Following the devastation and destruction that Hurricane Beryl wrought on the Windward Islands of the Caribbean in July 2024, cruisers planning to visit this season should be aware that while many areas are still in recovery, there are a number of ways they can help.

Published 3 weeks ago

Arrive Fully Provisioned and Ready to Help if You Can

By: Doyles Guides

The islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada were the worst affected by Hurricane Beryl.  Many people are still living in temporary shelters. Permanent, hurricane-resistant infrastructure will take time to build. While the secluded white sand beaches and great snorkeling that have always drawn people to the Grenadines haven’t gone anywhere, the people and villages are still very much in recovery.

If you do go, don’t expect services and infrastructure to be like it is in other parts of the Caribbean. Arrive fully provisioned, with full water and gas tanks, and donations for the local communities if you can. You can find out what is most in need by contacting one of the aid organizations on the Doyles Guide Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts page.

Here is a round up of the current status of each island affected by the hurricanes:

Canouan:

Recent aerial videos show a handful of boats anchored in Charlestown and a handful in the marina, which is encouraging. Customs/immigration before Beryl was at an office in town, or at the airport (taxi from town). The marina acted as an agent and could clear boats in/out (for a fee), so that may be your best bet if there isn’t anyone at the town or airport offices.

Mayreau:

Beryl broke through the beach breakwater in Saltwhistle Bay, but it has since been repaired. No news on the beach bars or vendors.

Mustique:

No news, but it’s a private island co-op, so is probably well on its way to rejuvenation.

The Cays:

Romeo’s beach BBQ is back up and running, not sure about the others.

Union Island:

Most people are still living in temporary shelters. Customs/immigration moved from the airport into Bougainvillia, but I’ve heard their hours are unreliable. Chatham Bay has been cleaned up nicely, and apparently one of the yacht agents is back up and running (not sure which one, there were 2, Secki and Vanessa and Sunset Cove) and can clear you in from Chatham (for a fee). It is recommended to make these arrangements in advance.

There is no anchoring in Clifton Bay near the reef, which is part of the MPA and where the Tobago Cays Marine Park has/had about 20 moorings, but the west side of the bay is a permissible anchoring area. Be aware that boat vendors in Clifton have always been pushy and sometimes caused issues, which has probably been exacerbated by post-Beryl desperation (Union and particularly Clifton, is the slowest of the affected areas to recover and rebuild).

Carriacou:

Most essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies are back up and running, but have limited products. Immigration has re-opened their office at Carriacou Marine, but Customs is still located at the ferry port. Check in with Immigration first and they will advise you on where to go next. Wrecked boats in Tyrell Bay have been cleaned up, Las Iguanas restaurant at Carriacou Marine is open again and Gallery Bistro is in the process of rebuilding and plans to reopen sometime in November. Bogles Round House is also open and operational. Paradise Beach has been cleaned up nicely, and Paradise Beach Club is on its way to reopening. The owner, Ms. Allison, is also a yacht agent and a good contact on the island.

Local Facebook reports are that over 30 vessels have been safely removed from Oyster Bed in Carriacou.  Soon, efforts will be expanded to the southern coastlines, addressing boat dumping, anchoring, and abandonment in the mangroves and sensitive areas like True Blue Bay, Lance Aux Epines Bay and the Woburn Clark’s Court Bay Marine Protected Area, including Hog Island.

Taking Tools to the Grenadines

By: World Cruising Club

World Cruising Club are encouraging their ARC participants, as well as all other cruisers heading to the Caribbean, to buy tools to help people on the smaller Grenadine islands to rebuild after Hurricane Beryl.

Simple hand tools are expensive in the Caribbean, so buy before you sail, a plastic box containing hammer, various screwdrivers, pliers, pipe wrench, adjustable spanner, seizing wire, duct tape, thread tape, nails and screws.

Port Louis Marina, in Grenada, is collecting sets of tools and will get them to people on Union Island, Carriacou and all the small communities between St Vincent and Grenada affected by Beryl.

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About Doyle Guides:

Doyle Guides provides sailors and visitors to the Caribbean with reliable, in-depth, engaging, and up-to-date information about the best yachting and sailing-related services and activities available. They aim to help cruisers have the best possible experience on the water by providing accurate and detailed information about the region’s sailing destinations, anchorages, marinas, restaurants, hiking, water sports, shopping, and yacht services.

https://doyleguides.com/