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Caribbean Policy Development Centre Press Release

Caribbean Policy Development Centre - CPDC

Caribbean Policy Development Centre – Brothers Keepers: La Soufriere Volcano Eruption 2021

The Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) joins with the regional and international community in expressing our best wishes to the people and Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as they navigate the ongoing eruption of the La Soufriere volcano.

During this time of adversity, CPDC stands ready to help our member organization, Windward Islands Farmers Association, and our grantee Richmond Vale Academy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as well as our other trusted partners as they battle with the effects of La Soufriere’s volcanic activity in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

We also urge persons to stay safe and heed precautionary warnings to remain indoors to avoid the ashfall impacts, or evacuate from danger zones as directed. The continued volcanic eruptions have been compounded by the challenges related to COVID-19, but remaining indoors or going to available shelters can assist in protecting the communityIn times of emergencies, the CPDC remains cognizant of the social and health implications of natural disasters. CPDC acknowledges the importance of safeguarding the civil rights and freedoms of persons during this disaster, as such individual liberties are the cornerstone of our democratic societies.

CPDC encourages the Government and policymakers to do their utmost best to protect those most vulnerable in society, among them the elderly, persons with disabilities, children, and women, during this difficult period.

CPDC pledges to work closely with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Government to help communities affected by the volcano. Mr Richard Jones, Officer in Charge of CPDC, notes that “CPDC is liaising with regional and international partners to provide critical in-country support to assist in the disaster relief efforts on the island.” Our thoughts and prayers are with the island, we are one, and we will continue to fight, recover and rebuild stronger from this disaster.

Public Health Advisory due to ash fall from La Soufriere Volcano

Ash Fall

Public Health Advisory due to ash fall from the La Soufriere Volcano Eruption

The Ministry of Health and Wellness continues to monitor the latest developments of the volcanic eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Ash fall is the most likely volcanic hazard, which can result in eye, skin and breathing problems. Exposure to ash fall can result in cough, breathlessness, chest tightness, and wheezing due to irritation of the lining of the airways by fine particles.

The following can assist in protecting people against the harmful effects of ash fall:

STAY INDOORS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

  • Remain indoors as much as possible, especially if you have breathing problems like bronchitis or asthma.
  • If you must go outside:
    – Use a mask or handkerchief for breathing (or a damp cloth)
    – Wear protective clothing to cover your skin.
    – Use goggles to protect the eyes (If you wear eyeglasses, use those instead of contact lenses)
  • Stop ash from entering your home by closing windows and doors securely.
  • Do not use air-conditioning or clothes dryers.
  • Listen to the radio for advice and information.
  • Avoid driving vehicles as much as possible, as ash fall will reduce visibility.
  • If you must drive, avoid using the car’s air condition system.
  • Keep pets indoors and livestock sheltered.

FOOD AND WATER SAFETY

  • Ensure that all fruits and vegetables are washed carefully, especially those covered with ash. Ash should not be ingested.
  • Ensure that your drinking supply (roof tanks etc.) has not been contaminated with ash. Ash gives drinking-water an unpalatable (sour, metallic or bitter-tasting) before it presents a health risk. In this event roof tank water should be replaced.

CLEANING UP

  • Wetting ash results in the formation of a glue-like material which is not easy to remove. The best way of cleaning is to lightly damp the ash (to prevent it billowing) and to sweep it up.
  • Remove ash (when safe), remembering that ash particles may contain sharp broken edges making it a very abrasive material.
  • Clean house roofs first to reduce windblown ash covering cleaned areas or damage to guttering and blocking down-pipes.
  • Dispose of ash in rubbish bags if possible and seal them.
  • Do not dump ash in the storm-water or sewage system.
  • Vacuum indoor surfaces were possible or use a damp cloth to remove ash. Avoid vigorous rubbing.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness urges the public to please adhere to the guidance and visit the nearest Wellness Centre if experiencing any respiratory signs or symptoms.

For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively

UK urgent response to St. Vincent volcano eruption

British High Commission - UK

The UK is providing emergency assistance in response to volcanic eruptions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which saw more than 15,000 people evacuated.

The rapid crisis funds will help provide lifesaving humanitarian supplies like shelter, sanitation kits and protective equipment. Urgently needed technical experts will support relief efforts on the ground, support emergency telecommunications, and restore critical lifeline facilities, like transport links

The UK has provided an initial £200,000, via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to support the regional response, through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

The UK will continue to work with the CDEMA and other agencies to assess the need for further support.

On 8 April Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves ordered an immediate evacuation of people living in the most at-risk areas on St Vincent island.

There are no plans for further evacuations. British Nationals in the area should follow the advice of local authorities.

Travel to and from Barbados has also been affected, due to the resultant ash cloud. Barbados Grantley Adams International Airport is currently closed, and people should check with the status of flight with their airline.

British Nationals can contact FCDO for consular assistance via phone 24/7on (+44) (0) 207 008 1500 and should sign up online for updates on FCDO Travel Advice for St Vincent and the Grenadines and for Barbados.

