Following the freak storm, which resulted in unprecedented damage not previously recorded in the region and saw roofs torn off and utility poles and trees uprooted, more than 130 households, along with government buildings and other public spaces, have already benefited from an extensive Government-led relief and recovery initiative aimed at repairing affected homes.
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, His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali travelled to Region Two, leading a senior inter-agency Government team to assess the damage, engage affected residents and mobilize an immediate response.
Following the President’s visit, a regional task force was established to coordinate relief operations under the leadership of Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. 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 on Wednesday immediately following the President’s visit and continued into the weekend, 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.
Minister Ramraj noted that interacting with residents throughout the operation has reinforced the significance of the initiative.
“Being on the ground and hearing directly from residents allowed us to make the best decisions possible to assist those affected. We spoke to elderly persons, single mothers and even persons with disabilities and were able to make strategic decisions on prioritizing resource distribution. Family after family has shared how much this response has meant to them. For many, it was the difference between spending another night under a damaged roof and sleeping safely in their homes. That is the impact we set out to make, and it is exactly what this Government is committed to delivering,” he added.
The operation was supported by Regional Chairman Devin Mohan, Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit, the Prime Minister’s Regional Representative Arnold Adams, ranks of the Guyana Defence Force’s Infantry Battalion and 4 Engineer Battalion, Guyana Police Force recruits, regional officials, volunteers and several businesses across the Essequibo Coast, all of whom played a vital role in the success of the relief effort.
Regional Chairman Devin Mohan said the response is a clear demonstration of Government’s commitment to its people, noting that from the very first hours of the incident, agencies moved swiftly following the President’s mobilisation to ensure support reached affected families without delay.
“This response is a clear demonstration of strong coordination and Government’s commitment to its people. We are grateful to all agencies, volunteers and partners and I especially want to thank the 12 private contractors who volunteered their services and crews to support the relief efforts. Their contribution has been invaluable in reaching affected households in such a short space of time.”
As recovery works continue, the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every affected resident receives the necessary support, while restoring homes, public infrastructure and essential services across Region Two.
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