by Linda Straker
- EC$31.3 million for payment to individuals in support of their livelihoods
- EC$2.1 million for immediate post-hurricane events such as repairs to public infrastructure
- EC$15.7 million for Project Build Back Better and EC$13.5 million for Project Pristine
Support to Livelihoods category received the highest allocation of funds from the EC$118 million payment Grenada received from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) following the passage and devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl on 1 July 2024.
According to the CCRIF report tabled during the 7 March sitting of the Lower House, 26% or EC$31.3 million was used for payment to individuals in support of their livelihoods. The category of people receiving the money included farmers, fishers and seasonal tourism workers.
The report further shows that EC$2.1 million or 2% of the payout was used for immediate post hurricane events such as repairs to public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems and electricity grids.
Quoting from the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) post-disaster needs assessment report which will be laid in the Upper House of Parliament on Tuesday, 18 March, said that although there were tonnes of donated food from individuals, companies and agencies, the Government used EC$3 million or 3% of the CCRIF payout for the purchase of food, water and medication for individuals.
According to the Nadma report 5,442 people had severe food insecurity in the areas affected by Beryl and between 30–40 people required insulin support. The hardest hit areas were the northern part of the island.
Giving a full breakdown with the allocations, the reports stated that the Government spent 12% or EC$13.7 million on repairs to public buildings such as schools, hospitals and courthouses immediately after the hurricane.
Project Build Back Better (15% or EC$15.7 million) covered distribution of house repair materials (roof repairs etc), construction of homes for vulnerable population, etc. Project Pristine received 11% or EC$13.5 million for the purchase of debris removal equipment, clean-up of land and marine environment and debris removal and disposal.
EC$14.5 million or 12% covered income support to vulnerable populations affected by Hurricane Beryl and relocation of elderly citizens due to damaged eldercare facilities, with 869 recipients through the Ministry of Social Development Beryl Relief Income Support Programme (BRISP): 273 in Carriacou; 76 in Petite Martinique and 529 in mainland Grenada according to Ministry of Social Development data.
The report in the category labelled as “Other Use” showed that Business Reactivation Support through the facility at Grenada Development Bank EC$25 million (or 21% of the payout) was used for grants and soft loans for debt servicing, working capital and repairs to offices to support business reactivation.
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