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

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News