CAC donates disinfection machines, water tanks, masks, and food rations to 1,500 people to boost response to COVID-19

The Central Sugar Consortium (CAC) and the Central Barahona Foundation (FCB) delivered more than 400 food ration packages to different social and religious organizations in the Barahona province, with the goal of mitigating the devastating impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable communities.  The Cáritas Social Ministry of the Diocese of Barahona, directed by Msgr. Andrés Napoleón Romero Cárdenas and coordinated by Father Antonio Fernández Rodríguez, received 250 boxes and 50 covers; the latter were prepared by families of company employees, to be distributed to families previously identified in various parishes.

In addition, 54 packages were distributed to families in the Boquerón community, Las Salinas municipality and an additional 50 to residents of Villa Central, both organized by neighborhood councils.  Each area was provided with enough food for one week per family, thus providing food for more than fifteen hundred people.

"As a Dominican company we have always felt committed to supporting the most vulnerable communities and actions like these allow us to consolidate the idea, especially in these very difficult times caused by COVID-19," said Julio Fernández, Communications Superintendent of the CAC.  Additionally, Karla Rojas, Operations Manager of the FCB, stated “We recognize that it is a time of solidarity, a time of union and only together can we move forward. This is why we continue to do our bit.”

Separately, CAC also donated a water pressure disinfection machine and two tanks of a capacity of 264 gallons each to the Civil Defense of Barahona.  The items were presented on behalf of CAC by Mr. Fernández, who highlighted the generous work carried out by Civil Defense volunteers, especially now while solidarity is the best way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.  Esteban Marine, coordinator of Community Relations was also present.  Augusto Moreta, director of the Civil Defense of Barahona, received the articles and thanked the company for the many donations it has made over time.

The CAC, through the FCB, also delivered 100 N95 Masks and 500 surgical masks to the National Council for HIV and AIDS (CONAVIHSIDA).  The donations were received by CONVIHSIDA Director, Dr. Víctor Terrero.  The items were presented at CAC facilities in the presence of Mr. Fernández and Ms. Rojas as well as other officials from both COAVIHSIDA and FCB.

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, the CAC has continued to act on its commitment to help combat the crisis by making a series of contributions to different entities in the Enriquillo Region.