Support from corporate Guyana continues to swell, with oil giant ExxonMobil stepping up with a donation to the country’s hurricane relief efforts for its Caribbean neighbours that were devastated by the storms in recent months.
At the handing over Tuesday morning, President David Granger said that the Government of Guyana welcomed the Gy$10 million donation from ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess and CNOOC Nexen, which he said would go a long way in helping the affected countries and their citizens to recover from the devastation experienced during the current hurricane season, which ends on November 30.
The donation was handed over to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who holds responsibility for the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), just before the start of this week’s Cabinet meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency.
Minister Harmon, in brief remarks after receiving the cheque, expressed appreciation on behalf of Government to all members of the Private Sector, including ExxonMobil, that have made resources available to the CDC to support the relief efforts.
“On behalf of the CDC and the Government of Guyana, we would like to thank ExxonMobil for giving so generously and contributing to the disaster relief efforts of the Civil Defence Commission. We are all aware of the damage, which was done by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and we believe that this is an excellent demonstration of your social corporate responsibility and corporate consciousness that you have come forward without even prodding to give this generous donation,” he said.
Meanwhile, ExxonMobil Guyana’s Country Manager, Rod Henson, said that the company considered its community relationships an essential element of its business and added that in times of crisis, it is important that resources are combined.
“We have worked with the CDC before. They do a fantastic job and so we are happy to help in this effort, [which will go a long way in helping thousands of persons who have been left affected by the hurricanes],” he noted.
Additionally, Senior Director, Public and Government Affairs at ExxonMobil Guyana, Kimberly Brasington added that the United States-based oil giant remained supportive of efforts, which could improve the lives of persons, particularly those who have been left in vulnerable positions.
“We are committed to providing support and assistance for disaster relief and recovery efforts to affected Guyanese. We want to do our part to help ensure storm victims have the support to recover and rebuild,” she said.
CDC Director General, Colonel (retired) Chabilall Ramsarup was also present for the handing over of the cheque.
Earlier this year, the company supported the CDC’s work in post-flood relief and recovery efforts in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) to the tune of Gy$5 million.
The more recent contribution is made in support of the Natural Resources Ministry in line with the company’s and their partners’ commitment to a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme, from which the funds are being allocated.
Guyana’s hurricane relief effort will be further boosted by a Hurricane Relief Concert, which will be held this Saturday at D’Urban Park. The concert will feature a line-up of popular Trinidadian artistes, including Patrice Roberts, Ola Tungi, and Orlando Octave alongside several of Guyana’s best performers.
