Delegate Stacey Plaskett (D) of the US Virgin Islands highlighted the importance of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in the Caribbean, addressing Hurricane Beryl, which tore through the region in June, causing at least 33 deaths throughout parts of the Caribbean and the United States.
USAID contributed $4.5 million to support the Caribbean countries hit by the hurricane, including Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Jamaica. Plaskett, who serves as co-chair of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus, said the funding will aid in rebuilding, explaining, “This assistance will be used to repair shelters, address water and sanitation needs, support operations, and bolster overall relief efforts. Given the unpredictability of hurricane activity, it is essential that we remain engaged with our Caribbean communities, partners, and local governments to support and strengthen disaster preparedness and response efforts.”
The hurricane also passed about 200 miles below USVI and Puerto Rico, which resulted in marine warnings for waves and rip currents in specific regions of the territories.
A press release by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on July 9 outlined the USAID’s intention to provide funding and aid to the suffering Caribbean countries. USAID plans to provide $2.5 million to Jamaica, $1 million to Grenada, and $1 million to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The release also added that “USAID humanitarian teams remain on the ground across the Caribbean to work with partners and local governments to assess storm damage and humanitarian needs, and to support the disaster response.”
Plaskett anticipates “meeting with other members of the Caucus and with US ambassadors to Caribbean nations affected by Hurricane Beryl to receive updates on the status of infrastructure, increase funding, and produce critical aid and materials tailored to specific community needs.”
Though even the smaller hurricanes usually form in August, climate change and higher ocean temperatures are being attributed to Beryl’s early and very intense development.
In terms of climate change and management, USAID has been collaborating with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). USAID added in its press release, “USAID is working closely with the NOAA, the UN, implementing partners, and local governments to support hurricane preparedness by co-developing emergency and evacuation plans; training national disaster response organizations and first responders; and educating vulnerable communities so they know what to do when the next storm hits.”
