Trinidadian Navin Kalpoo found himself overwhelmed in a shelter in northern Carriacou, surrounded by desperate people in need of even the most basic items to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. One child tugged at his heartstrings, asking for a simple blanket. Sleep was a luxury as many lay on makeshift beds of cardboard or directly on the ground. In an interview with Newsday, Kalpoo shared the harrowing experience of providing relief alongside a team of volunteers from Sewa International.
Upon arriving in Carriacou just hours after the hurricane struck, Kalpoo and his team were met with a scene of mass destruction. The majority of homes were damaged or destroyed, communication lines were down, and people were crying out for assistance. The team quickly sprung into action, unloading relief items from the Captain Harriss and distributing essentials such as blankets, tarpaulins, and power sources to the displaced residents.
The devastation on Carriacou was far worse than anticipated. Trees lay strewn across the island, homes reduced to rubble, and basic necessities like electricity and water were scarce. Despite the challenges, the Sewa International volunteers were determined to help. Their efforts extended beyond providing immediate relief, as they planned to continue sending aid to the affected people of Carriacou.
Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, unleashed its fury on several Caribbean islands including Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. The aftermath left a trail of destruction, with thousands of residents affected and homes extensively damaged or destroyed. The islands of Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, and St Lucia also reported significant damage from the powerful hurricane.
Kalpoo and his fellow volunteers are committed to supporting the residents of Carriacou as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives in the wake of the disaster. Whether it’s providing essential supplies or coordinating relief efforts, their dedication shines through. As the people of Carriacou face the daunting task of recovery, they can find solace in knowing that help is on the way, thanks to the compassion and generosity of individuals like Navin Kalpoo.
