The Caricom Private Sector Organization (CPSO) sprung into action on July 1 with an emergency meeting to rally regional private resources and support members impacted by Hurricane Beryl in the Windward Islands. The storm has wreaked havoc in places like Carriacou in Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines, and is now making its way towards Jamaica with an alarming upgrade to a category 5.
Under the umbrella of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the CPSO co-ordination meeting was led by Dr Thackwray Driver of Trinidad and Tobago and CEO Dr. Patrick Antoine. The main goal was to align and coordinate a cohesive response from the private sector.
Dr. Driver highlighted the importance of informed assistance, emphasizing the need for support to be tailored to meet the specific needs of affected countries. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Antoine, who stressed the significance of collaborative efforts to ensure support is effectively matched with the needs on the ground.
To deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, regional bottled-water manufacturers have already pledged support, and efforts are underway to secure relief items from various manufacturers. The CPSO is also working on securing warehouse space for storage and reaching out to regional marine vessels for transport services.
Hurricane Beryl, having caused significant damage in the Windward Islands as a category 4 hurricane, has prompted the CPSO to commit to addressing critical needs in affected areas and assisting in the speedy recovery of the private sector.
For those looking to contribute and assist in the relief efforts, the CPSO can be contacted at kbaltimore@thecpso.org or 868-387-2233. Join hands with the CPSO in supporting the affected communities and help in building a stronger tomorrow.
