UK Government offers support for SVG and St Lucia

The United Kingdom (UK) will provide EC$1 million for vital emergency humanitarian support to those on St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Lucia affected by the severe rains over the Christmas period.{{more}}

A release from the British High Commission said the UK Government will provide essential drugs and medical supplies, as well as water and sanitation equipment in recognition of the impact on health services and the risk of water borne diseases spreading. The support will be delivered through the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), which has expertise and long-standing relationships with the Ministries of Health on both islands.

Alan Duncan, UK Minister of State for International Development, is visiting the region, and is meeting with Prime Ministers from both St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Lucia to discuss the humanitarian situation and reconstruction needs.

Duncan said: “To have suffered loss of life and the destruction of homes has made this Christmas period a wretched time for so many, especially the young and vulnerable. The British Government is glad to offer support to those in need in both St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

The British support will help re-establish health services and support the provisions of emergency medical care in the affected areas; ensure access to clean water and sanitation; and implement disease surveillance.