The Joint Chambers – Amcham, the Energy Chamber, TTMA, and the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce are joining forces to provide much-needed relief to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Together, these chambers are pooling resources to purchase and transport essential items to the affected islands.
According to TT Chamber president Kiran Maharaj, the joint chambers have compiled a list of requested items from both countries and are actively working to fulfill those requests. They are in constant communication with their counterparts in the affected islands to ensure that all needs are met.
This collaborative effort was initiated in 2017 in anticipation of hurricanes Irma and Maria. The Energy Chamber and the TT Chamber are also part of the Caribbean Chamber (Caricham) network, which recently convened in Barbados to discuss disaster risk reduction strategies.
The Ministry of Trade, along with the TT Chamber and TTMA, has been instrumental in coordinating the collection of relief items. Permanent Secretary Randall Karim is overseeing the operation, which has seen an outpouring of donations ranging from drinking water to food supplies.
Two vessels have been secured by the trade ministry to transport these essential supplies to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, with another larger vessel scheduled to depart soon. These vessels are loaded with goods and ready to set sail from Trinidad and Tobago ports.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Beryl, now a category four hurricane, is making its way west through the Caribbean. With wind speeds reaching 165 mph, Beryl is one of the strongest July hurricanes on record. Forecasters anticipate it will maintain its intensity as it heads towards Mexico.
Tragically, there have been confirmed deaths in the affected islands, with Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell reporting three fatalities and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves confirming one death on the island of Bequia.
If you wish to contribute to the joint chambers’ relief efforts, donations can be made to the following accounts:
Beneficiary Name: The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago/Joint Chambers
Currency: TT$
Bank: First Citizens Bank Ltd, Pt Lisas
Account Number: 2818368
Account Type: Chequing
Alternatively,
Beneficiary Name: The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago/Joint Chambers
Currency: US$
Bank: First Citizens Bank Ltd, Pt Lisas
Account Number: 2818367
Account Type: Savings
Your support can make a difference in the lives of those impacted by Hurricane Beryl. Join us in providing much-needed relief to our Caribbean neighbors in their time of need.
