Guyana military building assessors make visit to Union Island

The rebuilding process in the Southern Grenadines is set to receive yet another boost, this time from the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana’s 4 Engineer Battalion, and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

On Monday March 3,2025, a contingent of six assessors attached to these units, along with three defence force aviation personnel made a one day assessor’s tour of Union Island.

The contingent comprised -Commander Roger Nurse (Head of Delegation); Lieutenant Colonel Dale DeMendonca; Lieutenant Colonel Cranston France; Lieutenant Colonel Drumson McCaulay; Lieutenant Colonel Mark Thomas (retired); and Lieutenant Shaquille Wilson.

The men were in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) as the result of a commitment made by Guyana’s President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali to Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves during the 48th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government in Barbados last month.

President Ali had said that Guyana would be willing to assist with the rebuilding efforts in the St Vincent Grenadines as they did in Carriacou.

Commander Nurse said during their assessment, they looked at what needed to be done in relation to the rebuilding of homes, as well as accommodation for the 25 or so military personnel who will help with the rebuilding work.

He said on return to Guyana they will await some requested information and further instructions from their superiors. Commander Nurse also said the group is looking forward to helping SVG rebuild, and noted that 50 men from their Defence Force worked in Carriacou to get residents back to a state of normalcy.

He said workers would include carpenters, masons, plumbers, electricians and air condition technicians.

The group was welcomed to SVG by Guyana’s Honorary Consul, Nigel Russell, and Minister of Housing of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Orando Brewster. During a session in the VIP Lounge at the Argyle International Airport (AIA), Minister Brewster thanked the contingent for making the initial visit and noted that the government of SVG is grateful to Guyana for agreeing to assist with the rebuilding and recovery work in the Southern Grenadines.

He also said that the government is taking on the task of helping every single home owner who needs help, and things are progressing well.

“This is not a sprint, and this is not a marathon,” Minister Brewster commented, while asking persons to be patient as the government works to restore lives and livelihoods.