Antigua and Barbuda relief team to hold out longer in Beryl affected islands

The squadron of officers from the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) and the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, who had been assigned to assist in humanitarian aid for the regions and territories affected by Hurricane Beryl, will now have to extend their stay by a couple of weeks.

The unit is currently posted to support and assist the hurricane affected nations of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, acting as a part of the Regional Security Systems (RSS).

The nations of Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines were devastated and left traumatized by the Hurricane Beryl. Several people were rendered homeless, businesses collapsed, connectivity interrupted, and loss of lives was all that was left behind by the storm. The storm also affected Barbados and Saint Lucia.

Thus, the presence of the organization over the region was to coordinate the response activities with safety, efficient and effective deployment of resources and to assist the hurricane afflicted Islands to provide adequate security and relief aid.

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Force, Colonel Telbert Benjamin, addressing the media on Monday, stated that the initial deployment of the troop was for two weeks, but the prevailing situations on ground demand for an extension of the time span.

He added that there is a possibility that the contingent will have to remain on field for at least a month. Although, this is a rough estimation, but the relevant actions will be based on the whatever happens next in the affected regions. If the required materials arrive in time and the work in progress continues smoothly and the local citizens recover and are able to take charge of the work and situation, the unit can leave sooner.

Benjamin further stated that since the deployment of the troop, it has been evaluating and assisting the damages, and helping in distribution of essential supplies including drinking water and assisting those in need.