Beryl: Grenada, St Vincent PMs call for climate action

he leaders of Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines have issued urgent appeals for international support and climate action in the wake of widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl.

As the Eastern Caribbean archipelago grapples with the immediate aftermath, Prime Ministers Dickon Mitchell and Ralph Gonsalves are pushing for sustainable recovery efforts and robust measures to combat climate change.

The devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl has once again highlighted the vulnerability of small island developing states to extreme weather events and reinforced the urgent need for global action on climate change. As Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines begin their long journey to recovery, the eyes of the world remain on the international community’s response to this crisis and the broader challenge of climate change.

The United Nations and its partners have launched a Regional Response Plan, aiming to raise at least $18 million to assist approximately 43 000 people in urgent need of humanitarian aid. The plan seeks to address the needs of 24 000 people in Grenada and 19 000 in St Vincent and the Grenadines, though exact figures remain uncertain due to ongoing assessments amid damaged infrastructure and power cuts.

Gonsalves emphasised the existential threat posed by climate change to small island developing states (SIDS). “We need the world to understand the existential threat that climate change poses to us. The scale of the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl is a clear indication of the urgency with which we must act,” he said during a media conference.

The Vincentian prime minister outlined specific financial mechanisms to aid recovery efforts, including debt suspension clauses and debt forgiveness for natural disaster-related debts. He stressed the importance of quick fund disbursement post-disaster to facilitate immediate relief and recovery efforts.

Mitchell echoed these sentiments, highlighting the long-term recovery needs. “It is not just a matter of immediate relief,” he said. “We are looking at long-term needs that involve significant capital investment for cleanup, rebuilding, and revitalising the local economy. We need grant resources rather than loans to avoid further debt.”

Both leaders underscored the need for sustainable development practices in rebuilding efforts. Gonsalves said: “Our rebuilding efforts must be aligned with sustainable development goals. This means constructing infrastructure that can withstand future storms and investing in renewable energy sources to reduce our carbon footprint.”

The role of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in coordinating regional response efforts was commended by Gonsalves. “CARICOM has been instrumental in coordinating the regional response to Hurricane Marilyn. The solidarity among member states has been exemplary, providing critical support in the form of emergency supplies, technical assistance, and coordinated relief efforts,” he said.

The prime ministers emphasised the necessity of global solidarity in supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts. Mitchell noted, “We need the international community to stand with us, not just in the immediate aftermath but for the long haul. This includes both immediate aid and long-term investment to build resilience against future disasters.”

As the recovery process begins, both leaders expressed hope that their calls for aid and climate action would resonate with the global community. Mitchell stressed the importance of long-term strategies: “We must ensure that our recovery efforts are not just about rebuilding what was lost but also about building back better. This includes strengthening our infrastructure and investing in sustainable practices to better withstand future storms.”