OTTAWA, Canada, CMC—Canada is providing funds to assist Caribbean countries in the wake of the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl, which barreled through the region last week.
International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen said that humanitarian assistance would allow its humanitarian partners to provide life-saving assistance, such as emergency food and nutrition services, protection and logistics services, and to ensure that humanitarian goods are dispatched and that humanitarian workers continue to be able to respond to the crisis in the face of daunting challenges.
He said that with climate-related natural disasters on the rise and global warming leading to increased tropical storms, Canada is “prepared to support people affected by severe weather crises.
“Canada is committed to working with partners worldwide on global environmental sustainability and emergency preparedness to ensure a safer future for all. With climate-related disasters like Hurricane Beryl causing catastrophic damage, Canada supports those most in need.
“Our initial response will go toward meeting the most immediate and urgent needs in the Caribbean region with emergency essentials like water, food, and healthcare supplies.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected during these difficult times, and we continue to work closely with our partners to meet the evolving needs,” said Hussen, noting that Canada is sending relief supplies to Jamaica from its emergency stockpiles managed by the Canadian Red Cross.
Hussein said CAD$500,000 (One Canadian dollar = US$0.74 cents) would be allocated to the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) for emergency food assistance and logistics services, with CAD$160,000 being allocated to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies relief operations in response to its appeal for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Jamaica.
In addition, the Minister of International Development said Canada is also deploying essential relief items to the Jamaica Red Cross valued at up to CAD$350,000. He said Ottawa is also providing CAD$200,000 to the Barbados-based Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to mobilize regional deployment teams and provide direct support to countries requiring immediate response.
Through the Build Back Equal project, Hussen said Canada contributes to UN Women and UN Population Fund efforts to distribute hygiene and dignity product kits in Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Additionally, he said Canada supports emergency humanitarian personnel deployment on the ground in the Caribbean through funding provided to the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination and the Canadian Red Cross.
Hussen said that Canada is also supporting the region’s preparations for significant disasters before they happen through the WFP’s Resilience and Enhanced Adaptability to Disasters in the Caribbean project.
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