The Ministry of Housing, Land Management, Urban Development and Informal Settlement Upgrading has launched an intensified resettlement campaign on Union Island, where Hurricane Beryl damaged or destroyed upwards of 80 percent of homes. Minister Andrew John announced during a national broadcast that private sector partner Ian Waist has significantly bolstered the government’s recovery program, completing new home construction in five to six weeks while repairing damaged roofs across the island.
Despite accelerated rebuilding, authorities face ongoing challenges encouraging displaced residents to return from mainland St. Vincent. Many evacuees remain on the mainland due to temporary employment commitments and children attending local schools.
To ease the transition, the government is ensuring that all restored and newly built properties receive utility connections before families move back. Housing officials are coordinating directly with utility providers to connect water and electricity systems, eliminating the hardship of returning to unserviced structures.
Relief efforts are receiving further support through international and local partnerships. A donor organization based in Canada, working in consultation with affected residents and the National Emergency Management Organisation, is supplying basic household appliances, including stoves and refrigerators, to newly finished homes.
Additionally, a local hotel provided three months of complimentary accommodation for displaced elderly citizens during the housing transition. Among those benefiting from the initiative is Union Island resident Leota Sandy, whose newly completed home features accessible wheelchair ramps and awaits imminent electrical hookup.
To address accommodation for residents who previously rented or lacked land ownership on Union Island, the Housing and Land Development Corporation is deploying pre-fabricated housing units to provide temporary and rental housing options. While the government originally targeted December for full resettlement, officials acknowledge the timeline may extend slightly into the new year as utility installations and community support measures continue across the southern Grenadines.
