Contributed by the SVG Red Cross

June 1 to November 30 marks the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane season. History has shown that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is not exempt from the effects of the meteorological hazards that come as a result. The vulnerable are disproportionately affected by these events and, it is anticipated that they may be even more so, after the recent volcanic eruption, drought, Dengue and COVID-19 disasters which have affected the country. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross counts on 369 adult volunteers and 194 youth volunteers to execute its strategic objective of being the point of reference for the invisible in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. To that end, enhancing the capacity of the staff and volunteers of the SVG Red Cross has taken precedence with staff and volunteers taking advantage of the following opportunities for training:

Inter-American Conference on Leadership and Sustainability from June 5-8 in the Bahamas; Global Communication Forum in Jordan from June 12-14 where communications director, Kathy Badenock represented the National Society; Enhanced Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment Training in Guyana from June 19-25 which Dianna Cain and Tanisha Samuel will attend.

All of these training topics are focused around capitalizing on our grass roots approach to service which ensures that the SVG Red Cross continues to reach everyone, everywhere in St. Vincent and the Grenadines when they need help the most.

Our 26 community Red Cross groups and 13 Community Disaster Response Teams (CDRTs) provide a valuable link that allows the Red Cross to continue to provide: First Aid training and service, restore family links after a disaster, relief distribution, assistance with shelter management during a disaster, public awareness year round, and damage and needs assessments after a disaster, often in collaboration with our partners. The SVG Red Cross is preparing to serve you better because together, we are our first aid.