By Gerald V. Paul

A concerned Consul General of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Steve O. Phillips, told The Camera on Monday that their beloved nation was left devastated after the passing of hurricane Tomas on October 30.

Phillips is appealing to the Vincentian community in the Diaspora, and to the wider Caribbean community to help their beloved country, in this time of misfortune and dire need.

Phillips said that the Consulate General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Toronto has opened an account at the Bank of Nova Scotia, branch #002, 422 Sheppard Avenue, East, Scarborough. Ont. M1S 1T5. Please make contributions

“One thousand, one hundred and ninety-four persons are suffering as they had to seek refuge in emergency shelters,” Phillips said.

Over 1200 houses were partially destroyed, and preliminary assessment of the cost of the damage to agricultural lands stands at EC$67.2 million. The destruction caused to agriculture means the disruption of livelihood for thousands in a population of 107,000 people.

“Some areas of the country that suffered damage to their water and electricity supplies are still without those amenities and relief crews are working to restore these and clear roads made impassable by numerous landslide,” Phillips said.

The conditions have resulted in schools being closed for the week.

The government is co-ordinating relief efforts and has approached regional and international partners for assistance. Here in Canada, special steering committees have been established to plan and co-ordinate fund raising and PR activities.

For more information: 416-398-4277