Georgetown, GINA, May 21, 2006 - President Bharrat Jagdeo has contacted his Surinamese counterpart President Ronald Venetiaan and expressed his solidarity and his government's willingness to assist Guyana's eastern neighbour.
The Head of State said that once President Venetiaan indicates what type of assistance is required, then Guyana would be ready to lend a helping hand.
Suriname is presently suffering from devastating floods and food and other supplies are dropped off via aircraft to those affected.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds on May 17 in a message to Suriname's President Venetiaan had indicated Guyana's willingness to assist, "the government and people of Suriname in any way necessary at this difficult time with a view to alleviating some of eth tremendous suffering occasioned by this tragedy."
A recent BBC Caribbean news report revealed that about 175 villages close to the Suriname and Marowijne rivers in southeastern and central Suriname are the worst affected.
A team from the United Nations (UN) has been deployed to Suriname to offer relief assistance to over 30,000 victims hit by the disaster.
Several parts of Suriname's interior were declared disaster areas by President Venetiaan on May 8 after unprecedented and torrential rainfall commenced at the beginning of the month.