Latest update April 4th, 2025 6:13 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Inhuman distribution of aid

Jan 25, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,

The world continues to be troubled by great natural disasters affecting the lives of millions and in the case of Haiti, a death toll that amounts to several thousands.

In these cases humanitarian aid is rapidly deployed…but a lesson has not been learnt by all donor agencies.

From the graphic photographs that came out of Ethiopia, Darfur, and now Haiti, we still see food and other items of survival being flung from the backs of trucks to grappling crowds, which in many cases the fittest and strongest always benefitted. What about those who are incapable to join the scrum?

During the floods in Guyana, the same methods were used. Not only is it dehumanising, but the sick, the young, the weak were unable to access whatever aid was literally thrown at them.

I devised a system in one of the villages where I urged all residents to go back to their homes and await the assistance that was forthcoming. It worked.

Not only were the donors able to see the demography of each household, they were able to assess those in greater need etc.

It is natural in any disaster that within a small time frame people will eventually find their own space and occupy it until the crisis is over.

It does take some logistical working out to implement this kind of aid distribution, but in the end, all will benefit especially the weak, the injured, the disabled. It also guarantees that the needed aid gets to those who need it most.

I hope in the future, aid agencies will adapt this holistic approach as in the end the most at risk and vulnerable will be able to be cared for.

Deo Persaud

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 31st, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

 

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Saints and GTI dominate as YBG Georgetown Regional Conference continues

Saints and GTI dominate as YBG Georgetown Regional Conference...

Apr 04, 2025

Kaieteur Sports- The Georgetown Regional Conference continued in thrilling fashion on Wednesday at the National Gymnasium hardcourt, with dominant performances from Saints Stanislaus and Government...
Read More
Carty misses ton, Hamilton (80) sets up tense battle as Harpy Eagles speed ace Alimohamed bags 5

Carty misses ton, Hamilton (80) sets up tense...

Apr 04, 2025

Annandale Sec’ dominates latest fixtures in Region #4 leg of the Jagan Memorial Windball Competition

Annandale Sec’ dominates latest fixtures in...

Apr 04, 2025

GPF FC to tackle Slingerz tomorrow as GFF Elite League Season VII continues

GPF FC to tackle Slingerz tomorrow as GFF Elite...

Apr 04, 2025

Permaul’s Trading & Distribution joins forces for the 2025 O40s T20 tournament

Permaul’s Trading & Distribution joins...

Apr 04, 2025

All set for Rotary Club of NA Childhood Obesity Prevention Inter Secondary School Tapeball Cricket competition final and semifinal today

All set for Rotary Club of NA Childhood Obesity...

Apr 04, 2025

Features/Columnists

  • The reciprocal tariffs

    Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has once again proven his talent for making the indefensible... more

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]