CARICOM leaders convene to address impact of Hurricane Beryl

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders convened virtually on Tuesday to address the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which struck on Monday. The leaders also reiterated their criticism of developed countries for failing to uphold promises made to assist small island developing states (SIDS) in coping with climate change impacts.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, speaking on state-owned radio, announced that the meeting, would focus on the situation in Grenada and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 storm, has caused at least one death and extensive damage in these areas.

Skerrit noted that while Dominica was affected by the first-named hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season, the damage there was not as severe as in Grenadines and Barbados. “I think we are okay,” he said, emphasizing the unusual timing of this early-season hurricane.

Skerrit highlighted the ongoing struggle of Caribbean nations with climate change, noting the increasing frequency and intensity of storms. “Our lamentations and our advocacy to the developed world regarding climate change are manifesting themselves,” he said, describing climate change as a critical threat to the region’s survival. “We are just spending money in the Caribbean responding to disasters. Money that should be spent on development, health, education, and infrastructure is being used to replace damaged infrastructure repeatedly.”

He mentioned his communication with regional leaders, who expressed relief that the damage was not worse. “Thank God the main islands of St. Vincent and Grenada were not impacted as anticipated, and Barbados was spared hurricane conditions,” Skerrit said.

The leaders planned to receive reports from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and affected governments to assess their collective response and assistance needs. Skerrit expressed sympathy for those impacted, acknowledging the significant costs involved in repairing homes and infrastructure.

Skerrit criticized the lack of support from developed countries, calling it “unfair” to the Caribbean. He emphasized the need for compensation and resources to build resilience against climate change. “If you had the resources, if you have the funds, you can certainly invest with resilience in mind,” he said.

He highlighted the continuous strain on regional resources due to climate change events, including droughts, which require year-round preparedness. “It’s dramatically unfair, it’s unjust, and we have to continue the fight,” Skerrit said, calling for a collective effort involving governments, institutions, universities, the private sector, and student bodies.

Meanwhile, Bermuda Premier David Burt expressed concern for the region’s safety and wellbeing. He reached out to Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, offering Bermuda’s support in any way possible. – (CMC)