SVG helps St. Lucia’s recovery

The damage and destruction caused by Category One Hurricane Tomas on St. Vincent and the Grenadines last Saturday was not enough to stop this country from helping a friend in need.{{more}}

At 10 p.m. Saturday, November 6, one week after Tomas battered St. Vincent and the Grenadines and its neighbour St. Lucia, Motor Vessel Jaden T was chugging its way to St.Lucia, loaded with relief supplies sent to that island from individuals, companies and other organizations here.

All day Saturday, persons representing various groups loaded the vessel with items that were needed on the island, which had recorded more than 20 deaths due to the hurricane.

Gallons of water, rice, milk, baby supplies and clothing were some of the items sent on the voyage, which was organized by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bar Association.

When SEARCHLIGHT visited the vessel, Garth Saunders, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA) was on hand to oversee material from his company sent to the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) on the sister island.

“We have sent 15, 000 gallons of water, and pipes and fittings for use in the reconstruction of a section of pipeline that was lost in the hurricane,” said Saunders.

Saunders indicated that the type of pipe sent could not be obtained in the region, and that it would have taken months for it to get to the island, which is without running water in many regions.

The CEO said that his company was happy to assist in the venture, and was in constant communication with St. Lucia and willing to assist in other areas if necessary.

Here at home, Saunders hinted that the water supply had been reconnected to 100 per cent of the CWSA’s consumers.

Other organizations and individuals making donations to the relief effort included Karib Cable, Stangro, JG Agencies, the Iniversal Rastafari Movement, the Commissioner of Police, Verrol Nichols, Nicole Sylvester, Ricardo Adams and many others, including some who gave anonymously. (JJ)