NEMO gets $3,500 Canadian dollars to aid in Georgetown flood relief efforts

A few weeks ago, on July 20, the philanthropic efforts of a group of foreign-based Vincentians came to fruition in St Vincent and the Grenadines, as the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) received a sum of some $3,500 Canadian dollars to aid in the Georgetown flood relief efforts.{{more}}

This donation came from the Relief, Education and Medical Assistance Organisation of Ontario, a non-profit, charitable organisation, formed by Vincentians living in Canada. Stylised as SVG REMA, this group was formed in 2008 with the mandate of assisting Vincentians, especially those living in Canada, who encounter hard times and require some support whether in the forms of relief, educational or medical assistance.

Representing the group was Alfred Prescod, brother of renowned musician and composer Pat Prescod. While here on a separate project, he took the opportunity to present the cheque to Michelle Forbes of NEMO, while the two were attending a panel discussion on Disaster Management, put on by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College Division of Arts and Sciences.

Prescod, who is a horticulturist by profession, explained to SEARCHLIGHT that when SVG REMA heard about the damage done by the flood waters in Georgetown, they decided to help. As such, they hosted an indoor regatta in Toronto, decorating the venue with nets and other marine paraphernalia and collecting proceeds from food sold at the event.

He noted that other endeavours have been carried out by this fledgling organisation, including the establishment of a small library for students. He pledged that the group will continue trying to help more Vincentians at home and abroad.