Hurricane relief for the Caribbean

Several deadly hurricanes ripped through the islands of the Caribbean in September 2004, wreaking death, destruction and havoc in these small island states. Almost the entire Caribbean region was affected, but Grenada, with 90 per cent of its economy destroyed, was particularly affected. Cuba and Jamaica also experienced severe damage.

The CLC put out an emergency call to the labour movement for support. The PSAC SJF as well as other national and local unions and labour councils from across the country responded generously to the CLC's disaster fund. Funds were sent to the Cuban Workers' Central Papineau-Mackenzie Brigade for housing reconstruction. OXFAM Canada received a contribution for general community-based water, sanitation and environmental health program in Grenada. Another portion of relief was sent to the Bank and General Workers Union (BGWU) in Grenada to restore their union facilities. (See attached message from the BGWU).

A note from the BGWU:

January 5, 2005

"We are greatly appreciative of the Canadian Labour Movement to come to our assistance in our period of greatest need. It will definitely go a long way to help us restore our office. Please accept our greetings and our appreciation. Things are slowly returning to normalcy in Grenada, although the vast majority of homes remain roofless. Our office is still in disrepair and without electricity or telephone. The unemployment situation is still bad, especially in the agriculture and tourism sectors, but we are continuing to dialogue with employers to try to mitigate the situation. Housing is another serious problem, the majority of homes were either not insured or underinsured, and plans to assist the most in need are still unclear and unknown."