PORT OF SPAIN: 14TH APRIL 2021
As St. Vincent and the Grenadines grapples with the ongoing impact of the eruption of La Soufriėre Volcano on April 8, 2021, Trinidad and Tobago and other like-minded Member States of the Organisation of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C., including the other fourteen Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States and all eight SICA Member and Associate Member States, sought to garner international support for St. Vincent and the Grenadines by successfully piloting a Resolution in the Permanent Council in the OAS today in support of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The drafting and presentation of the Resolution to the Permanent Council was the initiative of the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the OAS in his capacity as Coordinator of the CARICOM Caucus of Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to the OAS, following the request by the Permanent Representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that the item be placed on the agenda of the Permanent Council.
The Resolution, adopted by acclamation, is entitled “Solidarity with and Support for the People and Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” resolves to express solidarity with and support for the Government and People of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in their recovery; urge Member States of the OAS and permanent observers to intensify their efforts to expedite the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and neighbouring countries; and calls on the Secretary General of the OAS to make representation on behalf of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to international and regional financial and development organisations.
It acknowledges the devastating effects of the volcano’s eruption on the lives and livelihoods of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (which is compounded by the global health pandemic) and the immediate refuge provided by neighbouring states and humanitarian relief mobilized by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its regional institutions.
The Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago stand in solidarity with its brothers and sisters in St. Vincent and the Grenadines during this trying time and are committed to rendering the necessary support throughout the relief, recovery and rebuilding processes.
Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs
