CARICOM leaders unite in prayer as Beryl threatens the Windward Islands

As Hurricane Beryl ravages parts of the Windward Islands, leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are praying that countries along the storm’s path escape the storm’s wrath with minimal damage.

CARICOM Chairman and President of Guyana Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali said his country stands ready to assist the island nations, which are expected to be devastated by Beryl, which is fluctuating between category three and four strength.

“Our prayers, love and thoughts are with all our Caribbean brothers and sisters, especially those in the direct path of Hurricane Beryl. I have spoken to many leaders to assure them of Guyana’s support and we are all praying for the best. I appeal to all citizens in the region to follow their national advice.” Ali said this in a post on social media on Sunday.

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis is closely following what is happening in the southern islands, now that his wife, Diani Prince Drewis a native of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Drew said he left a party last night to meet the premiers of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Barbados and St. Lucia to assure them of his country’s.

Drew said St. Kitts and Nevis is prepared to assist the islands in any way possible once the storm passes.

He urged everyone in the Caribbean to “keep our brothers and sisters in our thoughts and prayers.”

Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis echoed the words of CARICOM colleagues.

Davis doesn’t take hurricane season lightly, as he is well aware that one storm can devastate a nation.

On Friday, the Prime Minister and his cabinet met with the Disaster Risk Management Authority and several government agencies to discuss hurricane preparedness in the Bahamas.

“We are committed to ensuring that the right resources are available to protect our citizens and communities this season. I also encourage all Bahamians to prepare their own personal hurricane emergency plans for themselves and their families,” the Prime Minister said.

This year’s hurricane season is expected to be above normal.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Servicepredicts a total of 17 to 25 named storms (winds of 63 km/h or greater).

Of these, eight to thirteen are expected to become hurricanes (wind speeds of 75 mph or higher), including four to seven major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with wind speeds of 110 mph or higher).

The 2024 hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.