Press Release

United Nations launches $29 million appeal for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and other affected countries as volcano eruption continues

20 April 2021

The United Nations has launched a $29.2 million global funding appeal to help those affected by the eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and other impacted countries during what has been described as the country’s “midnight hour of need”.

Caption: Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves during the launch of the Global Funding Appeal
Photo: Bajanpro/ United Nation Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean

The eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano which began on 9 April are expected to displace close to 20,000 persons with over 12,700 evacuees now registered in public shelters and in private homes. Entire villages have been covered in ashes, buildings damaged , schools and businesses closed , crops and livestock destroyed, and residents left with limited access to clean drinking water. Further eruptions are expected in the coming weeks.

Funding raised through the UN Global Funding Appeal for the La Soufrière Volcano Response Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Affected Countries ,will provide immediate lifesaving humanitarian aid including cash assistance and clean water, and support a sustainable recovery, including through repairs to homes and support for livelihoods. The UN and partners will also assess the economic, social, and environmental impact on countries affected by the volcano, supporting with ash removal and improving environmental health conditions. Another priority is to continue preventing the spread of COVID-19 as part of the shelter management work and all humanitarian and recovery efforts.

The appeal will be directed towards two main pillars: Humanitarian response - provision of time-sensitive and lifesaving humanitarian interventions and Recovery and rehabilitation. Interventions are divided amongst eight sectors being: Protection; Health; Education; WASH; Shelter and Housing; Cleanup of ashes, equipment, and environmental health; Food Security and Livelihoods; Agriculture; and Logistics.

A call to action was made for international solidarity to provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable people in Saint Vincent, as well as in neighbouring affected countries, during today’s virtual launch in Saint Vincent UN Resident Coordintor Didier Trebucq, alongside Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. Also participating were Regis Chapman, Head of Caribbean Sub-regional Office for WFP and Aloys Kamuragiye, Representative of UNICEF Barbados and Eastern Caribbean. Affected countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, and Saint Lucia, some of whom have been adversely impacted by severe ashfall, and all of whom have offered to shelter evacuees.

Caption: Residents of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines evacuating the Red zone
Photo: Bajanpro/UN Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean

“The level of destruction that has befallen this beautiful country and the widespread disruption caused by this event, will forever be etched in my mind. The devastating impact of this event on thousands of people is undeniable,” said UN Resident Coordinator Didier Trebucq, "The UN will be a steadfast partner, working with the Government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to ensure strong and resilient recovery. This Global Fund Appeal will mobilize international solidarity to enhance our efforts. ”

Prime Minister Gonsalves painted a poignant picture of the desolation and the wasteland of his beloved country describing the uncertainty as very troubling. He said: “Without effective cooperation from the UN and our regional partners our life and living will be wholly unbearable. “The United Nations and its agencies have come splendidly to the assistance of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the midnight hour of our need. Their interface with the national authorities and regional organisations such as CDEMA has been exemplary.”

Also lending support to the appeal was Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency(CDEMA) , Elizabeth Riley , who stated: “Today’s launch is about people, mothers, father, children who are impacted. It is also about the people working to support those people , and about partnership and the possibilities for a more resilient future for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, Dr. Didacus Jules, also lent his support noting: “Saint Vincent is at the epicentre of catastrophe. It stands battered but not broken and embraced by concentric circles of love as evident in today’s appeal.”

In response to the ongoing eruption, the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock, recently announced an allocation of $1 million from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to help provide urgent humanitarian assistance to affected people, especially those evacuated.

This crisis comes as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is recovering from its largest COVID-19 surge amid the pandemic, the region’s worst Dengue outbreak in recent history, and ahead of the 2021 hurricane season.

UN entities providing technical assistance and support under the appeal include WFP, UNICEF, OCHA, UN Women, UNFPA, PAHO, IOM, UNESCO, UNDP, FAO, UNOPS, UNEP and OCHR.

The UN Global Fund Appeal launch was followed by a virtual press encounter with UN correspondents and the Resident Coordinator and Prime Minister Gonsalves, moderated by the UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric live on http://webtv.un.org/

Media Contacts

Carol A. Gaskin

Resident Coordinator Office,

Development Coordination Officer

Programme Communications and Advocacy

Email : carol-ann.gaskin@un.org

Tel: +1 (246) 467-6110

Mobile +1(246) 832-6110

Randy Warner

Resident Coordinator Office/United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Information Management Assistant

Email: randy.warner@un.org

Tel: +1 (246) 467-6113

Mobile +1 (246) 836-6113

Carol A. Gaskin

RCO

Programme Communications and Advocacy Officer

carol-ann.gaskin@un.org +1 (246) 467 6110

Carol Gaskin is a seasoned international development professional and strategic communicator, serving as the United Nations Development Coordination Officer for Programme Communications and Advocacy. With a background in journalism and creative writing, Carol brings a diverse skill set to her role.

In her capacity, she leads communication and advocacy efforts for the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, overseeing operations in 10 Eastern Caribbean countries. Additionally, she chairs the UN Communications Group, fostering collaboration among communicators from 18 agencies.

Carol's expertise lies in developing communication strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. She excels in storytelling, utilizing various channels to amplify the UN's message effectively.

Her achievements include coordinating impactful events such as the "UN in the City" SDG exhibition and spearheading initiatives like the introduction of the Caribbean's first SDG-branded electric bus. Notably, Carol has received recognition for her outstanding work, including the Best Annual Results Report for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023.

Her work extends to humanitarian efforts, notably providing coverage during natural disasters like the La Soufriere eruption.

With a proven track record of success and dedication to advancing global priorities, Carol A. Gaskin is a respected figure in the field of international development and strategic communication.