Miami, July 2, 2024—In a remarkable display of solidarity, the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and the Caribbean Consular Corps (CCC) convened a press conference today at GEM’s headquarters in Doral to urge the international community to mobilize immediate aid for the victims of Hurricane Beryl. The powerful storm has wrought havoc across Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago.
The press event, attended by key officials and consular representatives including Hon. Oliver Mair, Consul General of Jamaica and Dean of the CCC, underscored the critical need for swift and coordinated relief efforts. Mair, alongside Hon. Rudy Grant, Consul General of Barbados, Hon. Darrel Montrope, Consul General of St. Lucia, and other Caribbean leaders, highlighted the devastating impact of the storm and the urgent requirements for aid.
With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasting an above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, driven by La Niña and warmer ocean temperatures, the necessity for prompt action is heightened. Predictions include 17 to 25 named storms, with up to seven potentially becoming major hurricanes.
GEM and CCC outlined an immediate response plan during the press conference, focusing on volunteer support and community donations. Volunteers are needed to assemble emergency kits at GEM’s warehouse in Doral, beginning July 3. Donors are encouraged to provide essential items such as tarps, generators, canned foods, hygiene kits, and more. Monetary contributions can be made through GEM’s website and the US Caribbean Strong Relief Fund at The Miami Foundation.
GEM’s substantial donors, including Good360, KIND, Amazon, Earth Breeze, Goya, and Drip Drop, have already facilitated the pre-assembly of 2,000 family necessity kits. These kits, containing hygiene products and other essentials, are prepared for immediate air freight to the affected regions.
About the Organizations:
- Global Empowerment Mission (GEM): Established in response to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake, GEM has conducted over 355 disaster relief missions across 57 countries and all 50 states. With 97% of donations directed to mission-related activities, GEM ensures maximum impact through strategic partnerships with donors, volunteers, and local stakeholders.
- Janice Lyttle Foundation: Founded in 2010, the foundation supports healthcare initiatives in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly focusing on hypertensive cardiovascular disease education and disaster response.
- Caribbean Consular Corps (CCC): Comprising Caribbean consuls general and representatives in South Florida, the CCC fosters regional collaboration on mutual issues.
- Caribbean Strong: A volunteer network supported by the Miami Foundation, Caribbean Strong raises awareness and provides crucial financial support and supplies to the Caribbean during hurricane season.
How to Help:
Donate Funds:
- Global Empowerment Mission: Donation Link
- US Caribbean Strong Relief Fund at The Miami Foundation (Memo: Beryl Relief): Donation Link
Donate Items:
- Purchase from Amazon wishlist: Amazon Wishlist
- Drop off items at GEM Headquarters:
- Address: 1850 NW 84th Ave STE 100, Doral, FL 33126
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM
Volunteer:
- Location: GEM Warehouse, 1850 NW 84th Ave #100, Doral, FL 33126
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM, seven days a week, starting July 3
For more information or media inquiries, contact Candice Sealey (Ignite! Marketing & PR Consultancy) at 784-432-2223, Bianca Bucaram (The Bucaram Public Relations Group) at 713-898-6552, or Yvette N. Harris (Harris Public Relations) at 786-897-8854.
This call to action represents a unified effort to bring much-needed relief to communities ravaged by Hurricane Beryl, demonstrating the power of global collaboration in times of crisis.