Rwanda has donated $1.2 million (over Rwf1.5 billion) to support relief efforts in Caribbean countries hit by Hurricane Beryl in late June and early July, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced Monday.
The donation allocates $300,000 to each of four affected nations: Grenada, Jamaica, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“Rwanda has responded to the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s call for solidarity in support of Commonwealth countries impacted by Hurricane Beryl,” the ministry said in a statement.
Rwanda, a Commonwealth member since 2009, was chaired by President Paul Kagame as the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office from June 2022 to March 2024.
This contribution follows Rwanda’s July donation of 2,000 tons of maize to Zimbabwe and Zambia, which are facing severe droughts.
“Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 Atlantic storm, caused significant destruction with winds reaching up to 150 mph,” the foreign ministry said. “Rwanda is committed to supporting global solidarity efforts for countries affected by natural disasters and extreme weather events.”
The storm, one of the most devastating in the region since Hurricane Dean in 2007, hit the Yucatán Peninsula, the U.S. Gulf Coast, and several Caribbean nations, causing extensive damage and loss of life.
