Region Five residents get over $3.5M in flood relief

(WSCL’s Manager for Southern Territories Mr. Richard Ramlal (third from left) hands over the hampers to Regional Chairman of the Mahaica-Berbice Region, Mr. Vickchand Ramphal (frouth from left) while in the presence of other officials)

A private company has donated care packages including several sanitary items to residents of Region Five who are affected by severe flooding.

The company which also has a local office –Western Scientific Company Limited (WSCL) –recently handed over six hundred (600) care packs and thirty-four thousand six hundred and eight (34,608) infant disposal diapers to the Regional administration of the Mahaica-Berbice Region.

The care packages which included a number of sanitary products such as soaps, soap powder, garbage bags, hand sanitizers, bleach, sanitary pads, mouthwash, disinfectants and other items amounted to over $3.5M.

According to a statement from the company, WSCL’s President and Founder Edwin Mackoon said the company takes pride in extending a helping hand to communities in need since it is their belief that community development is critical for the progress of society.

“Upon hearing that the floods affecting the regions across the country were categorised as a level two (2) disaster by His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali, we immediately sought to identify an affected region and provide our support and assistance in a tangible way,” he was quoted saying.

According to Mackoon, the company was alerted to the needs of residents along the Mahaicony, Mahaica and Abary Rivers and contacted the Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal indicating its intention.

“Within three days of being told of the need in these areas, we procured and delivered the items donated…It is our hope that the donation of these items will help a family in need to get back on their feet in some way until this disaster is overcome,” the President of WSCL said.

Three hundred and fifty (350) of the hampers were handed over by WSCL’s Manager for Southern Territories Mr. Richard Ramlal to the Regional Chairman at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital recently, with the remaining amount delivered to Branch road, Mahaicony.

Mr. Ramlal said that his company has always taken its social and corporate responsibility seriously. “As best as we could at Western Scientific, we render assistance in times of need,” he said.

“Having seen the floods first hand, I know we made the right decision to make our contribution. I know the people who the care packages are intended to benefit from will certainly make good and much needed use of them. I am happy I am a part of a team that gives back to our community,” he added.

In expressing gratitude for the donation, Mr. Ramphal said, “This means a lot to us in the Region and it means a lot to the people of Region number five (5) and we are grateful that we have Western Scientific being a part of this movement to bring adequate supplies that are of need to the people of this Region.”

He said the donation from the private company is timely as the state’s resources are stretched to cater to all of the residents and areas countrywide affected by the flood disaster.

Western Scientific Co. Limited, is an external Company duly incorporated in Trinidad and Tobago with chapters throughout the Caribbean and most recently, Guyana. It focuses on the Supply, Installation, Commissioning and Training of Scientific, Clinical & Medical Laboratory Equipment and Supplies.