The Caricom Consular Corps consists of members Jamaica, Antigua, Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Republic of Barbados, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, The Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Republic of Haiti, Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Caricom Consular Corps is currently chaired by Jamaica’s Consul General Mrs. Alsion Wilson.
In what has been predicted to be an active hurricane season, Hurricane Beryl made an unprecedented early impact on the Caricom islands of Grenada, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The storm, which rapidly intensified from a tropical depression into a Category 4 hurricane and briefly reached Category 5 status, has left a trail of devastation across these islands. This document outlines the specific needs and challenges faced by each of these islands in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, highlighting the extensive damage and the international response efforts to aid recovery.
Hurricane Beryl made its first landfall on the island of Carriacou, part of Grenada, on July 1. The storm brought unprecedented destruction, affecting the entire population of Carriacou. Roads became impassable, and communication networks were down for several days. The severity of the crisis has created severe logistical challenges in delivering aid and restoring basic services. Despite the rough seas and damaged infrastructure, international aid, including assistance from nearby nations and a French ship, has begun to arrive to support the recovery efforts.
Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, reported via video link from Grenada, describing the scene as one of total devastation. “The entire island is completely affected … that is literally 100 percent of the population,” he stressed. The immediate needs include clearing roads, restoring communication lines, and providing essential supplies such as food, water, and medical aid.
Union Island, part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, also felt the full force of Hurricane Beryl on July 1. The island experienced catastrophic damage, with virtually every building either destroyed or severely damaged. The majority of the population is now homeless, facing immediate needs for shelter, food, and clean water. Communication and power remain largely disrupted, complicating the relief efforts. The local government, along with international partners, is working to address these urgent needs, but the scale of the destruction requires substantial international assistance.
Residents have shared harrowing accounts of the destruction, with Coy stating that “literally, almost the whole island is homeless.” Sebastien Sailly described the storm’s impact as “like a tornado has passed through here. Ninety percent of the island – easily 90 percent – has been erased.” The community’s immediate priorities are shelter, food, and water, with additional needs for generators, sanitary products, and medical supplies.
Hurricane Beryl impacted Jamaica on July 3, bringing significant destruction, particularly to the agricultural sector. The storm caused widespread damage to crops, livestock, and fishing infrastructure, leading to immediate concerns about food shortages. The southern coast of Jamaica, including the parishes of Clarendon, Manchester, and St. Elizabeth, experienced severe flooding and power outages. The Jamaican government, supported by the UN and other international organizations, is conducting detailed damage assessments and coordinating relief efforts to restore essential services and support the recovery of the agricultural sector.
Agriculture Minister Floyd Green reported that over $6.4 million in crops and supporting infrastructure were destroyed. He highlighted the significant damage to vegetables, yams, cassava, breadfruit, ackee, mangoes, and bananas. Livestock and poultry farmers also suffered substantial losses. The government is working on a response plan to assist affected farmers and ensure the restoration of the food supply chain. The total assessment of damage is still ongoing with and a final cost to be determined.
The unprecedented early arrival and intensity of Hurricane Beryl have highlighted the vulnerability of the Caricom islands to such extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. The extensive damage and humanitarian needs across Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Jamaica underscore the necessity for robust international cooperation and support.
We call upon the global community, international aid organizations, and governments to mobilize resources and provide immediate assistance to the affected islands. This includes financial aid, technical support, and the provision of essential supplies such as food, water, medical aid, and construction materials. Additionally, efforts should focus on rebuilding infrastructure to be more resilient to future storms, investing in disaster preparedness, and addressing the root causes of climate change to mitigate the impact of such devastating events. Together, we can help these islands recover and build a more sustainable and secure future for their inhabitants.
The recovery and rebuilding efforts in Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Jamaica require coordinated action and support from individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide. Here are several ways you can help:
See the list of needs in subsequent pages. However you may pay attention to the broad areas.
Food and Water: water purification supplies.
Shelter: Tents, tarpaulins, and construction materials to rebuild homes and temporary shelters.
Medical Supplies: First aid kits, medications, and medical equipment.
Sanitary Products: Toiletries, hygiene kits, and sanitary products.
Power: Generators, batteries, and solar-powered equipment.
Agriculture supplies: Seeds, tools, to start the recovery for food sustainability.
Monetary donations are crucial for providing immediate relief and supporting long-term recovery efforts. The ways you can send financial contributions are listed for each country.
Help Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique
Your support is urgently needed to aid the relief efforts in Grenada, Car riacou, and Petite Martinique following the devastating passage of Hurricane Beryl. Every donation makes a difference in helping the communities rebuild and recover.
