Newsletter for September 2021

Vaccine Update In July the SVG ministry of health took possession of 50,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine, a purchase entirely funded through donors to the Grenadines Initiative. Since then the numbers of doses administered has continued to rise, thankfully. The rate is still somewhat low—the numbers remain in the thousands, not the tens of thousands—though we're heartened to see a greater initiative on the part of the government to promote vaccination. A total to date of 32,126 doses have been administered, with 17.73% of the population having received at least one dose. That number reflects a near doubling since the availability of the Sputnik vaccine.  During the last week reported, SVG has averaged 130 doses administered each day. At that rate, it will take a further 171 days to administer enough doses for another 10% of the population. SVG has the lowest uptake of vaccines in the CARICOM region apart from Jamaica. The prime minister warned this week that “a lot of people would get sick, a lot of people may die" in the next two months if vaccination rates don’t improve. The vaccine is available at clinics throughout the country, and funds to purchase more when needed are also on hand. Infections are rising, with 336 new cases in SVG since August 30. There are currently patients being treated in two isolation facilities managed by the ministry of health to treat severely ill COVID patients. All are unvaccinated. The total confirmed cases in SVG are 2667, with 14 deaths, one of which was reported this past week. Cases throughout the Caribbean continue to rise, accompanied by a sudden increase in COVID related deaths in the region. CARICOM Heads of Government have advised that a target of 90% immunity was now necessary in order to protect populations from variants such as the Delta variant. Heads of government in the region have appealed to the US and UK for additional supplies.

A mass vaccination drive in Trinidad and Tobago. In neighbouring Grenada and St. Lucia there has been a spike in cases. Last week Prime Minister Gonsalves said in interview that it's "not inconceivable that what is happening in Grenada could happen here."

This is where dreams begin

by Glen Herbert

On the application for in-country scholarships this year we asked "What is your dream career?" Reading over those applications it's delightful to see what young people in SVG are thinking of: "My dream is to become a pilot" "I would love to work for a company that makes time saving and life enriching products that millions of people utilize every day." "I am fascinated by the designs of houses and styles of clothing and I'd like to make and create my own designs." "I would like to be an accountant because I can work in any industry, from fashion to entertainment, construction to non-profit" "to become one of the best veterinarians in SVG ... in my community there are a lot of strays ... I want to be one who can make a difference for these animals" "I love engines, and would like to design and build them." " ... being a nurse to help the sick" These students are applying for support in accessing schools on Bequia and on the mainland, including tuition, purchasing supplies, uniforms, and fare for the daily ferry trip between Bequia and St. Vincent. The scholarships are small perhaps—they aren't worth tens of thousands of dollars at any rate—but they are important because they reduce the barriers between students and key academic programs.

Oh the places they'll go ...

But of course, the program is much bigger than that, at least in terms of what it's able to do. Some years ago we profiled one student who dreamed of being a volcanologist, the need for which came into sharp focus this past year. She's on her way. The scholarships are available through donors and an annual grant from the Brown Foundation in Houston, Texas. For many, the scholarships are a first step toward even bigger things, and that was true for two students from SVG who arrived in Canada in the past weeks to begin degree programs. Last week, Rhea Simmons moved into her residence at the University of Waterloo. There she's beginning the Honours Environment, Resources and Sustainability co-op program. That's Rhea, pictured at right, on moving-in day.

Similarly, Kadeen Hazell has arrived at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, beginning his first year of an Engineering degree. He's shown at right with his parents Fred and Cascita getting ready to head to board the plane in St. Vincent. He's already become a licensed commercial pilot, having studied at Canadore College in North Bay, Ontario. When I helped him get settled there a few years ago, he told me“I think the biggest challenge will be cooking.” When I said that, actually, handling an aircraft might be a challenge of a somewhat different order, he said, “But I want to do that. I don’t want to cook.” Point taken. Rhea and Kadeen are at school thanks to donors who have supported them through the Grenadines Initiative. Also through the support of donors, Jamell Ollivierre is beginning his medical residency in New England. When I profiled him for this newsletter, while he was completing his medical degree, he said “Some of my classmates, when I told them, a lot of them used to laugh,” he says. “Just the thought and the idea of becoming a doctor seems silly to most people,” he says. “But it wasn’t to me.” In a few weeks he'll be starting his residency—he's a doctor—at a hospital in the US. It's hard not to be moved by all of these students and the dreams they share. A chance to help others, to gain the skills necessary to make a difference in the world. To become pilot, a veterinarian, an engineer. Some students think they can't. For them, the scholarships, and the examples that past recipients have set, are an indication that they can. “You do better when people believe you can do better.” —Kadeen Hazell

For more information on the Grenadines Initiative scholarship programs, including how candidates are selected and levels of funding offered, or ways to support learners, simply reply to this email.

A huge congrats to Tylisha Miller and Solana Gooding for spearheading this textbook swap. Love it. The swap will run at The Learning Center in Port Elizabeth until the end of the month.

The Hub invited to participate in GlobalGiving's Accelerator program

Earlier in the year, we formalized a partnership with The Hub Collective Inc. The Hub is a nonprofit community arts organization located in Bequia providing programs that grow a participation in the arts, build confidence, and inspire intergenerational exchange across Bequia’s communities. The Hub was recently awarded a place in GlobalGiving’s Accelerator program with hopes to graduate and become a Permanent Partner, which could be a game changer for this grassroots organization. This means that they need your help to get to the finish line.    To graduate from the Accelerator program and become a Permanent Partner, they are tasked with raising a minimum of $5,000 USD in 18 days from 40 unique donors. The accelerator is now open and ends on September 30th.   At this critical time in Bequia’s timeline, this funding will enable The Hub to run even more community programming in music, dance, drumming, painting, their Creative Recovery Summer Camp, and much more. In every way that The Hub Collective grows, the community of Bequia reaps greater benefits, skills and opportunities.    We invite you to donate online directly through GlobalGiving secure and vetted platform here.

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Contact: Glen Herbert glen.herbert@grenadinesinitiative.org

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