Digicel donates US$500,000 for St. Vincent

DIGICEL

Digicel donates US$500,000 for urgent relief assistance in St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Digital Operator, Digicel Group, today announced its donation of US$500,000 worth of much-needed items to support the urgent relief efforts in St. Vincent & the Grenadines caused by the Le Soufriere volcanic activity.

With thousands of people evacuated from the red zone and housed in shelters and significant ash fall resulting from the explosive eruptions of La Soufriere affecting the entire island, the situation is developing and deteriorating.

Leveraging its global reach and supply chains, Digicel will work with the Government of St. Vincent & the Grenadines to identify immediate needs – as well as procuring and shipping items identified as urgently needed in these early stages by the National Emergency Management Organisation.

Commenting on the assistance, Digicel Group Chairman, Denis O’Brien, said; “With our priorities being helping to keep people safe and keeping them connected, it’s at times like these that our natural instinct is to want to do everything we can to help. As a company, as a team and as the Digicel family, we are here for the people of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and ready to help in a meaningful way.”

“We take our responsibility as a provider of critical national infrastructure very seriously. Ably and energetically led by Fanta Williams, our CEO for Digicel St. Vincent & the Grenadines, our Business Continuity Management teams are mobilised on-island and across the Caribbean and our focus is on ensuring our network serves the needs of the people at this critical and unsettling time – and that we come through this together.”

Peter Holdings gets new general manager

Michael Lewis

Peter Holdings Limited have announced the appointment of Mr. Michael Lewis as General Manager

Peter Holdings Limited have announced the appointment of Mr. Michael Lewis as General Manager reporting directly to Mr. Nicholas Mackie, Regional General Manager of the Automotive Division of Goddard Enterprises Ltd (GEL).

Mr Michael LewisThis appointment follows an extensive recruitment search, as part of our continued effort to invest in the Resourcing, Management and Development of key talent within GEL, as a strategic pillar of business growth.

In congratulating Mr. Lewis, a Barbadian, Mr. Mackie stated that as a new addition to the senior management team, Mr. Lewis’ contribution would definitely drive the achievement of the strategic pillars of PHL and, by extension, the Automotive Division, especially as we continue to navigate the impact of Covid-19.

“Mr. Lewis’ training in Management Studies, Mechanical Engineering and Project Management, in addition to his more than 10 years’ management experience, working in the automotive industry, primarily in After Sales at Courtesy Garage, coupled with his former role as General Manager at a leading company in the solar industry in Barbados and St. Lucia, will serve as an asset in leading the team at PHL”.

“Working in collaboration with his team at PHL, Mr. Lewis’ core responsibility will be to develop strategies that drive profitability while optimizing customer retention and growth.”

Mr. Lewis’ new appointment took effect April 1st, 2021.

SLASPA activate Port Response Plan

SLASPA activates its Port Response Plan

SLASPA activates its Port Response Plan to facilitate and receive evacuees

Following the update from the Office of the Prime Minister, on the situation of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines La Soufrière Volcano, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), through its Disaster Preparedness Committee, has activated its Port Response Plan to facilitate and receive evacuees.

The plan identifies the George F.L Charles Airport and the Castries Seaport as the designated entry points for evacuees. The Authority is working in close tandem with essential partners, particularly the Ministry of Health and Wellness to ensure adherence to the Ministry’s stipulated COVID 19 protocols.

SLASPA’s General Manager, Mr. Daren Cenac noted; “since the initial pronouncement of activity at the La Soufriere Volcano, the Authority reviewed and strengthened various aspects of its port operations. Our Airports Division is in active dialogue with the Eastern Caribbean Air Traffic Management Group to activate contingency plans for potential aviation disruption. As well, our Maritime and Seaports Divisions are working assiduously to ensure business continuity.”

SLASPA continues to work with the Government of Saint Lucia through the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in Saint Lucia, other relevant, local and regional officials, and counterpart agencies to respond to any possible effects of the ongoing eruption in Saint Vincent.

Statement from the CDB President on La Soufrière Volcano

La Soufrière Volcano

Statement from the CDB President on the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) joins with the regional and international community in expressing our solidarity and best wishes to the Government and People of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as they endure the ongoing eruption of the La Soufrière volcano.

CDB is greatly concerned about the multitude of challenges the country now faces as it grapples with the current catastrophic event and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team is now actively coordinating a multi-tiered response intended to effectively support ongoing efforts to address citizens, residents, and organisations’ immediate, medium and longer-term needs.

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 and 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 development partner organisations and the international donor community to pool resources and harmonise efforts for a more impactful long-term outcome.

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

The ongoing support from CDB to the Seismic Research Center under the Global Affairs Canada and European Union funded Community Disaster Risk Reduction Fund’s (CDRRF) Volcano Ready Communities Sub-Project launched in April 2018, continues to play a critical role in supporting the response to the eruption and evacuation of communities. The trained Community Emergency Response Teams have been activated and community emergency response plans, hazard maps and evacuation routes developed under the project have been rolled out. This has assisted with the evacuation of vulnerable persons and the mobilization of transportation resources, supplies and equipment to facilitate safe movement to designated shelters in the green zone.

