July 3, 2024 – St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the beautiful country consisting of 32 islands and keys, is reeling in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. The then Category 4 hurricane tore through the Windward Islands causing catastrophic damage. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves confirmed today that Union Island, Canouan, and Mayreau have been particularly hard hit, with Union Island suffering the most severe damage. Government officials have established Disaster Relief Funds and donation options (in article), while neighboring islands like St. Kitts and Nevis, along with local groups such as Nirvana Yacht Charter, are actively contributing to humanitarian aid efforts.
Reports from Union Island paint a grim picture. An estimated 90 percent of homes have been either severely damaged or completely destroyed. The human toll is also tragic; at least one person has been confirmed dead, and several others have sustained serious injuries. The widespread destruction has forced scores of residents to evacuate their homes, seeking refuge in temporary shelters.
Reports from Union Island by local news reporter.
Video Credits to: One News SVG
Canouan a popular vacation spot has also experienced significant devastation, though detailed reports are still emerging. On Mayreau, approximately 95 percent of houses have been damaged, leaving the small island community struggling to cope with the extensive destruction. Local infrastructure on both Canouan and Union islands has been severely impacted. The cellular tower in Canouan has been destroyed, isolating persons on the island and preventing communication with anyone outside, thus complicating relief efforts and prolonging the path to recovery.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, as damages have spread across multiple other islands beyond St. Vincent and the Grenadines, including Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Tobago, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.
In response to the crisis, Taiwan has pledged more than XCD $500,000 to St. Vincent and the Grenadines aid in the recovery efforts. This financial assistance will be crucial in providing immediate relief and supporting long-term rebuilding initiatives. The government and international organizations are coordinating to deliver much-needed supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, to the affected regions.
Neighboring islands have also been contributing to those in need. Among them are St. Kitts and Nevis, which sent its first contribution of disaster relief supplies to sister islands impacted by Hurricane Beryl. The relief aid departed from St. Kitts on July 2, 2024, aboard the St. Vincent and the Grenadines coast guard vessel, Captain Hugh Mulzac.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines coast guard vessel, Captain Hugh Mulzac disaster relief.
Photo Credits to: SKN PULSE MEDIA
Prime Minister Gonsalves has been vocal in his commitment to rebuilding the affected areas, emphasizing the need for swift and coordinated action.
“We are facing a monumental task, but we are not alone. The support from our international partners, like Taiwan, and the resilience of our people will guide us through this challenging time…”
Ralph E Gonsalves stated in a press briefing.
“We Will Build It Back”
“We will comfort, console, clothe, shelter and feed our people. They are us and we are them. In solidarity with our friends and allies, we will rebuild the Southern Grenadines better and stronger and more resilient.”
Said the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in his emotional instagram post amid hurrican Beryl destruction.
As of July 3, 2024, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Official Disaster Relief Fund website www.svghurricanerelief.gov.vc will go live within the next 48 hours. This will offer those looking to contribute towards a source they can trust.
For those looking to make an immediate direct contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund, The Ministry of Finance Economic Planning and Information Technology has provided banking information that can be used below.
ACCOUNT NAME: Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Accountant General — Disaster Relief Fund
ACCOUNT NO.: 137741
BANK NAME: Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bedford Street, Kingstown, St. Vincent
SWIFT CODE: NCBWC22
INTERNATIONAL ROUTING BANKS: Bank of New York SWIFT Code: IRVTUS3N
Bank of America SWIFT Code: BOFAUS3M
Despite the overwhelming damage, the spirit of the local communities remains unbroken. Volunteers and local organizations are mobilizing to assist in the recovery efforts, providing immediate relief to those in need and beginning the arduous process of rebuilding homes and infrastructure.
We spoke with other local relief groups, particularly Nirvana Yacht Charter, to get more details about the severity of the situation.
“St. Vincent and the Grenadines is my home and I am heartbroken that there’s so much destruction. We have the power to help, so we help the best we can”
Said Canyon Duncan, at Nirvana Yacht Charter
At this time, the group is actively in Chaguaramas, Trinidad, gathering relief supplies to sail to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to be distributed to those in need. Nirvana Yacht Charter, the company, has raised over $4000 USD for relief aid. They are also collaborating with the Tradewinds Crew to obtain additional supplies.
As St. Vincent and the Grenadines begin the long road to recovery, the global community’s support and the government’s decisive actions will be crucial in restoring these vibrant island communities.
