World Bank Approves $63 M for Post-Hurricane Beryl Recovery in St. Vincent and Grenadines

The funding, sourced from the International Development Association (IDA), aims to rebuild critical infrastructure, provide immediate financial relief to affected communities, and bolster the island’s resilience against future climate risks.

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a $63 million financing package to aid recovery efforts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. The funding, sourced from the International Development Association (IDA), aims to rebuild critical infrastructure, provide immediate financial relief to affected communities, and bolster the island’s resilience against future climate risks.

Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, was the strongest hurricane to hit the region since 1875. It wreaked havoc across the Southern Grenadines, where over 90% of buildings and infrastructure were destroyed, and significantly affected 56% of the overall population. In addition to causing widespread destruction of housing, transportation networks, and public buildings, the storm dealt a severe blow to the tourism and fishing sectors, vital pillars of the local economy. Mainland St. Vincent and the Northern Grenadines also suffered significant damage, affecting approximately 52% of the population.

New Recovery Project Launched

In response to this disaster, the World Bank and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines introduced the Beryl Emergency Resilient Recovery Project, a multifaceted initiative designed to restore economic activity, provide temporary financial support to affected households, and ensure climate-resilient reconstruction. This project will be supported by technical expertise from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and the Canadian-Caribbean Resilience Facility.

“This project is critical for helping vulnerable communities rebuild after such a devastating event,” said Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean. “By targeting income support and assisting small businesses, we aim to mitigate the longer-term impacts of this disaster, which disproportionately affects those already living in poverty.”

Support for Vulnerable Communities

The recovery project will provide immediate financial relief through temporary income grants for severely affected households. This will specifically target vulnerable groups, such as women-headed households, elderly citizens, and people with disabilities. Additionally, small businesses will receive grants and technical support to help them recover, while the broader community will benefit from cash-for-work programs that will help rebuild community infrastructure and create employment opportunities.

Resilient Reconstruction

In addition to financial relief, the project will focus on rebuilding critical infrastructure with enhanced resilience to future climate-related disasters. This includes repairs to water systems, public buildings, schools, roads, and bridges. All reconstructed infrastructure will be built to higher standards to ensure they can better withstand future natural hazards.

The project is expected to directly benefit 18% of the population of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with a focus on women (49% of direct beneficiaries), the elderly (9%), and youth under 24 (43%). The entire population will indirectly benefit from improved public infrastructure and strengthened governmental capacity for disaster resilience.

With this initiative, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will not only recover from Hurricane Beryl’s damage but also improve its ability to withstand future climate challenges, contributing to long-term sustainability and resilience.