During his new year’s visit to Union Island on Friday January 3rd,2025, with a contingent including Minister of Grenadines Affairs Hon. Benarva Browne, Minister of Health Hon. Jimmy Prince and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Frederick Stephenson, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves provided an in-depth update on critical housing and infrastructure developments across the Southern Grenadines.
Dr Gonsalves emphasized the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and the efforts to secure international support for reconstruction.
“The Gumbolimbo Group has been instrumental in advancing our reconstruction efforts. Their contributions ranging from significant equipment donations to manpower have placed us in a much stronger position to address these challenges,” Prime Minister Gonsalves stated.
The group has donated approximately £5 million worth of equipment, enabling faster construction and repairs. “These contributions have been invaluable in addressing the massive housing shortfall caused by Hurricane Beryl and other challenges,” Prime Minister Gonsalves remarked.
Key Highlights from the Prime Minister’s Address:
Housing and Prefabricated Solutions:
Over 2,200 homes have been repaired, rebuilt, or supported through self-help programs, though challenges with labor and funding remain. The government is exploring partnerships with the Sai Baba Group in Trinidad and the Taiwanese government for prefabricated hurricane-proof housing solutions.