Brooklyn church makes ‘generous’ financial donation to SVG Hurricane Beryl Relief

Pastor Louis H. Straker, Jr. and parishioners at Reflections Church, on Utica Avenue and Beverley Road in Brooklyn, have made a “generous donation” of $5,000 towards the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Hurricane Beryl relief effort.

Flanked by parishioners, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consul General to the United States Rondy “Luta” McIntosh, and members of the Brooklyn-based SVG Relief USA, Inc., Pastor Straker presented a check, on National Night Out, on Tuesday at East 53rd Street in Brooklyn, to Verna Arthur, president of SVG Relief USA, Inc. 

“It is our greatest pleasure to contribute towards the Hurricane Beryl relief efforts through SVG Relief USA, Inc.” Pastor Straker, son of former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Deputy Prime Minister Sir Louis Straker, Sr., told Caribbean Life afterwards. 

Relief volunteers at Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in BrooklynPhoto by Nelson A. King

“As we watched from afar another natural disaster wreak havoc on the beautiful islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, our hearts ached to see the massive devastation that took place, particularly in the Grenadines,” he added. “The island of St. Vincent is particularly special to us at Reflections Church, as we have numerous members in the ministry who originate from there. 

“As many of you know, my father, the Hon. Sir Louis H. Straker, Sr., served as Deputy Prime Minister (Minister of Foreign Affairs/Trade and Commerce) for approximately 20 years,” Pastor Straker continued. “Not only do I have a filial connection, but my wife and I spent our honeymoon during Y2K on Palm Island, which, along with Union, Mayreau, Petite Martinique and Carriacou, suffered from the full brunt of Hurricane Beryl’s fury. 

“After witnessing such destruction, there was no way we could sit back or simply carry on with business as usual,” he said. “This called for our faith to be activated by demonstrating the love of God and sharing of our means to help our fellow man in any way.”

While economically, it is not the most convenient time to make a contribution, Pastor Straker said, as his church is currently engaged in a “complete gut renovation of our new church building, we believe we have a moral and spiritual responsibility to not only rebuild our house of worship but to also help support the rebuilding of many houses severely damaged by this storm. 

Verna Arthur, left, and Laverne McDowald-Thompson direct and take inventory of supplies to be shipped to St. Vincent and the GrenadinesPhoto by Nelson A. King

“We continue to lift up in prayer the people of St. Vincent (and the Grenadines) and all those affected in that region and beyond,” he said. “May God grant them a speedy recovery, and may their faith see them through.” 

McIntosh told the ceremony: “Every little, we appreciate it. I really warms my heart.”

Arthur also told Caribbean Life that Reflections Church had also made “a generous contribution to SVG Relief USA, Inc. relief drive during the eruptions of La Soufriere volcano in 2021, and again as we grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.  

“Words cannot express the depth of our appreciation to Pastor Straker and his parishioners,” she said.

“We are pleased with the results of Hurricane Beryl Relief drive thus far,” she added. “Thanks to the support of our exceptional volunteers, we were able to ship nine commercial bins and a 40-ft. container to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” 

Arthur said among the items recently purchased were: Generators and 100 mattresses. 

Celia Bramble, left, with Relief Committee members packing supplies, at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn, to be shipped to St. Vincent and the GrenadinesPhoto by Nelson A. King

She said those mattresses were purchased from a local business in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and will be handed over to eligible persons/families. 

Arthur also said non-Vincentians have put together various committees to conduct relief drives for countries affected by Hurricane Beryl, and that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is among those expected to receive donations. 

She disclosed that St. Vincent and the Grenadines has now entered the recovery phase from Hurricane Beryl, and that her committee is expecting an updated list of items needed from National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), “at which time we will regroup, collect and put together those items for shipment. 

“Our beautiful homeland needs us, our brothers and sisters need us, and whenever we receive that clarion call, SVG Relief USA, Inc. will respond, as always, at a moment’s notice,” Arthur assured. 

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Minister Carlos James also said on Tuesday that visitors continue to discover the multi-island state, despite the impact of Hurricane Beryl on the southern part of the island’s archipelago.  

Terrance Edwards atop boxes of relief supplies, at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn, to be shipped to St. Vincent and the GrenadinesPhoto by Nelson A. King

James said that, following the passage of the category 4 hurricane on July 1, 2024, which caused severe disruption to parts of the island chain and affected some tourism businesses, the tourism sector “remains resilient and open to visitors.” 

“In spite of the challenges encountered during the passage of Hurricane Beryl, our main ports of entry remain operational, including air access to the Argyle International Airport,” he said. “Our tourism sector is open for business.” 

Following two consecutive years of record growth in cruise ship arrivals to the island, the tourism minister said St. Vincent and the Grenadines is preparing for an active cruise season in the months ahead. 

He said sailing the turquoise waters of the Grenadines is “still a favorite way to explore, snorkel and dive among turtles and other marine life.” 

In a rush against nature to save the world-famous Salt Whistle Bay, he said the Government of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves has restored beaches on Mayreau in its effort to protect sustainable livelihoods and the natural environment.  

Preparing relief supplies to be shipped to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, L-R: Pamela Mornix, Ancilla Friday and Sandra MillingtonPhoto by Nelson A. King

“Tourism industry stakeholders, including hotels, and tour operators, are ready to welcome visitors through existing and additional flights from our major source markets and those sailing to our shores,” James said. “Collectively, we will continue to restore confidence in our tourism sector and will endeavor to ensure our 32 islands and cays remain safe for all to explore.” 

For the upcoming winter season, he said St. Vincent and the Grenadines will welcome American Airlines’ daily flights from Miami, and new flights from Charlotte and New York.

 While Jet Blue commences operations in October from New York, James said Air Canada continues its four weekly flights out of Toronto and Caribbean Airlines and Virgin Atlantic continue to service New York and London Heathrow, respectively.

Verna Arthur, president of SVG Relief Committee USA, Inc. stands before boxes to be shipped to St. Vincent and the GrenadinesPhoto by Nelson A. KingPastor Louis H. Straker, Jr. , center, addresses ceremony, flanked by SVG Consul General Rondy “Luta” McIntosh, to his left, parishioners and members of the SVG Relief Committee, Inc.Photo by Nelson A. King