Caribbean Flood Relief Campaign Continues

The West Indian Association of Bermuda notes with sadness and concern the devastation that has occurred as a result of heavy rains and severe flooding over the Christmas season in the Caribbean, with the people of the hardest hit areas of St. Vincent and St. Lucia most negatively affected.

The governments of those islands have declared a level two disaster; a level two disaster is stipulated when the damage is severe and for which local resources and response capacity are limited, with specialized external assistance requested from other nations.

Collectively, 15 deaths have been reported and over 33,000 people have been affected by the torrential downpour. Financial losses are estimated to be in the millions, with many homes destroyed and much of the islands’ infrastructure damaged. As a a result, medical supplies and basic necessities are in short supply.

The West Indian Association of Bermuda and its partners are still receiving and collecting information on the recovery efforts underway in those countries so as to determine the needs with the most priority.

In response to those needs, those groups have now united with Bermudians, members of the local Vincentian and St. Lucian community, the government, including the One Bermuda Alliance [OBA] and the Opposition, as well as the Progressive Labour Party [PLP] leaders and other community partners in order to determine how best to assist with the humanitarian and rebuilding efforts going on in those countries.

The West Indian Association’s theme for fundraising activities with its partners is “Caribbean Flood Relief – Give From the Heart”.

To jump start these fundraising efforts, the Association has pledged that partial proceeds from its annual signature event, its New Year’s Dinner & Dance, will be donated towards those efforts. Dubbed “An Evening of Caribbean Flavor,” the event will be held on January 31 at the Riddell’s Bay Golf and Country Club.

The Association has also organized a Valentine’s Night Caribbean Party to be held on Friday, February 14 at the Police Recreational Club in Prospect, Devonshire, with all proceeds going to the relief efforts.

Planning for other activities in conjunction with its partners is currently underway and further information will be released shortly.

Other countries throughout the region and across the globe are currently providing support for the flood relief effort. The Association has said that it proudly looks forward to adding Bermuda to that list.

Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation to this campaign can do so by direct deposit to the this bank account:

• The West Indian Association [Bermuda]
• HSBC Account No: 011 055 662 001

“As the Bermuda community has always been very supportive with assisting other countries with disaster relief efforts, the Association looks forward to the continued support of our island as they work to aid our neighbours in their time of need,” a spokesperson said.

#CaribbeanRelations #CharityEvents #Flooding

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