St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves has publicly thanked President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and his administration for the extensive relief supplies sent to his nation in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.
The supplies, which included food, lumber, galvanized building materials, tools, and gasoline generators, were crucial in addressing the immediate needs of the hurricane-stricken island.
The category four hurricane, which intensified into a category five storm after making landfall in Carriacou, Grenada, left a trail of devastation in its wake. Guyana’s rapid response to the disaster involved dispatching several shipments of essential items to the affected Caribbean nations. This generous aid reflects the strong ties between Guyana and its Caribbean neighbors.
Expressing his gratitude, Prime Minister Gonsalves highlighted the importance of the support received. “I am very happy to see our Guyanese brothers and sisters who came on the vessel bringing the shipment of relief aid such as food and building materials,” he said.
He further noted that the relief efforts underscore the solidarity within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) during times of crisis.
Further demonstrating this solidarity, 50 ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be deployed to Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines under the leadership of Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dale De Mendonca. Their mission will be to bolster the immediate recovery efforts following the hurricane.
“Guyana has been very generous. Guyana also has a strong relationship with Grenada. The Caribbean Community has come together quite well. We have had meetings already on the relief matters,” Gonsalves noted. He emphasized the collaborative advocacy efforts on a global scale to secure additional assistance for the Caribbean countries affected by the hurricane.
The impact of Hurricane Beryl has been particularly severe on the agricultural sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with over 80 percent of it affected. Rural communities in Jamaica have also suffered extensive damage. In Grenada, the situation has been described as ‘horrific,’ with the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique experiencing widespread destruction cash crops as well as livestock.
To further aid the recovery, Gonsalves announced that another shipment of essential supplies from Guyana is expected soon. This continued support is vital for the rebuilding and recovery efforts in the hurricane-stricken regions.
