HURRICANE BERYL CARIBBEAN RELIEF EFFORTS
In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl devastated several Caribbean islands. 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. It’s time to help the region rebuild.
CARICOM CONSULAR CORPS HURRICANE BERYL RELIEF REPORT 2024
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. The information on this page is extracted from their full report.
JAMAICA
Impact on Jamaica
Hurricane Beryl impacted Jamaica on July 3, bringing significant destruction, particularly tothe 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.
ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
Impact on SVG
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.
grenada
Impact on Grenada
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.
BARBADOS
Impact on Barbados
Barbados experienced the effects of Hurricane Beryl as it swept through the island on Monday as a powerful category 4 storm, bringing winds exceeding 130 mph (209 kilometers per hour) and resulting in considerable damage. Beryl smashed multiple records even before its major hurricane-level winds approached land. There are reportedly over 26 boats sunken/underwater at this time due to Beryl.
FLORIDA-BASED RELIEF RESOURCES/INFO
1.Donate: Contribute to the Caribbean Strong Relief Fund at the Miami Foundation, Global Empowerment Mission or Food For the Poor.
Persons wishing to donate to Hurricane Relief Fund across the USA Diaspora communities – the following Correspondent Banks should be used to wire funds via swift to customers of:
National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited
Bank of New York Mellon – 1 Wall Street New York NK 10286 Swift BIC Code: IRVTUS3N
Beneficiary Bank: National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited NCB SWIFT Code/BIC JNCBJMKX
Beneficiary Name Office of Disaster Preparedness Emergency-Donation (Relief) Beneficiary’s Account # 212387304
Donations can also be made to the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Disaster Relief Fund. Donate today to the disaster fund, link in bio. #hurricaneberyl #jamaica #afjcares #disasterrelief The AFJ is a charitable organization rendering assistance to Jamaica in the areas of healthcare, education, economic development and social initiatives.
2. Volunteer: Assist in assembling items daily at the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) from 10 AM to 5 PM at 1850 NW 84th Avenue in Doral.
3. Purchase Items: purchase necessary items for delivery to the GEM Warehouse through Amazon Wishlist.
4. Drop Off Items: Items can be dropped off at the following locations:
City of Miramar city complex, police headquarters, and fire stations
Transportation will be arranged for large collections of needed items.
Expired goods or foods to expire within six (6) months will NOT be accepted. Also, clothing or linen will not be accepted.