A Royal Caribbean International ship is due to dock in Grenada today (Tuesday) to bring essential relief aid after Hurricane Beryl devastated outlying islands as it swept through the Caribbean.
Rhapsody of the Seas will deliver essential supplies, including 15 tons of fuel, to aid recovery efforts.
Grenada’s sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique suffered catastrophic damage in the unseasonably early hurricane strike.
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Heavy rain and wind knocked out desalination plants, mobile phone transmission towers and fibre optic cables, left roads impassable and destroyed houses along with local businesses.
The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) emphasised that its hotels and attractions are fully operational and it would be welcoming 2,377 passengers from the cruise ship.
However, the authority called for donations to be made to its Hurricane Beryl Relief Fund through the Gov.gd ePayment Portal.
The GTA said that countless families are in urgent need of support in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, with homes destroyed leaving many without necessities.
Donations will help supply food, shelter, and medical care to those affected.
The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency said it was focusing on assisting Grenada and the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, as well as the Grenadine islands of Bequia, Union Island, Canouan and Mayreau in St Vincent.
GTA chief executive Petra Roache said: “The recent impact of Hurricane Beryl left a trail of devastation in its wake throughout the Caribbean region.
“Particularly, the extensive damage witnessed in our beautiful sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique has brought a deep sense of pain that cannot solely be measured by material loss.
“Our hearts go out to the people and communities that faced this unimaginable heartbreak.
“It is our resilience and kindness as a people – even in the face of adversity – that have always made our country a captivating, utopic paradise that welcomes visitors time and again from all walks of life.”
In a public appeal, she added: “As we look ahead, we invite you to visit and see first-hand the beauty and resilience of Grenada.
“By choosing to support our local businesses, restaurants, hotels, and local attractions in The Spice Isle, you are not only enjoying a memorable vacation, but you are also contributing to the recovery and growth of communities across the country.
“Together, we can turn adversity into strength and continue to build a brighter future for all.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have reached out with concern and support. The spirit of the Caribbean is one of unity and resilience, and together, we will overcome this challenge.”
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office said in a travel advisory update for Jamaica: “While most larger hotels with generator power have remained open and fully functional, many parts of Jamaica still have no or intermittent access to power, water and mobile phone connectivity. Check the situation with your accommodation provider before travel.”