The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced a donation of over $500,000 to aid disaster relief efforts in several Caribbean countries severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl.
The storm wreaked havoc across the Grenadian islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, as well as parts of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, and Barbados.
The donation, which was announced in a press release, was accompanied by a message of solidarity delivered to the Prime Ministers of the affected nations by Mr. Okechukwu Ihejirika, Acting Chief Operating Officer of Afreximbank Caribbean Office.
The letter, penned by Afreximbank’s President and Chairman of the Board, Prof. Benedict Oramah, expressed the bank’s concern and support for the devastated communities.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the hurricane’s impact, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by that devastating event. However, the strength and resilience of Caribbean people is well-known; we have no doubt that these qualities will shine through during this difficult period,” said Oramah.
The bank’s involvement extends beyond immediate disaster relief, reflecting a broader commitment to tackling global challenges such as climate change. Prof. Oramah highlighted that the nations affected by Hurricane Beryl are part of the 11 CARICOM countries participating in Afreximbank under a Partnership Treaty signed with CARICOM member states. “It is only important for the Bank to stand with them at this difficult time,” he added.
Afreximbank has also positioned itself as a proactive institution in addressing both climate and health emergencies, recognising the increasing frequency of such disasters across Africa and the Caribbean. “Besides delivering on its trade and development mandate, the Bank takes proactive steps to help countries deal with global climate and health emergencies,” the bank noted in the statement.
As these Caribbean nations begin their recovery process, Afreximbank’s contribution marks a significant gesture of international solidarity, particularly for countries grappling with the long-term impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.
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