iRoko Community Alliance

#Hear My Voice#

Huddersfield/Carriacou Natural Disaster Community Engagement meeting

An emergency community meeting was hosted by Antilles Social Club on 3^rd July 2024 for all members of the Black, African and Caribbean community in the aftermath of “Storm Beryl” on Monday 1st July.  The meeting Chaired by Mary Augustine.

Storm Beryl ripped through the Caribbean islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique on Monday 1st July 2024, the hurricane was categorised at level four when it’s eye hit the islands.  It is acknowledged that the entire island of Carriacou has been devastated by this natural disaster and that every single occupant/resident of this beautiful island has been affected in one way or another. 

There are residents whose homes have been completely destroyed, in addition to their livelihoods.  People are left without homes, food, power sources and a real fear of the future and the unknown.  Emergency supplies are urgently required to meet the short-term needs of the people.

The purpose of the community engagement meeting was to provide a platform for members primarily of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique diaspora and adjourning Caribbean islands to express their thoughts, concerns and anxieties, and to come together as a community to identify a plan of action that will support their friends and relatives through this unfortunate natural disaster.

We know that the Grenadian government and other global disaster relief agencies are working hard to organise and distribute aid to the affected islands but know that there is more that can be done, and the support will be required for years to come.

The attendees at the meeting made the following contributions.

#They want to help Carriacou to rise again#

#There are more people in the Carriacou Diaspora and so it is our responsibility to assist#

#we need to get supplies to Carriacou#

#our people need urgent financial aid#

#we need to identify containers to transport emergency supplies oversees#

#we see financial aid as the priority, and as such we should try to fundraise by facilitating charity and fundraising events where people volunteer their time and efforts for the good of the people#

#we need to work collectively in ensuring that the aid is obtained and distributed where it is most needed#

#we cannot over fundraise, and there is an acceptance that this is a long-term commitment to help to rebuild the island#

#my dream is to return to Carriacou and see what we in Huddersfield have achieved#

#we need to identify ourselves – suggestion “Huddersfield/Carriacou Relief Fund#

#we need to merge with other organisations in the UK who are supporting the efforts#

#donations are urgently needed, go fund me etc#

#we need to have effective coordination so that we know where the funds are going and that it reaches those in need#

#we need to have robust plans in place to support our efforts#

#we need to develop a working committee so that we can be structured in our approach#

#we want subgroups of this committee so that the tasks are undertaken and we utilise our support#

#we need to establish volunteers who possess the skills and experience to drive the committee forwards#

#we want representatives on the island to oversee our efforts and identify ongoing need#

#we see shelter and food as the immediate priority for our people#

#we need to close our minds to negativity and work collectively for the good of our people who are in crisis right now#

#let’s learn to trust each other#

#we have the option to donate any direct funds through the Grenada High Commissioner#

#we in Huddersfield would benefit from the formulation of a Caribbean committee#

#we would like going forward to consider establishing a committee in Huddersfield that focuses on supporting and promoting the wellbeing of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique residents descendants#

#we want a unified approach within the community to promote oneness#

#we need to establish a coordinated group immediately to progress our views#

#we feel helpless and need to do something#

#We need to be transparent#

IN CONCLUSION

The Community Pledge

We pledge to take the following actions to support the recovery efforts for Carriacou and Petit Martinique:

1. Develop a Huddersfield/Carriacou Disaster Relief Committee:

   – Establish a dedicated committee to coordinate disaster relief efforts between Huddersfield and Carriacou.

2. Develop Sub-Committees:

   – **Finance Team: Manage the financial aspects of the relief efforts, ensuring transparency and accountability.

   – **Fundraising Team: Organize events and initiatives to raise funds for disaster relief efforts.

   – **Donations Team: Coordinate the collection and distribution of donated goods and supplies.

   – **Marketing Team: Promote relief efforts and raise awareness through various channels.

Working Together -Huddersfield Fundraising Activities for those affected by Hurricane Beryl in Carriacou & Petit Martinique

Total financial donations across Huddersfield based groups at 15th July 2024

£9,314