Community first aid project launched in Guyana in wake of floods

The Guyana Red Cross has collaborated with the government of Australia on a community first aid training project developed in response to severe flooding earlier this year.

The overall goals of the project are to raise the awareness and importance of first aid in the home and wider community in times of disaster, and to encourage community members to learn preventative measures and be able to respond to emergency needs.

The project will reach 250 persons from eight selected communities in flood-affected areas. Thirty resource persons, to be selected from those reached, will be trained to facilitate sessions with other members of the community after the project ends so as to ensure sustainability.

Three Red Cross first aid instructors conducted the first community training from June 11-12. Instructors report that based on response, members of the various communities are enthusiastic about the project and keen on learning more about other areas of health.

Meanwhile, months after flooding in Guyana 's capital, Georgetown , displaced thousands and destroyed livestock and vegetation, the Guyana Red Cross continues to receive regional assistance to help those affected in rebuilding their lives.

The El Dorado Club -Guyanese Association in Antigua , made a monetary donation to the National Society on June 1.

Presenting the cheque on the association's behalf, Honorary Consul to Antigua and Barbuda , Robert E. Reis said "the Guyanese people in Antigua were very concerned and wanted to assist the fellow countrymen return to life as usual".

And the people of the British Virgin Islands packed and shipped a 20 foot container to the Guyana Red Cross in aid of flood relief efforts.

Some of the items in the container were: purified water, clothes, food items and baby supplies.

Red Cross staff and volunteers worked over the June 4-5 weekend to offload and commence distribution of items.