Mahdia, surrounding communities benefit from Covid relief hampers

—residents commend initiative

Hundreds of households in Mahdia and surrounding communities in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) are beneficiaries of COVID-19 food relief hampers.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Hon. Pauline Sukhai on Wednesday spearheaded the distribution of the hampers in the town, through a collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, among others.

“We are hoping that as a Government we bring some level of support and relief to the families from the impact of COVID-19,” Minister Sukhai told DPI.

The Minister said the support to residents follows the successful disbursement of the $25,000 COVID-19 cash grants to primary households in the region.

Minister Sukhai called on civil society to continue to play a role in supporting the Administration’s humanitarian efforts amid the pandemic.

“We have always, as a Government encourage the civil society in supporting good cause and I think the COVID-19 pandemic is not one which Government should tackle alone. So, anyone who has the resources and the capacity to chip in and support communities are free to do so.”

Minister Sukhai commended businesses in Mahdia that have donated relief supplies for many vulnerable households there.

The Minister also lauded the contributions of the Mahdia chapter of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) that has sewn and distributed masks and facilitated the distribution of cleaning hampers to the Mahdia Hospital since the onset of the pandemic.

Several residents expressed their appreciation for the relief supplies which included canned goods, rice and other food items.

Resident, Mr. Mark Rodrigues

A father of six, residing at Five Miles Junction, Mr. Mark Rodrigues said the assistance arrived at an opportune time.

Mr. Rodrigues said, “around this community, most people do dredging, but right now it real rough for a lot of people around here. So, the hampers would be good for everybody in the area.”

Resident, Ms. Michelle DaSilva

For housewife and mother of three, Ms. Michelle DaSilva, the food supplies will make a significant impact. “This is very good. It’s helping a lot of people because a lot of people are without jobs,” she said.

Another resident, Mr. Basant Deonal said the hampers will offset expenses for many families.

At each interaction, Minister Sukhai advised eligible citizens to get vaccinated against Covid.

Resident, Mr. Basant Deonal

Minister Sukhai told residents, “we are encouraging families, especially those 18 years and over to ensure that they are vaccinated. We are also supporting and endorsing the campaign to ensure that everyone wears a mask and that they sanitise their hands and stay a safe distance from each other so as to prevent the contraction of the virus.”

Wednesday’s exercise will continue for the remainder of the week. Regional Chairman, Mr. Headley Pio and Community Support Officers supported the distribution of the hampers.