A group of young Barbadians have teamed up with the Venezuelan Institute of Culture and Co-operation, to create a drive to collect food and toiletries for the people of Barbuda.
Cuban graduates, members of the Riddim Tribe dance group, CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, and the Clement Payne Movement, have come together to pull off the effort which is taking place this week.
They are calling on residents of Barbados, including businesses, to donate food, toiletries, clothing, and medication, which will be sent to Antigua and Barbuda, via a military plane being provided by the Government of Venezuela.
Those willing to contribute to the worthy cause can take the items they are donating to the Clement Payne Centre, The City, between the hours of
9 a.m. and 7 p.m., starting from tomorrow.
The Venezuelan Institute, Hastings, Christ Church, will also be receiving items from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are also barrels stationed at the Barbados Community College Book Source, the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Student Guild, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall.
Yesterday, speaking during a press conference at the Clement Payne Centre, to launch the project, Cuban Graduate, Dr. Shari Goring, said she and other young professionals decided to create the drive on Friday, after feeling concerned about the residents of Barbuda which was directly hit by the disastrous storm.
“We are going to approach some companies, through the help of the Clement Payne Movement, to try to get some sponsorship to donate as much as possible,” Dr. Goring said.
The collection should be completed by Friday, September 15, as the items have to be packed and ready to be delivered to the Antigua and Barbuda government over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan Ambassador to Barbados, Francisco Manuel Perez Santana, said his country was saddened by the destruction and willingly responded to assist Barbuda which was completely destroyed by the storm.
The Ambassador said the military plane was sent with soldiers and emergency personnel and food, to assist Barbuda. The plane has thus far assisted with transporting survivors from Barbuda over to the sister island Antigua, as well as to St. Lucia to collect water.
He said the Institute was happy to have teamed up with the youth groups to assist in the effort, and made an appeal to Barbadians to lend a helping hand. (AH)