Guyana to Dispatch Relief to St. Vincent Within 48 Hours

GEORGETOWN, Guyana,– The government of Guyana says that it is aiming to send relief items to St Vincent and the Grenadines in the next 48 hours, following the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano .

During an emergency meeting on Saturday, President Irfaan Ali, along with Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo spoke with members of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Private Sector to coordinate an emergency response to help the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state,

According to a statement issued following the meeting, the President brainstormed the fastest possible route to the islands, as flying is prohibited at this time.

Ali stressed the importance of getting items sent to St. Vincent and urged the authorities to put all systems in place to get it done in the fastest possible time.

He also said that this emergency response is expected to be the first of many from Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) is also collaborating with the CDC and is working to supply as many items as possible on the immediate emergency needs.

There are approximately 4,000 Guyanese nationals living in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.