Caribbean states, territories rally around St Vincent

ST VINCENT and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said the Caribbean has responded "magnificently" as activity within La Soufrière volcano heightened to the highest threat level.

Territories as far north as the British Virgin Islands have offered refuge, in addition to the majority of Caribbean states, particularly neighbouring Barbados and St Lucia, which have pledged their help early on. Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica and TT were all highlighted by Gonsalves as having offered assistance.

"The governments in the region have responded magnificently – Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago," Gonsalves said on Thursday evening.

"I had a very good conversation with Stuart Young on behalf of Prime Minister Rowley. My dear sister Camille (Robinson-Regis) called me. You know she's a Vincentian (and) everybody in the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands and Barbados (have also offered assistance)," he said in an interview aired "live" on CNC3's 7 pm newscast.

Additionally, Gonsalves said two vessels from Royal Caribbean Carnival cruise lines have offered to evacuate citizens under the condition they are vaccinated.

He however assured there is an ample supply of vaccines for all who need them to board a vessel or go to another island altogether. One Royal Caribbean cruise ship was reported to be on its way to evacuate those who live close to the volcano.

"We have been planning for it and we have a good logistics," he said. Gonsalves said in an earlier press conference that he had entered talks with other Caribbean governments to accept the St Vincent National ID card, if someone doesn't have a passport.

He said, "This is an emergency situation and everybody understands that." The evacuation order, which took immediate effect but is set to be published on Friday, reads: "The evacuation of all premises in the areas designated as the red zone on the northeast and northwest of St Vincent and the evacuation of the area itself; and the exclusion of persons, vessels or vehicles from such premises and areas, save and except for the purpose of effecting the said evacuation.

Of the latest developments and the evacuation order, Gonsalves said: "I want to urge all our people to be calm, do not panic, be disciplined, be orderly."