• 12 October 2017

USPG supporting hurricane–devastated communities in West Indies

Anglican mission agency, USPG, has sent emergency grants to Anglican dioceses in West Indies where Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused devastation. 

In particular, they have been in regular contact with two of the most severely affected dioceses, namely the Diocese of North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba, and the Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands.

Alongside emergency grants from thei Rapid Response Fund, they continue to offer their prayers and solidarity.

In the Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands, reported damage included:

  • On Grand Turk, flooding and major damage to buildings and roofs;
  • On Providenciales, flooding and major damage to houses and other buildings, including 500 power lines down and the roofs blown off St Monica’s Church and Rectory;
  • All of Ragged Island was devastated and is now uninhabitable – Holy Innocents Church is still standing, although water got inside;
  • On Inagua island, homes and public buildings damaged.

This snapshot offers a picture of what happened across many islands in the province.

The church is doing what it can to offer practical supported to affected communities.

In the Diocese of North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba, this emergency response has included:

  • Collecting materials and offerings from the islands least–affected to assist those that are most affected;
  • Providing medical supplies, food, water, clothing, building materials and bedding to those directly affected (USPG’s emergency grant will help to cover the cost);
  • Organising counselling to provide comfort for those dealing with bereavement, shock, the loss of homes or relocation.

Please continue to pray for the people of the West Indies.

Make a donation to the Rapid Response Fund to help ensure that USPG can supply emergency grants when future disasters happen.