Following the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl hitting St Vincent and the Grenadines on July 1, the Prime Minister announced the devastating news of one casualty on the island of Bequia.
Dr Ralph Gonsalves addressed the public on July 1, revealing that initial reports indicated one death, although specific details were not yet available. With the destructive impact of the hurricane, he warned that more fatalities may be confirmed in the days ahead.
Gonsalves described the widespread devastation, with homes across St Vincent and the Grenadines suffering severe damage or complete destruction. The situation was dire, leaving hundreds of families unsure of their future and currently homeless.
Particularly hard hit was Union Island, where an estimated 90% of houses were reported to be severely damaged or completely destroyed, including the airport’s roof. The Argyle International Airport was also affected, prompting its closure for cleanup with plans to reopen for aid delivery within days.
Despite the grim circumstances, Gonsalves urged citizens to remain resilient and begin the process of rebuilding. In light of the financial strain, he admitted that the government would need to borrow money, in addition to utilizing the contingency fund, to address the recovery efforts.
On a positive note, support was already pouring in from other nations, with Guyana’s President and Caricom chairman Dr Irfaan Ali pledging relief items to assist in rebuilding homes. This disaster marks the second significant event to hit the country in just three years, following the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano in 2021.
In times of crisis, the unity and support of regional partners have proven vital, with neighboring governments, including that of Trinidad and Tobago, swiftly offering aid in the wake of the volcanic eruption earlier this year.
