The ULP administration responded swiftly and decisively to the unprecedented challenge of Hurricane Beryl. We pivoted immediately to place the recovery of the Grenadines at the forefront of our national agenda. Comrade Ralph visited the southern Grenadines on a weekly basis to lead the recovery efforts. Comrade Chevonne Stewart remained on the ground to energize the residents and restore hope. Comrades Carlos, Camillo, Benarva and Orande worked tirelessly to rehabilitate tourism, finance recovery, restore connectivity and rebuild houses. More than $150 million in public funds have already been channelled directly into the Grenadines for relief and recovery. Thanks to the leadership of Comrade Ralph, over $65 million in additional resources were raised from NGOs and significant private donations. Since the hurricane, our accomplishments include:
- Restoration of electricity to homes and businesses
- Reconstruction of hundreds of homes to date, at no cost to the residents of the Grenadines
- Daily shipments of clean water to combat water insecurity
- Repairs to health centres and clinics
- Provision of income support to over 1,000 families from the Grenadines
- Provision of food, uniforms, books, and income support—benefiting more than 1,500 people, with $11.2 million spent on income support alone
- Housing for the displaced, with over 250 Grenadines families being sheltered in government-rented accommodations
- Debris clearance and the reconstruction of jetties and bays, including the Canouan Jetty and restoration of Salt Whistle Bay
- Free ferry services of people and cargo to and from the southern Grenadines, valued at over $7 million
- Rebuilding of destroyed schools, and the rapid construction of a temporary school compound in Arnos Vale for displaced Union Island students These efforts have not only addressed immediate needs, but also laid a foundation for long-term recovery.