The University of the West Indies has set up a 2024 Disaster Recovery Support Team to assist recovery efforts in the region in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles has reached out to the Governments of impacted countries to commit support.

Professor Beckles says, “The intensity of Hurricane Beryl this early in the season is a wake-up call for us to all be aware of the tremendous damage caused by these storms and the significant dislocation and financial and psychological impact that citizens suffer from the loss of loved ones and property. It’s our unwavering duty to serve our Caribbean Community in times of need.”

Under the leadership of Dr Francis Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Global Campus, the University will work closely with the Governments to determine their needs so that resources can be mobilised across The UWI system.

The Support Team will also collaborate with CDEMA to identify other areas in which The UWI can assist Caribbean countries post-disasters.