UWI organizes disaster recovery support team

The aftereffects of Hurricane Beryl have spurred The University of the West Indies (The UWI) to set up a 2024 Disaster Recovery Support Team to assist recovery efforts in the region. According to a press statement, Vice-Chancellor of  The UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles has connected with the various communities impacted by the storm, to offer sustained support from the school.

With an unusually active hurricane season in the forecast, this commitment comes at a critical juncture. This is in keeping with the institution’s history of post-disaster support in the region.

The current initiative will be overseen by Dr Francis Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Global Campus. Still in the primary stages, the aim is to work with the governments of the affected territories, for the mobilization of appropriate resources throughout the UWI network.

Additionally, a support team will work with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to identify other potentials for assistance across the Caribbean.

“The intensity of Hurricane Beryl this early in the season is a wake-up call for us to all be aware of the tremendous damage caused by these storms and the significant dislocation and financial and psychological impact that citizens suffer from the loss of loved ones and property,” said Vice-Chancellor Beckles. He added, “It’s our unwavering duty to serve our Caribbean Community in times of need.”