The media copes in Guyana

Guyana-based Bert Wilkinson Vice President of the
ACM (at right) and Caribbean Net News Senior
Correspondent Norman 'Gus' Thomas, both are very
concerned

Saturday, January 22, 2005

GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Heavier than usual rains in Guyana since Boxing Day have caused so much flooding that more than 400,000 people - half the population - are inundated with dirty flood waters.  The average rainfall for January is eight inches but, up to January 21, over 28 inches had drenched the city and coastal areas, which is already six feet below sea level.

Caribbean Net News received information from the vice-president of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers, Bert Wilkinson who reports that the state-owned Chronicle, turned into a flood bulletin, has taken a decision to distribute copies freely for an undisclosed period so readers can used it as a physical advisory on what is happening-where and how to get relief.

The privately-owned Channel Four in Queenstown has been off the air since heavy rains started a week ago. The Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) is on and off the air. Stations with TV news have had to relocate newsrooms from ground floor offices to upper flats to remain on the air, while some journalists have been so moved they have contributed private funds to help others in need. Many practitioners have had to abandon their homes and move in with relatives and friends. Diplomats have moved to hotels as streets and yards are under up to three feet of water. 

Thursday was the only day in the last week with a full day of sun, but forecasters here say persistent rains will be here until the end of the month. This will be sheer chaos, if this is accurate as many villages are already chest high in waters. The rains have broken records for 100 years and like Grenada after Ivan, people are becoming depressed, restless and are threatening to riot even as claims about discrimination in official aid distribution are beginning to mount. 

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