Businesses join hurricane relief drive

The Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) will render crucial aid to those neighbouring Caribbean islands decimated by the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

Chairman of the BPSA Trisha Tannis said in a statement that corporate Barbados must play its part in the relief efforts.

“We are also very conscious of the devastation to our neighbouring islands. The call for help to assist with the basic human needs of our neighbours must be answered,” Tannis asserted.

“The Barbados Chamber of Commerce (BCCI) and other member associations of the BPSA will play a part to assist, working in association with the CDEMA, the official disaster management agencies in the affected islands and the Caribbean Private Sector Association (CPSO) to provide the opportunity for all interested persons to also answer the call to help those impacted,” she disclosed.

The association noted especially, the adverse impact particularly to the local fishing industry and livelihoods.

“Together we pray for a speedy resurgence of the industry and that once again our resilience will be demonstrated for all to see. We encourage all to be generous and thank all for their contributions,” the private sector leader said.

She also gave special thanks to those local companies which have agreed to support the relief efforts by offering discounts to corporate entities buying items from the applicable needs list of relief items for donation. She identified the applicable emergency items as food including non-perishables such as powdered milk, mixed vegetables, sardines, tuna, canned meats and produce.

Dr Tannis announced that items are to be dropped off at the collection point, the Goddard Warehouse . .  However, she explained that some retailers will facilitate the drop off of items to the collection point.

“While all help is appreciated, the required and urgent need is for those applicable items. So please be so guided accordingly. We thank you for rising to the occasion. We also sincerely thank all those companies and persons who have already made direct contributions and those persons involved in the collection and transportation of items,” the private sector head highlighted.

She said the private sector will continue to work with the Government of Barbados and all stakeholders in recovery efforts both in Barbados and in the Caribbean.

Among the other items required are flavoured water, juices, preferably commercial-size, shelter. dignity kits, 1,000 cots, 20,000 tarpaulins of varying sizes, 10,000 blankets, 10,000 hygiene kits, 10,000 collapsible water containers of 5-10g and 100 X 3,000g plus, 25 chainsaws, 50 flood lights, 2,500 solar lights and generators.