There are several ways to contribute to the relief and recovery ef forts in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Use your online banking service or visit a local branch of the Grenada Co-operative Bank to make a direct deposit to the savings account named Government of Grenada Natural Disaster Relief Fund, account number 121004900.
Online Transfers using a Credit or Debit Card
Following these simple steps:
1. From your browser on your mobile device or computer, visit www.pay.gov.gd.
2. Select “Make a Payment.”
3. From the options provided under “Category” and “Pay For”, select “Hurricane Beryl Relief Donation ”
4. Choose the amount you want to contribute from the options provided or insert an alternative amount.
5. Select “Make a Payment” and insert the relevant information.
6. Complete the transaction by confirming payment.
Use the online banking service provided by your bank to send a wire transfer or visit your local branch to have the process completed by an agent. Note that a fee may apply for this transaction.
For a wire transfer, you will need the following information:
The Beneficiary Government of Grenada Natural Disaster Relief Fund
The Beneficiary Address C/O Ministry of Finance, Financial Complex, St. George’s, Grenada
The Bank’s address 8 Church Street, St. George’s, Grenada
The Bank’s Swift code GROAGDGD
The Beneficiary A/C No. 121004900
For transactions in Eastern Caribbean D ollars, use the routing number 000000233, to perform an Electronic Funds Transfer or EFT.
For Transactions in any other currency, you will also need the following information for the Intermediary Bank
For Transactions in US Dollars, the Intermediary Bank is Bank of America. The Banking information is shown here:
Bank Name : Bank of America
Bank Address : Miami, FL
SWIFT CODE : BOFAUS3M
Account No. : 1901964767
ABA No. : 026009593
For Transactions in Canadian Dollars, the Intermediary Bank is Bank of Montreal. The Banking information is shown here:
Bank Name : Bank of Montreal
Bank Address : The International Branch, Toronto, Canada
SWIFT CODE : BOFMCAT2
Account # : 1019198
TRANSIT # : 31442 001
For Transactions in Pounds or Euros, the Intermediary Bank is Crown Agents Bank. The Banking information is shown here:
Bank Name : Crown Agents Bank
Address : St. Nicholas House, St. Nicholas Road, Sutton, Surrey SM1 1EL, UK
SWIFT CODE : CRASGB2L
SORT CODE : 608368
For transactions in Pounds, the account number and the IBAN are as shown:
Account number : 33025001
IBAN : GB50CRAS60836833025001
For transactions in Euros, the account number and IBAN are shown here:
Account No. : 33025401
IBAN : GB17CRAS60836833025401
Please note that the Government of Grenada may announce official donation partners as time progresses.
Your generosity can help restore hope and rebuild lives. Thank you for your support.
For more information or assistance, please email us at agdsec@gov.gd or call or whatsapp 1-473-440-2294.
This advertisement is for the benefit of those affected by Hurricane Beryl in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. All funds raised will go directly to relief efforts.
801 2nd Avenue 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017
(212) - 687-4490 Fax (212) - 949 -5946
Email: vinsof@svgconsulateny.org
July 3, 2024
On July 1, 2024, Beryl slammed into Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 150mph (240km/h) , unleashing fury on our multi-island state and leaving in its wake immense destruction. These powerful winds and torrential rains caused widespread structural damage throughout the island with several roofs blown off leaving thousands of people without shelter, electricity, telecommunication services, and food supplies. The Southern Grenadine Island of Union Island bore the brunt of this dangerous hurricane . A staggering 90% of homes there were either severely damaged or destroyed. The island’s airport also suffered significant damage. Similar devastation was reported in the Grenadine islands of Mayreau and Canouan.
The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, working with its overseas missions, has sprung into action to quickly tackle the long list of post-hurricane priorities facing the nation. As such, the Government has established a Disaster Relief Fund Website that will facilitate online financial contributions in support of the hurricane relief efforts. Please feel free to visit www.svghurricanrelief.gov.vc to make your contributions. Kindly note that this website will go live within the next 36 hours. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund can also be made using the attached banking information
Based on preliminary assessments, the Government has also provided an immediate needs list for emergency supplies. As such the Consulate General working with SVG Relief Inc. has established two collection hubs in Brooklyn. Further information can be found in the documents contained hereunder.
Please feel free to contact the office of the Consulate General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United States at (212)-687-4490 or email mail784@svgconsualteny.org .
The Consulate General continues to stand in solidarity with our family and friends. In the words of our honorable Prime Minister, “They are us and we are them. We will comfort, console, shelter, and feed our people. We will build it back!”
We are all in this together!
Consul General
– 20’ X 20’ (or larger) with Covered Sides
Chris Benjamin Community Relations Officer Consulate General of Jamaica
300 E 42nd Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212) 935-9000 ext 123 347-421-4224 (888) 817-9050 cro@congenjamaica-ny.org
