Grenada high commissioner launches appeal after passage of Hurricane Beryl

LONDON:

As the Caribbean, last week, suffered the effects of Hurricane Beryl’s passage through the region, leaving destruction in its path, many UK-based organisations have made appeals for help and assistance for those affected.

The Windward Islands, bearing the brunt of one of the earliest and most powerful hurricanes of the season, which started in June, suffered extensive damage. The storm directly targeted Grenada, Carriacou, Petite Martinique, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, all of which were severely affected. The hurricane later continued on its path through the Caribbean and damaged parts of Jamaica

Leading the appeals was the High Commissioner for Grenada, Rachér Croney, who sent a letter to the community detailing the significant damage to Grenada and its sister isles of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

She said: “As the high commissioner for Grenada, I wish to express heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support to the people of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, especially during the challenging times of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Your assistance has been invaluable throughout the years, and for this, we say thank you.

“Today, I reach out to you with a heavy heart as I’m sure you have been following Hurricane Beryl and the devastating impact on our beloved homeland. The Category 4 hurricane caused significant damage to our infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods, leaving many of our citizens in urgent need of assistance, particularly on the neighbouring isles of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

“Therefore, we once again call upon your support to aid the tri-island state of Grenada with the recovery efforts. Your generous support will help our communities as we endeavour to heal from this recent disaster.

“The Grenada Disaster Relief Fund, an account housed at Lloyds Bank under the auspices of the high commission, is a testament to our commitment to transparency and accountability. The account was established here in the UK to assist with recovery efforts in the event of any national disasters in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. Persons wishing to make a financial donation to the recovery efforts can do so directly into the account. Any donation, however little, will make a meaningful impact.”

The Grenada High Commissioner also went on to note that the mission would be circulating a list of the items needed and where they could be sent. Persons wishing to contact the mission for more information can do so directly by email to office@grenada-highcommission.co.uk or telephone: 02073854415.

Meanwhile, the social activist group Grenada Forward Ever has been giving out information on individual groups that are also organising collections of items that can be sent to Grenada to assist in the relief efforts.

A drop-off point was established at No Better Cutz, 316a Ladbroke Grove, London W10 5NQ and items needed were non-perishable foods, water, children and adult clothes, nappies, toiletries, and any other essential items. The contact person for this effort is Saskia on 07572492258.

The YAA Centre located at 1 Chippenham News, London W9 2AN was also taking in items to assist with the Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique donation drive. Items required included new bedding, tin and dried foods, pharmaceutical supplies, washing detergent, cleaning supplies, and other essentials. Persons wishing to donate can contact the YAA Centre on 02072664375.