In light of the massive destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl in several Caricom States, the Regional Security System (RSS) on Thursday stated that it was mobilising to provide security and relief aid to those affected.
This was according to RSS Executive Director, Commodore Errington Shurland, in a media release. He extended sympathies to the families and friends of the individuals who lost their lives from the impacts of Hurricane Beryl and said they continued to pray for all those who have been affected.
He noted that the RSS recognised the critical need for immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane and as such, would provide the necessary support to the affected islands.
“Currently, there is a dire need for food, water, fuel, and other essentials. To this end, the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) has been mobilised and the RSS is currently coordinating the activities for safe, effective, and efficient deployment of resources to assist the stricken islands in providing security and relief aid in the process.”
The release added that the safety and security of human resources are of utmost importance, and in keeping with the RSS mission “to ensure the stability and well-being of Member States through mutual cooperation”, its troops are positioned and ready to assist in the protection of residents and visitors in these islands.
“Police and military personnel from our Member States, deployed under the RSS banner, are scheduled to be on the ground in St Vincent & the Grenadines and Grenada by Thursday, July 4, 2024. They will come under the command of country authorities for tasking as necessary.”
In addition, the RSS is also collaborating with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to deploy the Caricom Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU) in the shortest possible time.
“We will continue to work closely with the relevant agencies to ensure that help is delivered swiftly. The RSS Headquarters remains at the full disposal of its stricken Member States, in their time of need.”
Hurricane Beryl caused significant damage during her passage over the RSS Member States of Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada, during the period July 1 to 2, 2024.
This major hurricane wreaked havoc on several of the outlying islands in the archipelagic states of Grenada (Carriacou and Petite Martinique) and St Vincent and the Grenadines (Union Island, Palm Island, Mayreau and Canouan).
