Guyanese in BVI appeal for Government help

Hundreds of Guyanese in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are appealing to the Guyana Government for aid and assistance with repatriation following the devastation of Hurricane Irma that left thousands homeless on the Caribbean island.

Guyanese on the island are facing food shortages and a growing security threat, including from looters. A news article has also noted that at least 120 prisoners are on the streets after the hurricane also destroyed the prison.

Rhonda Edwards, a former BVI teacher with knowledge of the situation took to social media to plead for assistance from the Guyana Government. She called on Guyanese all over to put some pressure on the Government of Guyana to send aid and some form of relief to the many Guyanese residents suffering in the British Virgin Islands.

“People are begging for help. Some want to get out and go home immediately. This is a call to action. Please share and encourage people to bombard them with calls,” Edwards stated.

News Room has confirmed that Caribbean Governments have started evacuating its citizens. St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are working with the BVI Government to get their citizens to safety.

BBC has described the BVI in the aftermath of the hurricane as a ‘war zone’. The communication infrastructure is shattered, making it difficult for residents to communicate with relatives and friends.

The BVI is home to some 1500 Guyanese and confirmed reports are that a Guyanese man, Derek Ragnaught, is one of five persons that died on the island as a result of Hurricane Irma.