Tourism Minister Carlos James has stated that it could take nearly two years for the tourism sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl on July 1.
“The experts suggest that it takes a minimum of 23 months before we can see full recovery and robust economic activity following a natural disaster of this magnitude,” James said. His comments followed the government’s successful tabling of a EC$136 million (One EC dollar = US$0.37) supplemental budget package.
James highlighted that the Southern Grenadines, the area hardest hit by Hurricane Beryl, relies heavily on tourism. Besides allocating EC$22 million for home repairs, the government’s priority is to support small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) that are crucial to sustainable livelihoods.
The fiscal package includes eight million dollars for income support for tourism stakeholders, and an additional EC$500,000 allocated to the Promoting Youth Micro Enterprises program, exclusively for Grenadine residents. Additionally, EC$1.5 million will be directed towards the rehabilitation of tourism sites across the country.
Two technical experts from the Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) recently completed a rapid assessment of the tourism sector in the Grenadines. James indicated that this assessment would guide the ministry and industry stakeholders on future steps and further evaluations.
Deploying tourism officers
Starting this week, James plans to deploy nearly every officer from the St. Vincent Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Authority to the Southern Grenadines, including Mayreau, Union Island, Canouan, and Bequia. These officers will conduct interviews and gather data from tourism sector stakeholders.
James acknowledged that transportation challenges had temporarily halted these plans. “We are hoping to facilitate alternative transportation arrangements so we can be in the field, supporting our stakeholders and employees within the tourism sector,” he said. “We have to hit ground zero and put the necessary resources in place.”
James also emphasized the need for a tourism disaster management framework in alignment with the United Nations’ Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. This policy initiative will focus on preparedness and response in the immediate aftermath of natural hazards.
Additionally, the government is examining a sustainable livelihoods framework for tourism that integrates disaster management approaches within the sector. “These are two important policy initiatives that are part of our recovery and resilience-building efforts,” James noted.
The tourism minister stressed that while rebuilding homes is essential, the focus must also be on the tourism industry and related businesses in the Southern Grenadines. “If the majority of people in the islands make their living from tourism, we must inject resources to support their recovery and help them get back on their feet,” James concluded.
Related: St. Vincent and the Grenadines PM announces relief measures after Hurricane Beryl
