–Guyanese troops’ time extended in Grenada to continue relief efforts

PRIME Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell earlier this week expressed gratitude to Guyana for the unwavering support, and President Dr Irfaan Ali for his leadership in the wake of the devastating Hurricane Beryl in July.

Mitchell was at the time delivering an address at a welcome reception for a Grenadian Trade Delegation to Guyana, which was held at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre on Wednesday evening.

“I want to thank the President, the Government and the People of Guyana first and foremost for the unwavering support and solidarity shown to the People of Grenada,” he said, while acknowledging Guyana’s support for other countries that were also hit by the devastating storm.

Against this backdrop, he indicated that Guyana has gone above and beyond the call of duty, and is the only CARICOM (Caribbean Community) nation with troops still stationed in Grenada.

He added that the posting of these troops has been extended by two weeks to assist with the continued rebuilding and recovery efforts.

“There’s no reason for you to do this other than the love, unity and solidarity for the people within CARICOM,” he expressed.

Mitchell further reiterated his gratitude and assured that it is meant with the deepest sincerity and appreciation.

He said that this level of support and leadership has made a remarkable difference in his country’s ability to stand up, begin the process of picking up the pieces and demonstrate to the world that although they were hit, they will arise.

In July, ranks from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were deployed to Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to aid in rebuilding efforts following the destructive passage of Hurricane Beryl.

At that time, President Ali had said that the force’s mission would be to restore normalcy and demonstrate the values of passion, love and service learnt in their training.

Beryl set a record for the first-ever Category-Four storm in June in the Atlantic and made landfall on July 1 on Carriacou, in Grenada, flattening homes and businesses among other things and devastating nearby islands.

The Category-Four hurricane affected several other Caribbean states like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, Barbados, and St. Lucia.