CIOG donates 200,000 face masks to COVID-19 fight

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) on Wednesday donated a 20-foot container containing 200,000 masks to the government as it reaffirmed its commitment to the COVID-19 fight.

The masks will go to the Ministries of Health, Education and Human Services and Social Security.

In brief remarks, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony expressed the government’s gratitude, noting that acquiring personal protective equipment (PPE) has been challenging during the pandemic.

“We are grateful from the inception that the CIOG has been partnering with us and have made several donations to the most vulnerable persons in our population…this gesture of goodwill in our time of need will certainly go a far way in this pandemic.”

Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud echoed similar sentiments and noted that her Ministry deals with the country’s vulnerable population, and the masks will provide much-needed protection during the pandemic.

“I want to thank the CIOG for ensuring this can happen and allowing the people to benefit because the risk of exposure is a great one and masking is a layer of protection that is needed,” she said.

The CIOG views the donation as part of its civic duty and religious responsibility. Acting President, Mr. Goolzar Namdar remarked that the contribution was not a one-off event.

“We’re not finished here; we will continue on the regional level, we will look at the temples, mosques, churches, policemen and every area we see fit to distribute masks,” Mr. Namdar said.

The donation was facilitated by businessman Asad-Al-Sanad of Al-Sanad Holdings in Kuwait. The arrangement was brokered through the Guyana Embassy in Kuwait. (Extracted and modified from Department of Public Information)