Thursday, November 10, 2016 — In the wake of extensive and damaging flooding which has tragically claimed the lives of two children, the Director General of the OECS, His Excellency Dr. Didacus Jules and staff of the OECS Commission have offered their heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Dr. Jules said that thoughts and prayers were with the parents, siblings and loved ones of the children who had lost their lives and for those families who had, and continue to be affected by the flooding.
“I am mindful that no words or deeds offered can ever truly erase the pain of loss, but the OECS is standing shoulder to shoulder with the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at this time, as they continue to endure an extensive trough system affecting the country.
“We are also very mindful of the extensive damage caused to physical infrastructure in both the public and private spheres, and sympathize with those who have suffered personal injury, or loss or damage to property.
“I commend the National Emergency Management Organisation and representatives from various Ministries and others who are working tenaciously to keep citizens safe.
“Regrettably this event, the destructive passage of Tropical Storm Matthew in late September and other similar occurrences are another reminder of the vulnerability of our small island states to inclement weather systems and the need to do more in collaboration with our development partners to fortify our disaster management response frameworks.
“We are again heartened by the courage shown by our brothers and sisters in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and we pray God grants them the providence and fortitude to once again rapidly rise above this adversity” said Dr. Jules.