Saudi Arabia has donated 5.3 million XCD in humanitarian aid to Grenada, aimed at recovery following Hurricane Beryl’s devastation. The aid includes vital supplies and was presented to Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell at a ceremony, reflecting a commitment to strengthen bilateral relations between the nations. Discussions at the CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit facilitated this assistance, highlighting collaboration amid climate-related challenges.
The Government of Saudi Arabia has extended humanitarian assistance worth 5.3 million Eastern Caribbean Dollars to Grenada to aid recovery efforts after Hurricane Beryl’s destruction in July 2024. This aid package includes 21 containers filled with critical supplies such as chainsaws, diesel generators, flashlights, first aid kits, hygiene supplies, and emergency shelter materials. The donation was officially presented to Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell during a ceremony on Monday at the Port Authority Welcome Centre.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Mitchell expressed deep gratitude, highlighting the importance of this assistance amidst global challenges: “We are truly appreciative that in a time when there is so much trouble in the world… you are still gracious and generous enough to look beyond your immediate neighbourhood.” He noted the significance of this aid for ordinary residents in the affected areas, particularly in the Grenadine Islands, who are facing severe impacts from climate change.
Abdullah Muhammad Alsaihani, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Venezuela, stated that “this humanitarian aid seeks not only to bring relief in the most urgent areas but also to help strengthen the ties that unite both countries.” This initiative forms part of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre’s broader international support program, aimed at providing essential aid and resources to communities affected by natural disasters.
The Prime Minister pointed out that this assistance is a product of the discussions held at the CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit in November 2023, indicating the potential for strengthened bilateral relations between CARICOM nations and Saudi Arabia.
The recent humanitarian aid from Saudi Arabia represents a significant effort to support Grenada’s recovery from Hurricane Beryl, which devastated parts of the island in July 2024. The donation showcases international solidarity and highlights the importance of bilateral relations, particularly in the context of climate change-related disasters affecting many Caribbean nations. Establishing connections between countries through aid is vital for resilience and cooperation in facing future challenges.
In summary, the Saudi Arabian government has provided crucial humanitarian support to Grenada following Hurricane Beryl, emphasizing international cooperation and aid in times of crisis. The assistance, consisting of essential supplies and resources, is set to alleviate the hardships faced by those in affected communities, especially amid the pressing impacts of climate change. This initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening ties between Grenada and Saudi Arabia, as well as increased collaboration among CARICOM countries.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
