Caribbean Dev’t Bank coordinating multi-tiered response to St. Vincent volcano eruption

The Barbados based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has expressed concern about the challenges facing St. Vincent & the Grenadines in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as the La Soufrière volcano continues to erupt.

In a statement, the CDB said, it joins with the regional and international community “in expressing our solidarity and best wishes to the government and People of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

“Our team is now actively coordinating a multi-tiered response intended to effectively support ongoing efforts to address citizens, residents, and organizations’ immediate, medium and longer-term needs.”

The regional institution says the first tier will involve supporting the regional response mechanism through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

The second tier will entail the provision of funds to assist with urgent needs at the national level. CDB is maintaining active lines of communication with the government of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The response here will be tailored by the immediate support requested by the government and the damage assessment.

“CDB is also now in dialogue with partner organizations to pool resources and harmonize efforts for a more impactful long-term outcome.”

This structured response aligns with CDB’s Disaster Risk Management Strategy and Operational Guidelines, aiming to contribute to sustainable development and poverty reduction in CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries by reducing the burdens caused by disasters due to natural hazards. -(CMC)