Three months after torrential rains and flooding devastated parts of St Vincent and the Grenadines, assistance is still needed.
To this end, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank has contributed another $5 000 to the rebuilding effort through the St Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Barbados after assisting earlier in the year, just after the Christmas Day flooding.
The bank recently made a presentation to the association at the bank’s office at Rendezvous, Christ Church. Noel Adams, president of the association, said the funds would be used to assist with the relocation of several families from areas including Buccament Bay and Vermont in Southern St Vincent.
“We are at a rebuilding stage now, so the priority is to buy building material such as blocks, cement, nails, galvanised sheets and steel. We have sent a few materials down there but are trying to get other materials purchased in St Vincent and delivered directly.”
In describing the impact the assistance would have, Adams said, “I know for sure it will bring a smile to their faces and let them know that there are people outside of St Vincent and the Grenadines who care for them and that their CARICOM brothers are willing to help in a time of need. This assistance will definitely help them to get back on their feet quicker.”
Adams offered a heartfelt thanks to the bank, which operates in 17 Caribbean territories, saying, “I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart and that we appreciate all the bank has done for the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. We’ll continue to support CIBC FirstCaribbean throughout the region.”
Donna Wellington, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s managing director, Barbados, in presenting the funds, thanked the association for its commitment to rebuilding lives and said the bank was pleased to be a partner.
In early January, the bank donated EC$100 000 (BDS$74 000) for relief for people trying to rebuild. The funds were donated through the bank’s CIBC FirstCaribbean ComTrust Foundation and went towards securing items to distribute to people in St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, and Dominica.
