BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- WITH major Hurricane Beryl leaving in its wake mass destruction across some territories within the Windward Islands, Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr. Irfaan Ali, has expressed concern for the region.
Hurricane Beryl made landfall as a major Category 4 hurricane, bringing with it strong winds and deadly storm surges, battering St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Carriacou, and neighboring islands. The former were hardest hit as the storm made landfall close by.
“As Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I express deep concern and continued anxiety over the passage of Hurricane Beryl through our region. Initial reports have indicated significant damage and destruction to infrastructure and private property in some territories. As this weather phenomenon roars its way through the Region, we must continue to brace ourselves against the effects of high winds, storm surges along sea coasts, and heavy rainfall,” Ali said in a media statement.
The region has been on high alert since forecasters predicted an extremely active season with 17-25 named storms, with eight to 13 of those being hurricanes, while four to seven are expected to be major hurricanes.
The Guyana president urged citizens and the private sector to coordinate closely with their respective governments and regional emergency response mechanisms in providing immediate support and relief to those affected by the hurricane.
“The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is already working to mobilize and coordinate assistance and disaster relief even as the storm is still passing through the Windward Islands,” added Ali.
St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew, has already committed the federation to assisting those impacted by the storm.
Meanwhile, the CARICOM chair noted that this “is a time for all of us as a regional community to stand together and extend our support to those impacted or likely to be impacted by Hurricane Beryl. Let us mobilize the necessary assistance and relief efforts in the true spirit of regional solidarity.”
He added: “Together, we can overcome the adversities posed by this hurricane and ensure the safety and well-being of all our peoples and communities.”
