In recognition of the challenges facing the nation, John and Anne Clark have generously offered to match up to $400,000 USD in funding to assist the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in furthering its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Grenadines Initiative has partnered with the Clarks to raise the funds necessary to provide vaccinations to the entire population.
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the world but nowhere is that impact greater felt then in low-income countries who are poorly positioned to endure increased unemployment and the health challenges that are a result of the COVID 19 virus. The rapid onset of the pandemic has forced many to re-focus their efforts in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
For many years the Bequia Mission/Grenadines Initiative has supported education and food security programs. With the onset of the pandemic, tourism which is the main driver of the economy, has for the most part ceased, local businesses are failing, unemployment rising and demand for food security support increasing exponentially. Unlike western countries, there is minimum government support available to assist the poor. Increasing demand for food security support is only a symptom of the real problem, which is an inability to vaccinate the population and create a safe environment to allow tourism to flourish once again.
In an effort to address the vaccine equity challenge, the Grenadines Initiative has turned to raising approximately $1.4 MM USD to acquire vaccines on behalf of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In addition, the fund will support initiatives addressing vaccine hesitancy, which is significant in the region.
By sourcing and purchasing vaccines quickly—while also raising awareness of the efficacy and safety of the vaccine—we can mitigate the risk the pandemic poses, create employment, and ultimately alleviate the poverty that is increasing as a result of the loss of income. Acting quickly will realize a significant first step toward providing substantial and lasting economic relief in the region. It’s also a means of addressing vaccine equity, and helping a small, struggling Caribbean country in a time of need.
For information, please contact:
Glen Herbert
Director
The Grenadines Initiative
Ph: 289 439 7052
Email: glen.herbert@grenadinesinitiative.org
Web: grenadinesinitiative.ca
To contribute to the fund:
In Canada
The Grenadines Initiative is a registered charity in Canada. To make an online donation through Canada Helps, click here.
In the United States
Donors in the U.S. who require a U.S. tax receipt can donate to the Friends of the Grenadines Initiative. For details email Linda Sagan Harrier at
lsaganharrier@gmail.com
In the United Kingdom
Donors in the UK can donate via Action Bequia.
grenadinesinitiative.ca 