LAST FRIDAY JULY 16, 2021 the UK-SVG Friendship Trust presented EC$330,000 to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as part of their ongoing commitment to assist with the relief efforts following the series of volcanic eruptions of La Soufriere volcano which have aversely impacted lives and livelihoods here.

According to a release, the presentation, which was done at the conference room of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, was made by Darrien Ollivierre, the Trust’s local representative, to Senator Keisal Peters, Minister of State with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, who accepted the donation on behalf of the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

The Trust recognises that this is a challenging time for the Government to provide for the needs of everyone who has been affected not only by the volcanic eruptions but also by the novel corona virus pandemic. The Trust is aware of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters evidenced only a few weeks ago by the passage of Hurricane Elsa. Thus, the Trust has stepped forward to support the Government to assist those under its care at shelters across the country and wherever possible, to provide further support to those who are leaving shelters to restart their lives.

The Trust partnered with the SVG High Commission, the National Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association UK, and over 7000 donors to raise the funds. It is the intention of the Trust to make further contributions in the near future to help those who have been displaced and are returning to their homes.

The Trust has also partnered with the St. Vincent Co-operative Bank to provide direct support to more than 500 individuals through local partnerships including the Ministry of National Mobilisation, Soroptimist International SVG, Je Belle Football Club and the Voice of the Disabled.

The Trust with the co-operation of the Diaspora is committed to assisting in the long-term recovery and would continue to do all that it can to support Vincentians who have been affected by the recent events.

The Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as well as the Trust extend thanks to all Vincentians in the Diaspora and friends of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for their generous contribution to assist those in need.

The UK-SVG Friendship Trust is a not-for-profit organisation based in the UK chaired by Cenio Lewis, High Commissioner of the SVG High Commission in London, UK. The other trustees are Adaiah Providence-Culzac and Steve Maingot.