Saudi Arabia has donated 5.3 million XCD in aid to Grenada, assisting recovery efforts after Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. The donation includes vital supplies presented to Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, emphasizing the importance of international aid in disaster recovery. This initiative reflects growing relations between CARICOM and Saudi Arabia, stemming from discussions at the November 2023 CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit.
The Government of Saudi Arabia has provided Grenada with a humanitarian aid package worth 5.3 million XCD to assist recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. The donation includes 21 containers filled with essential supplies such as chainsaws, diesel generators, flashlights, first aid and hygiene kits, and materials for emergency shelters. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell received the donation during a formal ceremony held at the Port Authority Welcome Centre.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Mitchell expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “We are truly appreciative that… you are still gracious and generous enough to look beyond your immediate neighbourhood.” He emphasized the critical importance of this aid for those affected, especially in the Grenadine Islands, which have been significantly impacted by climate change.
Ambassador Abdullah Muhammad Alsaihani noted that this humanitarian assistance is designed not only to address immediate needs but also to foster stronger ties between their nations. The aid is part of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre’s international assistance efforts, underscoring the commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and enhancing disaster preparedness.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Mitchell highlighted that the assistance was a direct outcome of discussions held during the CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit in November 2023, reflecting the strengthening bilateral relations between CARICOM nations and Saudi Arabia. The collaborative efforts signal a promising trend in international partnerships aimed at addressing humanitarian challenges.
In recent years, Caribbean nations have faced an increasing frequency of devastating hurricanes, resulting in significant humanitarian crises. Saudi Arabia’s response through humanitarian aid demonstrates its commitment to international cooperation and support for nations grappling with the consequences of climate change. The aid package to Grenada highlights the necessity of global solidarity in times of disaster, exemplifying how diplomatic relations can translate into tangible assistance for those in need.
The generous support from Saudi Arabia, encapsulated in a 5.3 million XCD humanitarian aid package, underscores the importance of international collaboration in disaster recovery efforts. This donation, comprising essential supplies, particularly benefits vulnerable communities in Grenada affected by Hurricane Beryl. The ongoing dialogue and partnership from bilateral summit discussions further illustrate the strengthening ties between CARICOM nations and Saudi Arabia, fostering global responsiveness to humanitarian needs.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
