The UK-SVG Friendship Trust is pleased to present this substantial sum of Three hundred and thirty thousand EC dollars (EC$330,000) to the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as part of our ongoing commitment to help with the relief efforts following the series of volcanic eruptions which have had an adverse impact on lives and livelihoods in the country.
The Trust recognizes that this is a challenging time for the government to provide for the needs of everyone who have been affected, not only by the volcanic eruption but also by the corona virus pandemic. We are aware of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters evidenced only a few weeks ago by Hurricane Elsa. Thus, the Trust has step forward to support the Government to assist those under its care at shelters across the country and wherever possible to provide further support to those who are leaving shelters to restart their lives.
The Trust partnered with the SVG High Commission, the National Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association UK and over 7000 donors to raise the funds being distributed today. It is the intention of the Trust to make further contributions in the near future to help those persons who have been displaced and are returning to their homes.
We have been particularly concerned about the plight of women, girls and persons living with disabilities and those who are otherwise at high risk. Working with the St. Vincent Cooperative Bank who has joined us to assure our local spending procedure, we have already been able to provide direct support to over 500 individuals through local partnerships including the Ministry of National Mobilization, Soroptimist International SVG, Je Belle Football Club and the Voice of the Disabled.
The Trust with the co-operation of the diaspora is committed to assist in the long-term recovery ahead and would continue to do all that it can to support Vincentians who have been affected by the recent events.
The Trust would wish to thank all Vincentians in the diaspora and friends of St Vincent and the Grenadines for their generous contribution to assist those in need.
The UK-SVG Friendship Trust is a not-for-profit organization based in the UK chaired by Mr Cenio Lewis. The other trustees are Mr Adaiah Providence-Culzac and Mr Steve Maingot. Mr Darrien Ollivierre is the Trust’s local representative.