Grenada offers to help Islands affected by Tomas

ST GEORGE’S, November 1, 2010 (GIS) – Grenada has expressed its readiness to assist its regional neighbours who were severely affected by the weekend’s weather disturbances caused by Tomas.

The 12th hurricane of the season and the 19th named storm, Tomas dumped four to six inches of rain on the islands.

The worst affected by the rains, as well as gusty winds, were St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Barbados. Homes and other structures were damaged and power lines downed.

Two people were reportedly injured in St. Vincent, including one critically, when they tried to repair roof damage during the storm.

Vincent Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has appealed for regional and international assistance to rebuild his country, which is said to have suffered millions of dollars in damage.

Grenada’s Foreign Minister Peter David, delivering welcoming remarks Monday at the opening of an informal ministerial meeting of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in St. George’s, said Hurricane Tomas “serves as a perfect backdrop to our meeting.’’

He noted that almost all activities in Grenada were halted because of the threat of Tomas.

“But what we experienced in Grenada was multiplied tenfold in St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Barbados and other islands,’’ Foreign Minister David said. “Let me, on behalf of all of us, extend our sorrow to the government and people of our sister islands of Barbados, St. Vincent and St. Lucia, through their representatives here. I am told that St. Vincent in particularly received substantial damages. Be assured that we, in Grenada, are ready and prepared to assist you in your time of need.’’

Mr. David also led the way in inviting delegates to pay tribute to the late Barbadian Prime Minister, Hon. David Thompson, who will be buried on Wednesday.

“Please join me in extending, on behalf of AOSIS, our deepest condolences to the government and people of Barbados, through their delegation here, for the loss of their Prime Minister David Thompson. Mr. Thompson was a fine son of the region, and a true friend of Grenada,’’ said Mr. David. “I ask all to stand in a minute of silent tribute to the late Prime Minister.’’

Mr. Thompson’s state funeral in the Barbados capital, Bridgetown, will be attended by a Grenada delegation headed by Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas. It will also include Foreign Minister David and Junior Information Minister, Senator Arley Gill.