SVG to pause for one minute in honour of 2013 flood victims

For one minute at noon on December 24, the entire nation of St Vincent and the Grenadines will stop, pause and pray in remembrance of the floods of December 24, 2013, that claimed the lives of 12 Vincentians and caused tremendous damage to the country.

During that minute, church bells will toll,{{more}} sirens at Police Headquarters will go off, all radio stations will pause talking and play low music.

These activities form part of a series of events which has been planned by the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) to mark the first anniversary of the Christmas floods.

The following people were confirmed dead: Raymond Gonsalves, 62, of Manning Village, Byera; Desmond Wilson, 47 of Vermont; Keslia James, 18 of Cane Grove; Sharlan Headley, 2, of Cane Grove and Canada; Walsy Nanton, 75, of Rose Bank; Harna Nanton, 70, of Rose Bank; Bernard Nanton, 24, of Rose Bank; Yowanie Nanton/Bartholomew, 18, of Rose Bank and Hazel Baptiste, 48, of Rose Bank.

Three other people, whose bodies have not been found, are listed as missing. They are: Josel Morgan-Small, 27 of Rillan Hill/Lowmans; Sheila Edwards, 36 of Buccament and Inka Jack, 12 of Buccament.

“As we pause to remember those who perished and empathise with those close relatives and friends who continue to mourn their loss, we invite your participation …. More importantly, we request your prayers for the healing of the nation, specifically for those still shaken by the events,” a release from Howie Prince, director of NEMO said.

On December 24, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves will send special signed cards to relatives of the deceased, and from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on December 24, flags will be lowered.

A national remembrance service will also be held at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Pembroke beginning at 3 p.m. on Wednesday December 24, 2014. There will be a candle light march from the church to Marty’s gas station immediately after the national remembrance Service.

A special church service will also be held at Rose Bank on Christmas Day at a venue and time to be announced.

The public is invited to participate in all the events, particularly the national remembrance service.