The Forestry Division, through the World Bank-funded Volcano Eruption Emergency Project (VEEP) has received equipment for general volcanic cleanup in mountainous areas.
The equipment, which was received by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Nerissa Gittens were 40 cutlass files, 10 fuel and oil jugs, 65 hard hat safety helmets, 30 flagging tapes, 100 rain ponchos, six axes, two mechanic tool sets, two box end wrench sets (SAE), and two 55-gallon drum gasoline transfer pumps.
The hand-over of the items in July follows a similar hand-over of eight rope pullers, 10 one-gallon containers of orange tree marking paint, two portable gas winches, and four chainsaws with safety equipment such as gloves, bar covers, and other accessories handed over in February.
The value of the items was EC$346,046.99.
This initiative aims to support the rehabilitation of forestry works and has equipped the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry, and Labour with the necessary tools to address the urgent needs in the Volcano Red Zone.
“These equipment signifies a pivotal step in our ongoing efforts to restore and rehabilitate affected regions, ensuring the safety of the forestry workers and the sustainability of our forestry and agricultural sectors,” VEEP said in a press release.
VEEP was designed to address the immediate and long-term needs arising from the volcanic eruptions of April 2021 that have impacted St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The project focuses on enhancing disaster resilience, restoring livelihoods, and rehabilitating critical infrastructure.