Christmas spirit dim for Unionites after Hurricane Beryl

by Christina Smith

While Vincentians on the mainland and in some Grenadine islands are in the thick of holiday preparations, Union Island residents are struggling to find reasons to celebrate, with some openly saying that the Christmas spirit will be absent from the island for a number of years.

Just a few weeks shy of six months since the passage of Hurricane Beryl, residents are still putting the pieces of the island back together, but the speed at which the rebuilding effort is moving has proven to be a source of frustration for many.

The St Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC), was able to restore electricity to some homes and businesses, as well as in the main town, allowing for residents to host Nine Mornings celebrations this week, though the event was described by some as ‘low key’.

A recent visit to Union Island showed that there has been a dent in the clean-up work with most debris cleared from roadways and around homes and businesses. Some residents have had their homes repaired through the government repair programme, while others have fronted the costs out-of-pocket.
In Clifton, husband and wife couple Matthias and Sharon Alexander said the holiday season will be spent reflecting and “giving God thanks” for making it through challenging circumstances.

“There isn’t much we can do besides relax and watch the time go by. What can you get out of Christmas when your house, like Lucky Dube said ‘walking down the streets of Soweto with no place to call home’; for me there ain’t have no Christmas. It will be just another day,” Matthias said.

The couple said that while estimates were done by teams from the Roads, Buildings, and General Services Authority (BRAGSA), there has been back and forth on the cost for the repairs, which has delayed the start of repairs.

“We put a little piece of tarpaulin to hold it up, but it doesn’t feel that comfortable,” Matthias explained, adding that they were relieved to have electricity restored to the residence on December 18.

Sharon, who described herself as a “big Christmas person” said it is difficult to come to grips with the new reality.
“I am a Christmas person. All the glitter lights and tree and everything. I love Christmas, I would go all out and light up… and have a big Christmas tree. I just hoping that by the first quarter of next year, we can have here fixed up,” Sharon said.

While Christmas decorations are scant across the island, another Clifton resident, Jalisa Alexander hung a wreath, telling SEARCHLIGHT she wanted to do something to usher in some Christmas spirit.

“I think a lot of persons were hoping to be in their
homes. I have two floors so I am downstairs, I was hoping to be upstairs for Christmas.”

Alexander said repairs to her house roof are currently underway, with reconnection of the electricity to follow. She said for most Unionites, the Christmas spirit has been replaced with stress and worry.

“The spirit is not really there as it normally is. A lot of persons are still stressed and worried about how they are going to get their homes fixed, furnishing their homes. We are just grateful that we are still here. I don’t know what this year will say for them [kids]… there aren’t many places have Christmas lights. Nothing much. Maybe within the next two to three years. But now- definitely not.”

Residents who spoke to SEARCHLIGHT said the focus at present is advancing repairs of homes and businesses with one shop proprietor saying, “Christmas gone from Union… for a good few years.”

The recent rape of an elderly woman has also dampened the holiday spirit on the island with residents expressing outrage and shock at the incident. The sexual assault occurred on Sunday, December 15, and resulted in the victim being transported to the mainland for medical attention.
SEARCHLIGHT understands that the 79 year old woman resides alone, and her house is located in an area a reasonable distance away from neighbours. They speculate that this was perhaps a reason that she was targeted.

Residents, who commented on the sexual assault under anonymity, told SEARCHLIGHT they strongly believe the crime was committed by someone who is not from Union Island. They said since the passage of the hurricane, persons have been coming into the island both from mainland St Vincent and other countries which they say creates increased opportunities for crimes to be committed.

At the waterfront, some fishers have returned to the seas after all vessels on the island suffered extensive damage from the hurricane on July 1, 2024. An estimated 50 percent of fishers are still out of work, awaiting assistance with boat repairs.

Fisherman Clint, said the start of the tourist season has brought some relief as he was able to secure work.

“I’ve been working and trying to make ends meet. My vessel still there parked up, I’m going to fix it up after the new year. As my mother tell me, keep praying, so that is what I’m going to do.”

Wess, a construction worker, said he too has had to start over from scratch after Hurricane Beryl damaged most of his tools. He said the main priority for Unionites is the roofing repairs and the restoration of electricity.

“Nothing happening, nobody not even out for Nine Mornings. People not on that kind of level right now, they are just trying to get their houses sorted out how they could and getting it furnished. People are frustrated.”

The Bank of SVG (BOSVG), has opened a generator-powered mobile unit at its previous location which is still under renovation. Earlier this week they announced extended operating hours leading into the holiday season with services being offered Monday through to Friday.

Residents said they welcome the change, adding that they look forward to the services of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) being restored.

Mayreau

Mayreau residents who have not relocated to the mainland were in the cleaning phase of the holiday preparations. One female resident told SEARCHLIGHT the Christmas spirit is at “about 75 percent” on Mayreau.

“This year will be different because there are some people who still don’t have a roof. Some people are still sharing homes. I’m here cleaning up and trying to get the [Christmas] vibes going.”

John Roach who managed an emergency shelter on the island said house repairs were moving along and Nine Mornings celebrations were underway.

“We are resilient people so we will make the best of whatever we have.”