-CARICOM Chair calls for regional solidary, private sector support
-says significant damage, infrastructure destruction have been reported
AS several Caribbean countries brace themselves for the impact of Hurricane Beryl and others begin to assess the damage it has left behind, Guyana’s President and Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr. Irfaan Ali, has called for the mobilisation of the necessary assistance and relief efforts.
In a statement released on Monday, Dr. Ali made a passionate plea for regional unity and a wholistic approach to the destructive Category 4 hurricane.
“As Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I express deep concern and continued anxiety over the passage of Hurricane Beryl through our region. Initial reports have indicated significant damage and destruction to infrastructure and private property in some territories. As this weather phenomenon roars its way through the Region, we must continue to brace ourselves against the effects of high winds, storm surges along sea coasts, and heavy rainfall,” he said.
Further, he said that, in light of these challenging times, all citizens and the private sector of the region should coordinate closely with their respective governments and regional emergency response mechanisms in providing immediate support and relief to those affected by the hurricane.
According to Dr. Ali, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is already working to mobilise and coordinate assistance and disaster relief even as the storm is still passing through the Windward Islands.
”This is a time for all of us as a regional community to stand together and extend our support to those impacted or likely to be impacted by Hurricane Beryl. Let us mobilise the necessary assistance and relief efforts in the true spirit of regional solidarity.
“Together, we can overcome the adversities posed by this hurricane and ensure the safety and well-being of all our peoples and communities,” he added.
CDEMA
In a statement on Monday, the CDEMA Coordinating Unit (CU) and key partners said they stand ready to assist participating states as the region braces for the first major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) of Guyana, is working in collaboration with the CDEMA to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
During a Caribbean Development Partners Group (CDPG) meeting held Monday and involving over 166 partners from local, regional and international agencies, plans were shared in preparation for the hurricane.
The CDPG was co-chaired by CDEMA’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Riley and the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Simon Springett.
Major stakeholders in attendance at the meeting included the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves; Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell; National Disaster Coordinators and Ministers who gave updates on activation of National Emergency Operation Centres, logistics, communication as well as relief and response to the levels of impact.
The CDEMA CU activated its Regional Coordination Plan on June 29, 2024 and continues to monitor the progress of Hurricane Beryl and remains committed to supporting affected countries.
GUYANA’S RESPONSE
Meanwhile, the Guyana government has mobilised a comprehensive emergency support operation to aid the afflicted Caribbean islands, with Grenada being treated as a priority.
President Ali made this announcement on his official Facebook page on Monday, expressing solidarity and extending heartfelt sympathies to those impacted by the hurricane.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of the region,” he stated before emphasising that the regional private sector and other agencies must be fully mobilised to provide support at this time.
“I am closely coordinating with all affected countries in our region. We have activated a full emergency response team from Guyana to support all efforts. Currently, we are mobilising for our first support mission, prioritising Grenada for tomorrow [Tuesday] morning. Hurricane Beryl is still very active in the region, and the coming days will be crucial in determining its path and the continued devastating impact it could have,” Dr Ali stated.
The extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane made landfall on Monday with maximum sustained winds up to 150 mph, wreaking havoc on the Caribbean.
The storm caused power outages, flooded streets, and brought life-threatening storm surge flooding to sections of the St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Barbados, and Tobago.
According to reports, infrastructure, residences, and key services have all suffered considerable damage, leaving many communities in desperate need of assistance.
Hundreds of people were being housed in hurricane shelters.
Over the weekend, Beryl became the Atlantic Basin’s earliest Category 4 storm, shattering Hurricane Dennis’ record set on July 7, 2005. Beryl is also the first Category 4 hurricane recorded in June. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30.
Several regional flights have been postponed, as many of the major airports are also closing their doors. CARICOM’s 47th Regular Meeting of Heads of Government, scheduled for Grenada from 3-5 July, has been postponed to a date to be determined.
