The Government of Malta is supporting the citizens of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines following the volcano eruptions that began on 9th April 2021, in the provision of €25,000 worth of shelter needs from its Official Development Assistance budget, through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
PAHO is the regional office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and has the capacity to ensure that Malta’s contribution is delivered in the most timely and effective manner in such a way as to have an immediate beneficial effect to the affected population. Employed with PAHO/WHO is a Maltese doctor, Dr Godfrey Xuereb, who has been in touch with the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs to coordinate this humanitarian aid.
The eruptions led to the evacuation of more than 16,000 people and have created conditions that are especially dangerous to people with underlying health concerns. Food and water supplies may also have been compromised. It is also reported that COVID-19 cases have also risen.
In reaction to Malta’s assistance, PAHO Director Dr Carissa Etienne said that it has deployed five public health experts to St. Vincent and the Grenadines who are responding to the emergency in coordination with the Ministry of Health and with the support of partners. “The donation by the Republic of Malta will surely strengthen our actions to protect the health of the local population and provide urgently needed assistance”.
Recently appointed Ambassador for Islands and Small States Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino, Pro Rector and Professor of Sociology at the University of Malta, noted that in moments of environmental disasters such as the one gripping Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the essence of humanity becomes more evident and tangible, this time with Malta reaching out to another small archipelagic state, which has also had nationals studying at the University of Malta.
Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo said that the emergency response from the Maltese government is an expression of full solidarity with the government and the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, adding that this commitment is further proof of Malta’s solidarity and consistent assistance in direct response to new crises.
