THE SPANISH AGENCY for International Development Co-operation (AECID) has provided US$416,204.00 through a partnership with UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean to strengthen recovery efforts in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) following the volcanic eruptions in April.

The generous AECID cash injection is part of the Agency’s commitment to combat poverty and promote sustainable human development and will be employed to accelerate the efforts of the UNDP Response and Recovery Programme, which has been developed in consultation with national institutions, recovery partners and the UNDP team in St Vincent and the Grenadines, a release states.The proposed programme is consistent with the national priorities of the government noting the positive impact such a measure would have in terms of protecting health of residents and restoration of livelihoods. This project will also assist the communities and government in cleaning ash, debris, bricks, cement, rubble and vegetation from the destroyed area, market places, homes and streets to pave the way to rebuilding these areas and allowing safe access to communities and businesses. It can also provide short term financial support to persons who have previously lost their jobs to COVID-19 in addition to being impacted by the volcanic eruption This disaster, like previous others, has illustrated a disproportionate impact on women and girls, therefore all of the activities executed under the AECID supported, UNDP Response and Recovery Plan will address the differential needs of women, men, girls and boys and ensure equitable, gender inclusive distribution of benefits and resources while also focusing on preventing the spread of COVID- 19.

UNDP Resident Representative Valerie Cliff elaborating on the continued efforts to support the nation stated: “SIDS (Small Island Development States) like St Vincent and the Grenadines are extremely vulnerable to hazards and we have a responsibility to bolster their resilience in a fair, equitable, gender responsive manner.

This funding allows us to continue efforts to execute the comprehensive plan put in place to assist with immediate recovery and longer-term sustainable rebuilding.”

At this time when exogenous threats like COVID-19 and natural disasters are impacting the region, it is vital that developmental efforts are continued to reinforce the need for regional resilience and building forward better. This Response Programme is part of the work of UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in its commitment to promoting economic diversification, job creation and resilience with the ‘Blue Economy’ for Green Islands’ vision”. As the Caribbean continues to seek solutions to support traditionally vulnerable groups, UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in partnership with governments and stakeholders, remains dedicated to the advancement of inclusive and sustainable development throughout the region and building resilient communities that can withstand shocks and crises through targeted projects and programmes.