The SeaMoss Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SMASVG) has launched its new project, “Rebuilding Infrastructure and Recovery Support in the Aftermath of Hurricane Beryl”.
The project, funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), aims to provide critical support to 10 vulnerable women in the sea moss industry who were severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl.
SMASVG, which was established last year, is a grassroots community-based non-profit dedicated to securing a consistent and sustainable supply chain for Vincentian sea moss, a press release said.
The organisation aims to ensure the traceability and sustainability of Vincentian sea moss; address the challenges faced by local harvesters and suppliers; empower members to run their sea moss businesses in an environmentally sustainable manner; enhance financial resilience in a volatile market; and, promote compliance with international standards.
The virtual project launch brought together government officials, partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries who shared insights on the impact of Hurricane Beryl on the local sea moss industry and the CFLI project’s objectives over the next five months.
Miriam van Nie, political counsellor, High Commission of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean said Canada was glad to be able to support the work to rebuild an industry with huge potential for small producers and one that is vulnerable to climate change and the unpredictability of natural disasters.
“We hope that this initiative contributes to building back more sustainably,” van Nie said.
Minister of Grenadines Affairs and Local Government Senator Benarva Browne emphasised the importance of collaboration and support.
“The recovery of our communities and industries is a collective effort. This project exemplifies the strength and resilience of our people and the solidarity we must maintain to overcome these challenges,” Browne said.
Following an open call for submissions, 10 vulnerable women in the Grenadines were selected to participate in this recovery project.
The CFLI project is designed to offer comprehensive support to the sea moss community by rebuilding small businesses.
It will assist participants in restoring and revitalising their sea moss businesses, which were significantly disrupted by Hurricane Beryl.
The project will provide emotional support, offering essential psychosocial support to assist participants in their recovery from trauma and cope with the challenges experience.
It will also enhance business acumen and offer financial training, enhancing participants’ business skills and financial management through targeted training and workshops.
It will also provide networking and instil best practices, establishing a network of support to share knowledge and best practices within the industry.
“This project is a beacon of hope and resilience for the women of the Grenadines, who are at the heart of the sea moss industry. It represents, not only a chance to rebuild, but also an opportunity to advance and thrive in the face of adversity,” a press release said.
Chief Fisheries Officer Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard; CEO of Sustainable Grenadines Inc. Orisha Joseph; and mentor and advocate for vulnerable women and deputy director of the National Commission of Crime Prevention, SVG, Temora Garnes also participated in the launch.
I will express the same concern here that I expressed to the SeaMoss Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines when this initiative was first announced. Limiting this project to seamoss businesses led by women leaves out some key members of this industry, in particular, two Mayreau-based businesses led by men. To me, this is the antithesis of “comprehensive support to the sea moss community” and the “collective effort” and “solidarity we must maintain” to overcome the challenges inherent in this industry. What a shame!