Last updated on Saturday, 10 April 2021, 10:38 by Denis Chabrol
Prime Minister of St Vincent and Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves.
The Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said on Saturday that Guyana had promised to send loads of emergency relief supplies in the wake of the La Soufriere volcano eruption on Friday.
“The President of Guyana has been in contact with me quite often. They (load) a ship to send lots of supplies, ”says Dr. Gonsalves at a national address on Saturday morning.
The Vincentian leader said President Irfaan Ali informed him that he had on Friday held a meeting with the Guyanese private sector. “They have opened a special account asking for private sector donations for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, ”added Dr. Gonsalves.
The Prime Minister’s announcement came after word from the Guyana Civil Defense Commission (CDC) that he was working with the business community to secure a list of supplies to be sent to that sister Caribbean Community (CARICOM) – a member state. “The (PSC) is proud to support this cause by working with the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) to mobilize support for St. Vincent and Grenadines. To this end, we are working as we speak to supply as many items as possible on the immediate urgent needs, ”said the CDC and PSC in a joint statement.
The umbrella PSC of several business chambers across the country said following a meeting with the CDC’s Director General, Lieutenant Kester Craig that the items would be dispatched by the fastest mode of transportation depending on the situation at St. Vincent. “The relief packages will go either by air or by sea, depending on the evolving circumstances of the disaster. Emphasis was placed on providing priority items identified by the affected island to ensure timely delivery of supplies to meet the immediate needs of the affected citizens, ”said the PSC.
To date, approximately 2400 evacuees live in 62 shelters. In addition, about 600 residents have been transported by marine assets.
The PSC said the Guyana government, in collaboration with the Private Sector, would liaise with the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Caribbean Disaster Management Agency (CDEMA) to “ensure the relocation, transportation, relief supplies and distribute them to the efficient of those in need. ”
The GDC and PCC said they would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide relief updates. To donate items, contact the Civil Defense Commission at phone numbers 600-7500 and 226-1114, or visit their Headquarters on Thomas Road, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.
Mentioned below are the current immediate needs that are subject to change:
OPERATIONAL NEEDS – VOLUNTARY EMERGENCY
Water Tanks (800 and 1,000 gallons) – 1,000
Buckets (5 gallons) – 5,000
Folding Cots – 10,000
Portable Potties (Toilets) – 150
Blankets – 30,000
Field Tents (20 feet x 20 feet) 910 feet x 10 feet) – 50
Field Kitchen – 2
Sleeping Mats – 3,000
Breathing masks with filters – 1,000
Goggles – 25,000
Reflective Festivals – 2,000
Warning Tape (100ft roll) – 100
Hygiene Kits – 10,000