CDB is in it for the long-haul. We will work closely with the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to restore normalcy in the shortest possible time and continue the development agenda. The full details of the support response will be made available as plans are finalised.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace registration opens

Caribbean Travel Marketplace registration opens

Registration has opened for the region’s most anticipated travel trade event, Caribbean Travel Marketplace.

Slated for May 11-14, 2021, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)-hosted event will be virtual this year.
Vanessa Ledesma, CHTA’s Acting CEO and Director General, foresees a dynamic and robust gathering as “the world emerges from COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and the pent-up demand for travel fuels the revival of the Caribbean’s main bread earner, tourism.”
Noting the advantages of a virtual conference, she asserted participants will be able to add more meetings to their schedules from the comfort of their offices, while saving on travel and accommodation expenses.
Ledesma anticipates vibrant exchanges as participants interact with regional and international colleagues in a cyber-setting. The virtual event allows more time to engage with trade, consumer media and influencers; network; and showcase destinations. “Regional stakeholders should avail themselves of this special opportunity to improve their pandemic-battered bottom lines,” she stated.
To accommodate expanded offerings, Caribbean Travel Marketplace will be held over the course of four days instead of its traditional two-day run. “The virtual format allows us to incorporate other elements to supplement the event without impacting the core appointments,” said Ledesma, who encouraged participants to review the “How to Marketplace” webinar, which guides attendees through the myriad Marketplace offerings.
Pre-conference informational sessions will help attendees gain a better understanding of regional destinations as well as what they should know about the rapidly changing entry requirements and safety protocols.
To spur participation, CHTA has created flexible, affordable registration fees, and would-be attendees are encouraged to take advantage of reduced “Early Arrival” fees that are available until April 12.
In addition to the wide variety of business and networking opportunities available during Marketplace, Ledesma’s team plans to highlight the region’s unique attributes. “This year, we are especially excited to showcase our diverse culture and iconic hospitality. We will use the virtual platform to host a truly memorable gathering which will confirm and reinforce the Caribbean’s position as a leader in the global tourism landscape.”
Caribbean Travel Marketplace will also introduce participants to the association’s membership drive, “CHTA: Forward Together”, which reminds stakeholders why membership in the preeminent trade association is vital for destinations and for the profitability of the private sector, which fuels the Caribbean tourism and hospitality industry. CHTA membership, Ledesma contends, “signals you are a serious player in the most important economic driver the Caribbean has ever seen.”
For more details about registering for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 39, please visit https://chtamarketplace.com/marketplace/registration or email events@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.

The UWI secures US$25 million grant

UWI

The University of the West Indies – UWI has secured an international grant of US$25 million, the largest in its history.

United States’ Silicon Valley digital technology giant, Eon Reality, announced its partnership with The UWI that will assure the significant investment in Caribbean digital education and professional training. The grant will see Eon Reality, the global technology conglomerate, entering the Caribbean market as a post-COVID education development leader.

The project is spearheaded by Dr Luz Longsworth, Principal of The UWI Open Campus and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Global Affairs. A thought leader and planner in online education, Dr Longsworth is leading the charge to transform the ten-year-old Open Campus into The UWI’s Global Campus. This initiative is a key part of the university’s new finance vision that seeks to “convert its global reputation into sustainable revenue.”

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, who has been addressing this development in recent months, noted that “this is a major and very timely step for the university as it rolls out its ‘finance revolution’ according to our strategic plan. We are determined to succeed but success comes with an orderly and systematic approach and effective leadership. Dr Longsworth is to be commended for her sophisticated negotiation skills and commitment to our strategic vision.”

The Vice-Chancellor further noted “that the university is moving swiftly along its plotted finance trajectory and that there are other such major funding initiatives in the global pipeline. Our development work, and institutional credibility, are now globally known and our allies are keen to offer support.”

Use of Astrazeneca Covid-19 Vaccine in Saint Lucia

AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

Continuation of the use of Oxford Astrazeneca Covid-19 Vaccine by Saint Lucia

Officials in the Ministry of Health and Wellness have taken the position to continue the roll out of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, despite suspensions in some European countries.

According to the World Health Organisation WHO, they are aware that as a precautionary measure, a few countries in the European Union have suspended use of a specific batch of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The World Health Organisation emphasizes on the need to note that “the vaccine’s benefits continue to outweigh its risk, and the vaccine can continue to be administered while investigation of cases of thromboembolic events is ongoing.”

The World Health Organization WHO is also aware of reports of a rare blood coagulation disorders in persons who have received the vaccine from that particular batch. It is emphasized that vaccination against COVID-19 will not reduce deaths from other causes. Deaths from other causes will continue to occur, including after vaccination, but casually unrelated.

The World Health Organisation Global Advisory Committee remains committed to systematically reviewing any vaccine safety signals and concerns related to COVID-19 vaccine safety. The Committee will meet every two weeks to advise the World Health Organisation on any new safety signals and concerns related to COVID-19 vaccine.

The Ministry of Health assures the public that the decision made in regard to the COVID-19 vaccine is in the best interest of the population. We will continue monitoring the investigation and provide updates as received.

For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively

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