said, “When you speak about the impact in Black Bush Polder, I can tell you about a farmer who from the last four generations had livestock that is no longer there today. This is occurring as we celebrate World Environment Day, 100s of homes have been destroyed, tens of thousands of farms too.”
He continued, “I listened to a father in tears telling me his avocado farm is completely gone, but worse is that the trees will no longer be there after these floods have subsided. With his 15-year-old son standing beside him, he looks over at him and says ‘What is this boy going to do?”
After witnessing the foregoing, the President said the scale of this disaster is certainly misunderstood by those of in Region Four while adding, “We are lucky here because we have the Hope Canal that is assisting us tremendously. But I am asking you here don’t underestimate the scale of this disaster.”
Further to his, Ali said his visits to the communities hard-hit by flooding reinforces that Guyana is at risk of the effects of climate change. He noted as well that the effects are more likely to be devastating since Guyana is below sea level.
The President said it was frightening to fly over some communities like Black Bush Polder and see hundreds of livestock stranded that will die. He said this is the environment the government will have to rebuild in and make certain investments today that will secure the future of the nation in the face of climate change.
Ali concluded, “We have to make those investments now and the resources that will come our way will help us make those investments to secure the livelihoods of the people of this country.”
