ExxonMobil and its joint venture partners, Hess and CNOOC Nexen today donated US$50,000 (G$10M) to Guyana’s hurricane relief efforts for territories across the Caribbean which were devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
A statement from the Ministry of the Presidency on Tuesday said Guyana’s Head-of-State, President David Granger, was on hand to witness the donation and said the Government is grateful for the contribution as it will go a long way towards helping the persons who have been affected by the hurricanes. “Thank you very much. You are helping others to help other people,” he said.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, in brief remarks, welcomed the donation and said that the Government thanks all members of the private sector, including ExxonMobil, that have made resources available to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to support its work. “On behalf of the CDC and the Government of Guyana, we would like to thank ExxonMobil for giving so generously and contributing to the disaster relief efforts of the Civil Defence Commission. We are all aware of the damages, which were done by Hurricanes Irma and Maria and we believe that this is an excellent demonstration of your social corporate responsibility and corporate consciousness that you have come forward without even prodding, to give this generous donation,” he said.
ExxonMobil Guyana Country Manager, Rod Henson, said the company considers their community relationships an essential element of their business and added that in times of crises it is important that resources are combined to ensure a rapid response.
“Corporate social responsibility is important to us at ExxonMobil as well as to our partners. We have worked with the CDC before, they do a fantastic job, and so we are happy to help in this effort, which will go a long way in helping thousands of persons who have been left affected by the hurricanes,” he said.
Senior Director, Public and Government Affairs, Kimberly Brasington said that the company remains supportive of efforts, which can improve the lives of persons, particularly those who have been left in vulnerable positions. “We are committed to providing support and assistance for disaster relief and recovery efforts to affected Guyanese. We want to do our part to help ensure storm victims have the support to recover and rebuild,” she said.
Earlier this year, the company supported the CDC’s work in post-flood relief and recovery in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven) and Potaro- Siparuni (Region Eight) to the tune of US$25,000. The more recent contribution was made in consultation with the Ministry of Natural Resources.
