The Government and people of Anguilla have been reacting in solidarity and sympathy with their neighbours in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, now under siege by the Soufriere Volcano which has been violently erupting over the past days.
The volcano has been emitting large volumes of ash across St. Vincent and its offshore islands, forcing thousands of evacuations and severely impacting the livelihoods of the people.
Anguilla is home to many Vincentians a number of whom are naturalised Anguillians. They and their fellow nationals on the island have integrated very well with the people of Anguilla, at every level, who are now joining in a relief effort to assist the Vincentians back home.
The main source of assistance is the Saint Vincent Relief Drive, which was hastily set up in Anguilla, with a list of immediate items for delivery at The Valley Police Headquarters for shipping to the beleaguered Windward Islands territory.
The Relief Drive, for the victims of the La Soufriere Eruption, has been organised by the Anguilla-Saint Vincent Association which has representatives in the Anguilla Police Force.
The immediate needs are listed as follows:
Folding cots, sleeping mats, sheets, blankets, towels, respirator masks (with filters), goggles, reflective vests, 5-gallon buckets, toothbrushes, soap, toilet paper, deodorant, shampoo, adult diapers, sanitary napkins, baby diapers, baby formula, baby wipes, drinking water, canned foods, non-perishable items, disinfectants, first aid kits, hygiene kits, gloves, flashlights and batteries.
The Anguilla-Saint Vincent Association has requested that items being donated should be brand new or in very good condition. Persons are advised that they can provide personal packages (which must be appropriately labelled), or can donate items for general distribution.
The Relief Drive began on Monday, April 12, and the time for delivery items is between 9 am and 6 pm.
The Executive Council of the Government of Anguilla met in an emergency session on Tuesday, April 13, to decide what possible assistance it may be able to provide to the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in their difficult circumstances.
