GUYANA MILITARY CONTINGENT ARRIVES TO AID IN REBUILDING
The military contingent that was promised by Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali has arrived in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and is set to play its part in the rebuilding process in the Southern Grenadines post Hurricane Beryl.
Minister of Housing Dr. Orando Brewster welcomed part of the contingent during an opening ceremony which was held at the VIP Lounge at the Argyle International Airport (AIA) on Monday March 24th, 2025.
During the welcoming ceremony, Minister Brewster thanked the Government of Guyana and stressed that the Guyanese contingent will play a significant role in the rebuilding process. “Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Government of Guyana for this invaluable support,” Minister Brewster stated while noting that Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has a strong relationship with President Ali, and through their discussions, the Southern Grenadines now has a highly skilled team of masons, carpenters, welders, electricians and plumbers as did Carriacou a few months ago.
Minister Brewster stressed that the contingent’s expertise will be instrumental in expediting the rebuilding process. Head of the Guyanese contingent Lieutenant Colonel Cranston France, who has been in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) for the past two weeks, said initially, the team was projected to be about 25 persons but after the assessment, it was determined that a team of 40 would be more effective.
The contingent is expected to remain here for three months, focusing primarily on residential reconstruction.
In addition to the Guyanese military personnel, local teams will be working alongside them to facilitate the rebuilding process. Minister Brewster noted that Government remains committed to ensuring that affected residents can return to their homes as quickly as possible, ahead of the upcoming hurricane season.
