Thumbs up for a new and stronger roof. 

By: Donald De Riggs•

One has to be very observant to notice that a Category 4 hurricane tore this small Grenadine Island apart, just three months ago.   The rebuilding of housing stock damaged or destroyed by Beryl has been remarkable.  The 15% or so left to be completed accounts for about a dozen people still living in a shelter and others with family or close friends.

One of the occupants at the lone official shelter in Grand Bay, who preferred to remain anonymous, noted that they have been without water for over a week, as the pump which is used to take the water from the reservoir to a holding tank has been inoperable, posing a serious inconvenience for the more than 12 persons still living there.  They anxiously await news that their homes are ready for their return

The shelter has proper cooking facilities but the lack of running water is hampering daily living, not least the impact on sanitary conditions, especially as it relates to the disposal of human waste and personal hygiene.

As some homes receive finishing touches, the relative peace that characterises the island is interrupted by the sound of hammers and power drills securing roofing, and power saws cutting lumber to size.  

Blocked drains were also being cleared, as Canouan was recently impacted by several rainstorms, causing topsoil to block some main drains and flooding in low lying areas close to the sea. 

Both primary and secondary schools are operational, with close to 300 students attending classes regularly.  Just the library and computer lab at the primary school are yet to be completed.

One of the main concrete tanks at the primary school has been refurbished, increasing the storage capacity of water for the growing numbers of students at both primary and secondary levels.  

Just some minor electrical works and a few windows badly damaged by Beryl are left to be completed at the old primary school.

The revenue office has been given a facelift and what is evident now is a palatial edifice, of which the workers ought to be proud.  Just a few balusters are left to be installed before the upper floors are habitable again. 

The teachers’ home, which caters to specialist teachers from the mainland, is also getting a much-needed facelift, making life a little more comfortable for these education professionals.

The small central market that was not severely affected by the storm was a hive of activity.  The Police Station is nearing completion, as is the Health Clinic.  VINLEC seemed to have had all mainlines restored with power and tower climbers for the telecoms service providers were at work, ensuring microwave antennas were properly aligned. 

No visits were made to any of the resorts or airport on this visit due to time limitations.

A name that is mentioned ever so often as being involved with the restoration and rebuilding in Canouan is Hedge Fund mogul Ian Wace, who didn’t hesitate to provide assistance not only to residents in Canouan, but also to other affected islands that bore the full force of hurricane Beryl.

Beryl claimed six lives in Union Island, and presumably sank “MV Guidance” from Canouan, with five souls on board.  A memorial service is being planned before year end by the families of the lost sailors.

Canouan is taking on a fresh look and house owners are feeling a greater sense of security and assurance in their new and stronger homes.

Most persons still have vivid memories of the experience with Beryl with many stating that they NEVER went through anything like it in their lifetime.  

Yes, Beryl will be a bad memory, haunting many for some time to come, especially when the thunder rolls and it rains heavily.  But, out of this ‘evil’, a greater good is emerging like the proverbial Phoenix … rising from the ashes!