Opposition calls on Government to assist in accomodating Vincentians if volcano crisis worsens

On Friday, Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon added his voice to this issue urged the Guyana government to put systems in place to accommodate Vincentians should the situation deteriorate.

Opposition calls on Government to assist in accomodating Vincentians if volcano crisis worsens

With more than 20,000 residents ordered to evacuate several communities in St. Vincent following the eruption of the Soufriere volcano, several Caribbean countries have agreed to accommodate citizens until the normalcy is restored on the Island.

President Ali, on Thursday said that he has spoken to Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalaves and pledged Guyana’s support. 

On Friday, Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon added his voice to this issue urged the Guyana government to put systems in place to accommodate Vincentians should the situation deteriorate.

“The Opposition stands ready to support appropriate and necessary national initiatives and measures to provide assistance to the people of St Vincent who are affected and are being evacuated to safer locations. We urge, that if it becomes necessary, the PPP regime puts suitable measures in place to accommodate Vincentians in Guyana who need to be evacuated and relocated”, the Opposition Leader said in a statement.

Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada and the British Virgin Islands have so far indicated its willingness to accommodate the citizens.

The Opposition Leader said he was disturbed to learn about the situation but stands with the rest of the Caribbean in solidarity with the people of St. Vincent.

“We are disturbed by the eruption and pray that all persons in the affected areas are safely evacuated and there is no loss of life or injuries. We hope too, that there will be minimal damage to and loss of property.” Mr. Harmon said. Adding that, “We take solace in the fact that the people of St Vincent are resilient, disciplined and determined and whatever disruptions there may be, they will overcome, rebound and prevail”, he noted.

Disaster Management experts have been deployed to the island as they continue to monitor the eruption.

The volcano last erupted in 1979, and a previous eruption in 1902 killed some 1,600 people.

La Soufriere, standing at 3,864 feet above sea level, also erupted in 1718, 1812, and 1814 according to the Seismic Research Centre.

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