The St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) is set to take a number of initiatives aimed at cushioning the plight of footballers, who have been displaced by the ongoing eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano. President of the SVGFF- Carl Dickson spoke of this plan on Wednesday.
“Since the initial explosion on Friday, April 9th, we have taken steps to determine the whereabouts and circumstances of affiliate members evacuated from the Red Zone; this included physical ‘drive-throughs’, visits to shelters and private homes, social media, and direct phone contact,” Dickson said.
Dickson disclosed that affected players and affiliates who have not been contacted should inform the various shelter managers, who in turn will contact the SVGFF Secretariat. The expectation is, though, that Managers of affiliated clubs would submit information on footballers who have been displaced and are in need.
In addition to this direct outreach, Dickson highlighted that the SVGFF is making its buses available for distribution of goods. “We continue to make the buses available for distribution of essential items to shelters and private homes. “Assistance has also been rendered with the provision of essential items that were immediately available from the most recent camp, which include foodstuff mattresses and water,” the SVGFF Head informed.
The SVGFF is also coordinating assistance from the Football fraternity outside of St Vincent and the Grenadines. “We have made arrangements to our regional and international partners to source and deliver supplies to our shores,” the SVGFF President indicated, adding that as soon as the supplies are received, a task force set up to coordinate the overall response will further kick in. Dickson underscored that the Caribbean Football Union, CONCACAF and FIFA, “have reached out to the people of SVG, through the offices of the President and General Secretary, with assurances of solidarity and support.”