Following media reports of flooding in Guyana Catholic News spoke to Vicar General of the Diocese of Georgetown, Wednesday, Jan 19, after unsuccessfully trying to contact the Catholic Standard .

Vicar General Fr John Persaud confirmed that the office of the Catholic Standard , as many other offices in Georgetown , had been flooded out and had been forced to close. His first word on the situation was that it was "rough".

His own residence at the Cathedral presbytery was full as they had to take in a number of people whose homes were flooded - the ground floor of the presbytery building was also flooded.

Fr Persaud said that the flooding began Saturday after heavy rains Friday night. After a brief reprieve on Sunday it was more rains and floods again on Monday. The rain was forecast to continue a further four days. Fr Persaud said that the greatest fear was the threat to the dams along the East Coast.

He said that in the midst of it all people's spirits are high and there was a "fantastic" spirit of cooperation and willingness to help each other. Fr Persaud explained that even though he had to buy sandbags, the person selling them was using the money to purchase food for others affected by the floods.

The situation has served "to bring Gospel values alive.selfishness has given way to selflessness." The Government and opposition have been working together for the good of all affected by the floods.

Fr Persaud said he was grateful for the prayerful support and concern of the Church in Trinidad and Tobago for the people of Guyana at this time.