Following the destruction wrought by the La Soufriere volcano last month, the chairman of Digicel Group commended the British government for boosting its aid to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
After volcanic eruptions displaced over 30,000 people, causing food poverty and a severe public health emergency, Denis O’Brien called on Britain to assist the country.
Mar. O’Brien described Britain’s initial contribution to St Vincent as “pitiful” at £200,000 through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.
Last Monday, the United Kingdom pledged a further £550,000 to the World Food Programme to support people in St Vincent and the Grenadines with food, water, and other necessities.
“Credit where credit is due; after a delayed start, the UK Government has listened and done its duty,” Mar. O’Brien remarked. The people of St Vincent and the Grenadines are naturally entitled to support from the UK in times of need, given their long history of ties to the UK – this latest promise by the UK Government is proof positive of the Commonwealth’s much-heralded spirit.”
The Commonwealth includes St Vincent and the Grenadines. In 1979, it declared complete independence from the United Kingdom.
Last month, the Digicel Group, of which Digicel Bermuda is a member, announced a $500,000 donation of “critical supplies” to aid relief operations in the aftermath of the volcanic eruptions.
