OAS resolution supports St Vincent

THE Organisation of American States (OAS) expressed support for St Vincent and the Grenadines on Thursday as that country continues to deal with the fallout from the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano on April 9.

In a statement, the Foreign and Caricom Affairs Ministry said Trinidad and Tobago and the other 14 Caricom countries were among the OAS member states that voted for a resolution by the OAS's Permanent Council that supported SVG in its hour of need.

It said TT's permanent representative initiated the drafting and presentation of the resolution to the Permanent Council in his capacity as co-ordinator of the Caricom Caucus of Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to the OAS, after the permanent representative of SVG asked for it to be put on the Permanent Council's agenda.

The ministry said the resolution is entitled "Solidarity with and Support for the People and Government of SVG." Through the resolution, the ministry continued, the OAS pledged to support the government and people of SVG in their recovery; urge OAS member states and permanent observers to intensify their efforts to expedite covid19 vaccine delivery to SVG and neighbouring countries; and calls on the OAS Secretary General to make representation on behalf of SVG to international and regional financial and development organisations.

The ministry said the resolution acknowledges the devastating effects of the volcano's eruption on the lives and livelihoods of the people of SVG and the immediate refuge provided by neighbouring states and humanitarian relief mobilised by Caricom and its regional institutions.

The ministry reiterated that the Government continues to stand in solidarity with the people of SVG "during this trying time and (is) committed to rendering the necessary support throughout the relief, recovery and rebuilding processes."

On Tuesday, TT military personnel left on board the fast ferry Galleons Passage for St Vincent, carrying relief supplies. SVG Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves thanked the Prime Minister and National Security Minister Stuart Young for TT's ongoing support to his country.