Dr. Godwin Friday, President of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), has criticized the ruling Unity Labour Party for excluding opposition parliamentarians from the rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Beryl, which struck on July 1, 2024. During a press conference at the NDP headquarters, Dr. Friday emphasized the need for unity and cooperation to support those affected by the hurricane, while also highlighting the government’s lack of planning.
Dr. Friday announced the NDP’s plans to raise $100,000 to aid children from the Southern Grenadines in returning to school, with hopes of raising up to $200,000. The party’s headquarters will serve as a hub for collecting and distributing supplies. He assured the public of transparent management of relief efforts, focusing on helping affected households and rebuilding homes.
Opposition parliamentary colleagues Terrence Ollivierre and Daniel Cummings joined Dr. Friday at the press conference. Ollivierre expressed his concern for the residents’ resilience and advocated for continuing education on the islands rather than relocating students to mainland St. Vincent. Cummings called for a non-partisan approach to recovery, criticizing the involvement of political operatives in the process.