The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has joined its regional counterparts to rally its membership and provide much needed assistance to St. Vincent & The Grenadines (St Vincent) in its time of need as the country reels from the devastating impact of ongoing eruptions of the La Soufrière Volcano.

Since news broke of the volcanic eruption on Friday, April 9th, the BCCI has been actively working in close coordination with local authorities in Barbados, as well as the regional network of Chambers of Commerce to support the St Vincent emergency response. Through its mobilisation efforts, BCCI members have donated money, as well as supplies including over 3000 cases of water, and emergency equipment. As a member of the Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM), the BCCI is also liaising with the St Vincent Chamber of Industry and Commerce to remain responsive to the changing needs given the fluidity of the situation on the
ground.

“The eruption of La Soufrière and the resulting ash fall hit Barbados hard and impacted businesses as well as individuals across the entire country over the last week. However, as difficult as it has been, our experiences pale in comparison to the devastation and disruption being experienced by St. Vincent & the Grenadines at this time. As a region, we must stand together to do whatever we can, to help those severely affected in our neighbouring island. The BCCI will continue to work with its membership and CARICHAM in the days ahead, to best respond to the needs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines” said Misha Lobban-Clarke, the Executive Director of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

“At a local level, the private sector has been very responsive following circulation of a list of critically needed supplies from the emergency response teams in St. Vincent. BCCI has been working with the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), and the Barbados Defense Force (BDF) to coordinate donations from the business community. It is important that as we contribute to this effort that we work with the official emergency management teams locally to ensure that this process is well coordinated, so as not to overwhelm the distribution network in St. Vincent & the Grenadines,” Lobban-Clarke stated.

The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry sincerely thanks the members of the business community who have already responded favorably with donations towards the relief efforts for St. Vincent & the Grenadines and encourages all Barbadians to continue to lend support to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines during this extremely difficult time.