Rwanda has extended up to $1.2 million (over Rwf1.5 billion) in aid to Caribbean nations affected by Hurricane Beryl, which struck in late June and early July.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Rwandan government allocated $300,000 to each of the four impacted countries: Grenada, Jamaica, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The ministry stated on Monday, August 26, that Rwanda has shown solidarity in response to the Commonwealth Secretary General’s call to support member states hit by Hurricane Beryl.
In this respect, $1.2 million has been distributed to Grenada, Jamaica, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Rwanda became a member of the Commonwealth in 2009, with President Paul Kagame serving as the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office from June 2022 until March 2024.
This follows Rwanda’s July donation of 2,000 tons of maize to Zimbabwe and Zambia, which were severely affected by droughts.
According to the foreign ministry, “Rwanda is committed to supporting global solidarity efforts for nations impacted by natural disasters and extreme weather events, as it has done previously within the region and beyond.”
Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 Atlantic storm, impacted the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, the Gulf Coast of the United States, and multiple Caribbean nations.
With winds reaching up to 150 miles per hour, Hurricane Beryl caused significant destruction, resulting in loss of life and billions of dollars in damages. It stands as one of the most devastating storms in the region since Hurricane Dean in 2007.
