Football Federation donates to Grenadines recovery and reconstruction

THE FINANCIAL GESTURE by the executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) to the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines to aid in recovery efforts following the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024, is part of the organization’s “social responsibility”.

On August 20, 2024, a team of officials from the SVGFF, headed by President, Otashie Spring, handed over a cheque valued EC$50,000 to Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, at Cabinet Room.

Happy that the SVGFF is playing its part, Spring said, “We understand far too well that we are an integral part of the fabrics of this society and with that comes a responsibility- our social responsibility to contribute positively to our communities that support us and our unwavering commitment to the well-being for our fellow Vincentians.”

Hurricane Beryl’s passage left behind a trail of destruction, lives lost, and significant damage to property, resulting in the displacement of people, with the islands of the Southern Grenadines being hardest hit.

Recognizing that the SVGFF has a role outside the administration of the sport, Spring related: “At the SVGFF, we believe strongly that our role extends beyond the playing field and all the prospects that are involved…We recognize the importance of social capital, the network, the relationship trust that bind us together as a community …in times of crisis is that social capital that enables us to be together, to support one another and rebuild stronger than before”.

Spring deemed the financial donation “a heartfelt expression of solidarity with the people of this nation as we work towards recovery and reconstruction”.

The SVGFF president underscored the contributions made locally, hence, the ability of the organization to use resources from its “local account”, to make such a donation.

Spring said that following previous disasters such as the December 2013, Christmas Eve floods and the volcanic eruptions in April, 2021, the SVGFF had also come forward in helping to rebuild people’s lives.