Mr. Speaker, while the world's attention was focused on Southeast Asia, Guyana was suffering through the worst floods in over 100 years. Approximately one-third of the population was affected by the flooding.
Working with the Guyanese Canadian community leaders and my good friend Eden Gajraj, at the invitation of the government of Guyana through the High Commissioner of Canada, I was able to visit Guyana and witness firsthand the extent of the flood damage. I want to thank all stakeholders, especially our High Commissioner, Mr. Bruno Picard, for their help and assistance in this visit.
The situation in Guyana is one of great concern. The recent severe flooding has left the walls of the East Demerara conservancy dam in a weakened state and vulnerable to the ravages of the upcoming rainy season in May-June. I was advised that should the conservancy dam break, most of the populated coastal area of Guyana would be flooded and the seawall could collapse. This would cause the coastline of Guyana to be pushed, up to 20 miles inland, causing the need for the immediate evacuation of up to 40% of the population.
The people of Guyana are looking for our help--