A couple days after Hurricane Beryl ripped the roof off the home of a Grenada Tourism Authority worker on the island of Carriacou, some of her fellow employees hopped on the first available boat to see if they could help.
“She really tried to be strong, but she broke down in tears,” Sekou Stroude, the authority’s director of sales for Canada, told Open Jaw in a 09JUL interview.
“It’s gut-wrenching, because she’s such a selfless person; someone who’s always willing to help with whatever’s needed. She’s a real sweetheart, and seeing her go through that kind of pain breaks our heart.”
“Looking at the island, looking at people’s faces, the team felt pretty defeated,” Stroude said.
Of course, their co-worker is not the only one facing hardship in the wake of the earliest recorded Category 5 hurricane in Caribbean history. Estimates are that 90-98% of homes were severely damaged or destroyed on Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Carriacou, which is roughly 47 km north of Grenada, has some 9,000 residents, while Petite Martinique, which is further north, has about 2,000.
Stroude said it’s hard to watch the damage from a distance.
“To tell you the truth, I do feel a little helpless. But it gives me some comfort to know I’m doing what I can to assist the recovery by sharing the word about donations, and making some myself.”
Grenada Tourism Authority workers and volunteers are taking day trips to the island, packing everything from food to diapers to help residents of both islands. They’re bringing their own water and food and going back to the island of Grenada at night so that they won’t take needed supplies from island residents, he said.
“I don’t believe power is back for either island yet,” Stroude said. “If so, it’s just a small portion. We’re working on getting power and water to people and getting them into shelters. We still have to clear trees to make roads passable in some areas.”
The people of Trinidad and Tobago and the government of Guyana have sent supplies, and the government of Grenada’s relief group is also pitching in, as is the Red Cross and a group called Samaritan’s Purse. Fund-raising and donation drives are taking place in Toronto and other Canadian cities.
One place that’s good to donate is the official government of Grenada site, he said.
“We’re doing what we can. We have a big diaspora. Right now, it’s about getting the funds needed to build again, and to build stronger, and get them up to code.”
He also said it’s important to address climate change, echoing comments made by the Prime Minister of Grenada on 08JUL.
“Global warming is real, and we have to pay attention to what Mother Nature has in store for us,” said Stroude. “We have to take action. Islands like Carriacou and Petite Martinique are contributing the least to global warming,” but they’re the ones bearing the brunt of Atlantic/Caribbean hurricanes.
As Director Canada for Grenada Tourism, Stroude also is trying to get Canadian travel advisors and Canadians in general to visit the main island of Grenada and boost the local economy.
“Tourism is one of our biggest money earners; maybe 40% of our economy. So, it’s important to spread the word that the main island is completely open. There was no major damage. The airport is open. Hotels and resorts and attractions are open. There’s a cruise ship (Rhapsody of the Seas) coming in today (09JUL), actually.”
“Having a ship in port immediately affects the locals,” Stroude continued. “Someone who sells souvenirs might leave home without a cent in their pocket but come back at the end of the day with money to feed their family.”
“We are encouraging people to come on down and make a difference,” he said. “Go on tours. Go to the town and buy some gifts or nice spices. Eat at island restaurants. That’s what’s needed to help sustain and rebuild.”
Stroude said Air Canada is still flying to Grenada from YYZ once a week. WestJet is slated to add once-a-week YYZ-GND service in November. He hopes to convince both airlines to add more service next year.
Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, said in a statement that her heart goes out to the people and communities “that faced this unimaginable heartbreak.”
“As we look ahead, we invite you to visit and see first-hand the beauty and resilience of Grenada,” she said. “By choosing to support our local businesses, restaurants, hotels, and local attractions in The Spice Isle, you are not only enjoying a memorable vacation, but you are also contributing to the recovery and growth of communities across the country. Together, we can turn adversity into strength and continue to build a brighter future for all.”
Stroude also had a favour to ask of Canadian agents.
“Don’t be afraid to have clients booked for trips to Grenada. We’re open for business. Don’t change their bookings if they have them already. The island is open. It wasn’t severely damaged whatsoever.”
Stroude said he’s telling advisors he speaks with that their clients can visit Grenada and get an authentic Caribbean experience.
“It’s safe to explore and safe to do what you want. You can’t visit Carriacou or Petite Martinique, but your tourism dollars will go a long way to helping the islands recover.”
