BELIZE CITY, Tues. Apr. 13, 2021– As previously reported, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been devastated by the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano, which had been dormant since 1979, until a series of volcanic eruptions began on Friday, April 9, 2020. The eruptions resulted in 16,000 residents of the island being evacuated on cruise ships, while 3,500 had to be relocated to shelters. In light of the huge calamity that has beset the island, the Government of Belize has pledged a US$50,000 contribution to St. Vincent to be utilized for their relief efforts.

The government notified the public of its pledge to support its sister CARICOM nation in a press release dated April 13, 2021. The release indicates that La Soufriere is still exhibiting “explosive events with significant venting of ash that are likely to continue over the next few days”. The statement goes on to invite Vincentians who have been displaced and have ties to Belize via family or friends to seek refuge here, with the reminder that they would have to follow COVID-19 protocols while doing so.

According to the GOB, they are in communication with the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines via NEMO.

“Close communication and coordination on the situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will continue between Belize’s National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) during this emergency. Belize stands in full solidarity with St. Vincent and the Grenadines during these dual crises presented by disaster response and the consequential socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated the GOB release.