Combined police and military teams under the Regional Security System (RSS) will be on the ground in Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines by today.
Executive Director Commodore Errington Shurland said the RSS activated its response systems in light of the “significant damage” caused by Hurricane Beryl during her passage across the Eastern Caribbean last Monday and Tuesday.
He said in addition to those islands, their respective sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique, as well as Union Island, Palm Island, Mayreau and Canouan were not spared.
“The RSS HQ recognises the critical need for immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, and we are dedicated to providing the necessary support to the affected islands. Currently, there is a dire need for food, water, fuel and other essentials. To this end, the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) has been mobilised and the RSS is currently coordinating the activities for a safe, effective and efficient deployment of resources to assist the stricken islands in providing security and relief aid in the process,” a statement said.
“The safety and security of our people is of utmost importance, and in keeping with our mission “to ensure the stability and well-being of Member States through mutual cooperation”, our troops are positioned and ready to assist in the protection of the residents and visitors in these islands.”
Shurland said the military under the ground would fall under the command of country authorities.
“The RSS is also collaborating with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to deploy the CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU) in the shortest possible time,” he said, adding they would continue to work with the relevant agencies to ensure that help was delivered swiftly.
Shurland also extended “deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the individuals who lost their lives from the impacts of this hurricane”. (PR/SAT)
