Archdiocese of Port of Spain mobilises Beryl Relief Aid

By Lara Pickford-Gordon
The Archdiocese last week began mobilising assistance for people in the islands wrecked by Hurricane Beryl. The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP), Living Water Community (LWC), and Eternal Light Community are coordinating the hurricane relief.

Speaking after the July 7 Mass at the LWC chapel in Port of Spain, LWC Director Rhonda Maingot said it was an anxious week with Beryl passing. “We are all shocked at the devastation in all the islands. The Archbishop here has asked for our appeal for people to support, to help through the parishes”.

She advised that communication on the relief came via The Catholic News, social media and catholictt.org, where monetary donations can be made. These “are always very, very useful.”

Maingot said, “Any foodstuff, tinned stuff and so, will be welcomed in the parishes. You will get to find out where the points of collection are, and we can make a big drive from our Archdiocese to the islands who are in so much need today”.

She advised people donating clothing to send “good clothes, clothes that are able to be used, packaged well, labelled well. So, we don’t send bundles of clothes for people to do the work on that side, as you can imagine, they are very devastated and traumatised. So, let’s try to do it nicely”.

An appeal was sent to parishes on July 3 on behalf of Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon, asking for the establishment of parish teams to handle collection, sorting, packaging and transporting of items.

Supplies needed were listed: Basic Necessities—water, water purification tablets, portable water filters; Food—non-perishable food e.g. canned goods, dry grains, high-energy snacks; Shelter—tents, tarpaulins and plastic sheeting for temporary housing; Clothing—warm clothing, blankets and sleeping bags. Medical supplies required: First Aid Kits, bandages, antiseptics, gauze and medical tape; Medication, including essential medicines, pain relievers and medications for chronic conditions. Sanitation items: portable toilets, hand sanitisers, hygiene kits (soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.)

In a release July 6, the SSVP stated: “The Society’s members, who work with and for the poor in Grenada and in St Vincent & the Grenadines, are currently in dire need of relief supplies and non-perishable food items so that they, in turn, can help others.”

It advised that relief items should be dropped off at the Society’s new office location at 136A Belmont Circular Road, Belmont between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Members of the public wanting to support the Society in its relief drive can make their monetary donation to the following bank account: Republic Bank Limited: Bank Name: Society of St Vincent de Paul; Account No: 550809870801, Savings Account.

Anyone who wishes to support  in any way or requires further information can contact: 625-3562 or 229-0502 or email Stacy at receptionsvptt@outlook.com or svdptt22@aol.com

The release stated, “Any little amount will go a long way in helping the poor in need at this time.”

COLLECTION RELIEF CENTRES

• South – La Romaine RC Parish Hall
• Central – Chaguanas RC Parish Hall
• East – La Horquetta/Malabar RC
• Suburban – Bourg Mulatresse RC Parish Hall
• North has three centres:

1. St John’s Diego Martin – Carenage, St Finbar’s, St Anthony’s can drop off at St John the Evangelist Parish Hall from 9 a.m.
2. Assumption, Maraval – St Mary’s, St Theresa’s, Blanchisseuse, Maraval and Paramin can drop off at Assumption Pastoral Centre. Monday, Wednesday, Friday. 9 a.m.–noon, and 4–6 p.m.
3. Holy Name Convent School Hall, POS – Belmont, Gonzales, St Patrick’s, St Ann’s Rosary, Cathedral/Sacred Heart, Morvant/Laventille. 8 a.m.– 6 p.m.