Caribbean nations on the front line of climate change

Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell compared the recent Hurricane Beryl to Hurricane Ivan in 2004, which he experienced as a young person. Speaking via Zoom with Altos anchor Neil Parsanlal, he noted that Beryl caused devastating damage to Carriacou and Petite Martinique, as well as the northern part of Grenada. However, the southern and eastern parts of Grenada were largely spared, allowing for a more effective response.

Mitchell stated: “On a scale of one to ten, it’s a nine.” He described widespread destruction to homes, public infrastructure, vegetation, and agriculture. For example, “There’s the Dover Government School. And when I say collapse, the only thing left is the wall slab. The entire school has crumbled.”

Debt to rebuild a vicious cycle

The Prime Minister highlighted how Hurricane Beryl broke records as an early, intense storm, attributing this to climate change and warming ocean temperatures. He noted Grenada’s changing hurricane patterns: “Grenada had a hurricane in 1955, and that for 50 years thereafter, there was no major hurricane to hit the island.” Now they’ve been hit in 2004, 2005, and 2024.

Mitchell emphasised that Caribbean nations are on the “front lines” of climate change impacts, facing more frequent devastating storms while lacking resources to rebuild.

While acknowledging international support, PM Mitchell stressed that the financial assistance received so far is insufficient for long-term recovery. He stated: “These sums, when added up, will be a drop in the ocean and to a large extent will simply go towards the immediate provision of relief supplies.”

The Prime Minister highlighted the lack of significant grant funding, noting that Caribbean nations often have to take on debt to rebuild, creating a “vicious cycle”. He mentioned some pledges of support, including $1 million each from the US and Canadian governments, but that much more is needed.

Greater resilience

Mitchell described ongoing efforts to provide shelter and basic necessities to affected residents. Many are in shelters, staying with friends and family, or “literally fending in what is left of the remains of their buildings.” The government is working to put roofs on larger buildings to provide more shelter options.

Significant challenges include debris removal and logistical issues. The Prime Minister noted: “Just to address the relief and the ability to distribute aid within Carriacou, the government had to purchase 11 vehicles which easily will run us into a million plus dollars.”

The Prime Minister outlined several strategies for rebuilding with greater resilience:

• Education on resilient construction techniques
• Strengthening and enforcing building codes
• Incentivising resilient rebuilding through government aid and insurance policies
• Promoting technologies like easily removable solar panels
• Implementing rainwater harvesting systems
• Burying main electrical feeders underground where possible

Mitchell stressed the need for “sustained education” and changes in construction practices to improve resilience.

Hard not to cry

The Prime Minister acknowledged the deep psychological trauma experienced by affected communities, stating: “It’s hard not to cry, to be honest with you. It is very difficult not to cry, not to despair.” He highlighted the need for ongoing psychosocial support and stressed the importance of visible progress in cleanup efforts to maintain hope.

Despite the challenges, Mitchell expressed confidence in the resilience of Grenadian people, noting: “Many of the communities have started cleaning up… And, you know, the residents have said, just bring me some more chainsaw… we will start doing our own thing.”

Mitchell ended expressing gratitude for the support received from Caribbean neighbours and international partners. He spoke to the importance of regional solidarity in the face of climate challenges. “The solidarity amongst nations, the solidarity amongst people, that unity needs to be there to make sure we can help each other and support each other in times like these.”

The Prime Minister reiterated the ongoing need for assistance in Grenada’s relief and restoration efforts, while also demonstrating resilience by confirming plans to host the upcoming Caricom summit.

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