AS the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) observes its 51st anniversary, some turbulent winds are currently blowing across the region. July 1st is designated a national holiday in Guyana and in several other Caribbean countries in commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas which saw the establishment of the Caribbean Community. Guyana, along with Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago were the signatories to the Treaty and the founding members of CARICOM.

Latest reports indicate that Hurricane Beryl has taken at least three lives so far, not to mention the damage done to buildings and infrastructure in several island states in the path of the storm. According to media reports, the hurricane was particularly severe in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and St. Lucia where thousands of people are without electricity and are living in temporary shelters.

But it is the response by CARICOM leaders that has brought to the fore the true value of Caribbean integration and that sense of solidarity in the face of destruction and death.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who is the current Chair of the Caribbean Community, wasted no time in co-ordinating and mobilising resources to assist those affected by the storm. In a statement released on Monday, President Ali made a strong and passionate plea for regional unity and a holistic approach to the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl which was upgraded to a Category Five storm.

‘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,’ President Ali said.

Storms and high winds are not uncommon to the region especially because of its vulnerability to the effects of climate change, rising sea levels and low-lying island status. And while Guyana, because of its geographic location on the South American mainland are less vulnerable, the need to combat the rise of global temperature levels have not been lost to the Guyana Government which is taking strong leadership roles on climate change, food and energy security. Its Low Carbon Development Strategy (Revised) is now regarded as a global model which, along with deforestation measures, have placed the country in the position as one of the few in the world with net-zero carbon emissions.

Guyana’s role in championing the cause of Caribbean peoples during periods of adversity is extraordinary as manifested in the moral, material and financial support to countries of the region during periods of adversity and distress. In the case of Hurricane Beryl, Guyana is co-ordinating with all member states to bring about a swift and emergency response to the disaster.

As noted by President Ali, ‘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.’

Guyanese, like all Caribbean citizens, have much to celebrate as members of a community. This is true during periods of glory or in times of distress. In the end, we are defined by our collective sense of solidarity and brotherhood.