CARICOM leaders unite in prayer as Beryl threatens Windward Islands
As Hurricane Beryl batters parts of the Windward Islands, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders are praying that countries in the storm’s path escape its wrath with little to no damage.
CARICOM Chairman and President of Guyana Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said his country stands ready to assist the island nations, which are expected to be devastated by Beryl, which is fluctuating between Category Three and Four strength.
“Our prayers, love, and thoughts are with all of our Caribbean brothers and sisters, especially those in the direct path of Hurricane Beryl…I spoke with many leaders to assure them of Guyana’s support and we are all praying for the best. I appeal to all citizens in the region to follow their national advisories,” Ali said in a social media post on Sunday.
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St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew is paying close attention to what is taking place in the southern islands as his wife, Diani Prince-Drew, is a native of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Drew said he left a party last evening to communicate with the Prime Ministers of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Barbados and St Lucia to assure them of his country’s.
Drew said St Kitts and Nevis is willing to help the islands in anyway it can when the storm passes.
He urged everyone in the Caribbean “to keep our brothers and sisters in our thoughts and prayers.”
Bahamian prime minister Philip Davis echoed the words of CARICOM colleagues.
Davis is not taking the hurricane season lightly as he is well-aware that one storm can devastate a nation.
On Friday, the prime minister and his cabinet met with the Disaster Risk Management Authority and various cross-government agencies to discuss The Bahamas’ hurricane preparedness.
“We are committed to ensuring the right resources are in place to protect our citizens and communities this season. I also encourage all Bahamians to create their personal hurricane emergency plans for them and their families,” the prime minister said.
This year’s Hurricane Season is forecast to be above normal.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Serviceis forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher).
Of those, eight to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including four to seven major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).
The 2024 Hurricane Season will run from June 1 to November 30.
