When the Central Leeward Impact Project (CLIP) started four months ago, the group members envisioned a greater way to help people who have been affected both by the COVID19 pandemic and La Soufriere’s recent volcanic eruptions.

ZONA GOODING

The efforts of the registered non-governmental organisation have resulted in a partnership with the National Council of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Associations in the United Kingdom, who donated almost $13,000 worth of supplies to assist those affected persons.

Zona Gooding, a representative from the National Council of St Vincent and the Grenadines Associations in the UK handed over eight power washers and five barrels to CLIP’s chairman, Cecil Lynch at a ceremony in Layou last Friday.

She said the association, in conjunction with the SVG High Commission in London, were delighted “to assist our nationals in SVG during these difficult periods; likely the worst so far in the history of our nation”.

The National Council of St Vincent and the Grenadines Associations comprises various groups across the UK, including from Reading, Coventry, Derby, Longeaton, Oxford, Luton as well as SVG2G, WMCO and Denzil Winsborro based in London.

Gooding said the association endeavours to do its best to continue offering assistance to Vincentians when and wherever possible.

The eight power washers are valued at approximately $7900 while the five barrels of relief supplies from partner associations in Derby and Longeaton are valued at $5000.

“We want to say a heartfelt thank you for these power washers and these barrels. These power washers will definitely go to good use for affected persons of the eruption we had in April…I must say that these power washers will be used straight across the board. We are not watching party colours; our group is a non-political group and it is for each and everyone. Where we have been affected, we will…give you our assistance,” CLIP’s chairman, Cecil Lynch said at Friday’s handover.

Lynch added that this was only the beginning of things to come, as his NGO has already begun discussions with groups in North America as well for future projects.

He also assured that the group, despite being based in Central Leeward, will offer assistance to persons in SVG, no matter where they are from.

“We cannot sit back, relax and wait on the government to do things. We, as an NGO, have to jump on board and complement the government, not really compete but complement, even within our own communities,” the chairman said.

Aims of the newly formed NGO include beautifying and enhancing communities; looking out for the social well-being of the elderly; and training young persons for the job market.

Dr Orande Brewster, the Parliamentary Representative for Central Leeward was also present at Friday’s handover ceremony. He delivered brief remarks in which he pledged his support to the organisation.