Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met in Special Emergency session on Thursday 15 April to discuss the situation in St Vincent and the Grenadines caused by the on-going volcanic eruptions of La Soufriere.
They committed to continue providing extensive support to St Vincent and the Grenadines and pledged solidarity with that Member State as it strove to cope with the disaster. The volcano erupted on Friday 9 April and has been spewing ash and emitting pyroclastic flows.
Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines briefed his colleague Leaders on the situation at the meeting which was held virtually. It was presided over by the Chair of the Conference of Heads of Government Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. The meeting also received information from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) which is co-ordinating the regional response to the event.
Heads of Government were informed that the situation would be prolonged given the level of uncertainty in respect of the behaviour of the volcano.
Prime Minister Gonsalves reported that more than 10,000 people had been evacuated from the immediate disaster area covering approximately one third of the island. They are being housed in shelters and at homes of family and friends. Accommodation for evacuees is also being arranged by neighbouring States.
The ash and the pyroclastic flows have decimated crops and vegetation and compromised water sources. Food and water were identified as among the primary needs.
Member States indicated the level of support that had already been delivered and committed to providing further financial, technical and material support, in particular food and water. Security assistance is also being provided.
The Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados alerted the meeting to the effects of the unprecedented heavy ashfall across that island which has resulted in major disruptions to the infrastructure including the closure of the Grantley Adams International Airport with an adverse effect on the tourism sector and the wider economy. Heads of Government pledged their support and solidarity with Barbados in treating with this significant challenge.
Prime Minister Gonsalves thanked his colleague Heads of Government and the Regional Institutions for their overwhelming support. He praised the work of the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (SRC) which has been monitoring the volcano and expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of CDEMA, the Regional Security System (RSS), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) in assisting the country.
Thanks Much Hon. Opposition Leader distinguished experienced commited Hon. Lennox Linton. Thanks much 😊 Hon. Linton.
We will keep on advocating this failed incompetent Skerrit’s Labour Government, according to failed Skerrit, who Exhaled Stupidity BS talk. We now use his ‘words and thoughts” that we the people should: “Go to Hell..Go to Hell…Go to Hell…” It’s none of your “Damn Business..”. This the language and thoughts of this Failed incompetent Labour government under this failed incompetent Questionable inmature failed Skerrit who should Not have been in the position of Prime Minister. We need this failed incompetent Skerrit out of our government and States Resources ASAP., All on behalf of our Suffering and begging people and families. This is an exceptional, Brutal Failed Labour government and failed incompetent Questionable inmature Skerrit. Skerrit and his failed Labour party must Go. We need UWP Team and welcome our Decent Trusted Hon Lennox Linton for Prime…
I wonder why LENNOX LINTON did not attend,as he did in Guyana?An embarressment to Dominica
….. Clown. He didnt go to Guyana to attend the meeting as he has never been A HEAD OF A CARICOM NATION. He would have never been allowed to be in a CARICOM heads of government/state meeting. He went there to speak with the other heads to discuss what was happening here in Dominica. so that they could have a full picture not one that is one-sided and riddled with lies. He explained himself a few times. But you people hear only what you want to hear. That supper you singing for there, i hope they honor you for being one of their die hard. Keep idolizing skerrit still, like he is Jesus Christ.
What yall planning for the peple of the region that some of you will not bring back to the people. I remember when Skerro was the chairman of the CARICOM heads of gov’t in 2014 cannabis legalization was already being discussed on the regional level as Jamaica had legalized shortly after in 2015, and st vincent and antigua were going to follow suit shortly after as they were to have their consultations around then. Skerro was the chairman. Before Hurricane Maria, Skerro told Dominicans that he would not consider cannabis until it has been discussed on a regional level, even though it had already been discussed at length on that level, that is why Jamaica legalized, and antigua and st. vincent were not far behind with decriminalization. It was only after pressure from Lennox Linton who brought this news about, and mention of establishing insudtries to support its production in 2 manifestos, that Skerro decided to decriminalize cannabis in 2020 for Dominicans. they feed you wen they…