St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) can expect support from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for its recovery efforts, following the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano last month.
New CDB president Dr Gene Leon reconfirmed the bank’s support for recovery and reconstruction efforts in SVG during a courtesy call with Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, on Friday.
The discussions concentrated on the challenges SVG now faces following a series of eruptions of the volcano, which triggered significant economic fallout and social dislocation.
With detailed needs assessments now being completed, the bank is offering assistance through various mechanisms, including immediate response financing and emergency grant facilities. Options for technical support and social protection interventions are also being explored.
“The challenges are enormous, but CDB is already working with SVG to identify, prioritise and address the most urgent needs,” Leon said.
Gonsalves indicated that the reconstruction programme will require tremendous effort and resources as public infrastructure, agriculture and tourism, water facilities and numerous other amenities had been adversely affected by the eruptions.
Earlier this month, the CDB provided relief supplies valued at more than US $135 000 under its Volcano Ready Project. This included mattresses and water tanks, as well as volcano monitoring and warning equipment.
(AR)