St Vincent and the Grenadines – La Soufriere Volcano response

Methodist Church in the Caribbean and Americas - World Mission Fund grant (£15000) - Give to the World Mission Fund here

The eruption of the La Soufriere volcano on the island of St. Vincent, starting on Friday April 9th, 2021 has caused devastating damage and much disruption in the lives of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Although some persons were able to secure alternative accommodation through rental or staying with family and friends, at the time of writing, there were over 13,303 persons in the emergency shelters.  Approximately 6,592 persons are in public shelters and 6,711 are in private shelters.  There has also been loss of homes, crops and livelihood but thankfully no reported loss of life. 

The MCCA Superintendent Ministers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are Rev. Cornelius Harry and Rev. Adolf Davis and they have responsibility for the Georgetown/ Mt. Coke Circuit and the Kingstown/ Chateaubelair Circuit respectively.  Within the Georgetown/ Mt. Coke Circuit there are three (3) shelters being managed by the Methodist Community housing approximately 70 persons with more expected to arrive as the crisis prolongs.  However, within the Kingstown/ Chateaubelair Circuit, there are no shelters under their direct management but opportunities are available for each congregation to adopt a shelter within that community. 

The current needs of the country are great.  Based on the reports for the two Superintendent Ministers, the most critical items include water, clothing, dignity kits for women and girls, food (including supplies for the hypertensive and diabetic), food storage containers and cleaning supplies.

The World Mission Fund support will be used to prepare containers with relief supplies directed to The Methodist Church in St. Vincent, including the following items:

- Water

- Food- in particular supplies for the hypertensive and diabetic

- Toiletries- in particular, nappies for babies and the elderly

- Cleaning Equipment and Supplies – in particular pressure washers, water pumps, heavy duty   clothing:- overalls, boots, gloves, goggles, face shields, masks

- Covid-19 & Dust Related PPE

- Insect Repellent/ Mosquito Coils

“Thank you and The Methodist Church in Britain for your greetings, expressions of concern and prayers.”