The Castries Cricket Association, in partnership with SOL Gros-Islet, have made a small contribution to the ongoing relief effort in neighbouring St. Vincent and the Grenadines, following a series of volcanic explosive eruptions from the La Soufriere volcano.
The two Saint Lucian entities have donated 324 cases of bottled water to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association, which is expected to be cleared and handed over by former SVGCA president Dr. Kishore Shallow.
The water was transported to St. Vincent and the Grenadines by Admiral Bay III, and the costs of the joint donation is almost EC$5,000.00.
According to president of the Castries Cricket Association Wayne Auguste, “In times like these is when we get to know who our true neighbours, our true brothers and sisters really are. This small donation will help along with other donations, bring some relief to the persons affected by the eruptions of the volcano.”
Auguste pointed out he received word that he and his fellow members of the CCA did receive word that a number of cricketers were affected. They lived in the Red zone, “and if needed, the Castries Cricket Association is ready to assist in any small way, the evacuees who would have been accommodated in Saint Lucia.”
Auguste expects ideas to flow from CCA members as to how the organization can continue contributing to the relief effort. He recognizes the long term socio-economic effects on the population, and cognizant that the assistance programme will have to be continuous, and in partnership with other private-sector agencies and individuals.
“I am speaking for both SOL Gros-Islet and Castries Cricket Association when I say, we will continue looking at what we can donate in the future as we get a better understanding of immediate needs of the affected people.
“We must also keep in mind that there may come a time in the very near future that there would be Vincentians who would like to evacuate to Saint Lucia. There must be systems managed by both the public and private sector to assist those persons, for the impact of the volcanic eruptions will be felt beyond the shores of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”
Tonnes of relief supplies have and are continuing to pour into the ash covered island, as about 20,000 residents try to cope with La Soufriere’s continuing eruptions which has affected water supply and quality, with thousands either in shelters or have been taken in by family members and/or friends.