Press Release July 21 2021
The District Grand Lodge of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean (DGLBEC) made an initial donation of US $5,000.00. Substantial donations of foodstuff, water, clothing and supplies were also made by individual Lodges and Districts to the ongoing disaster relief efforts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They have also offered to support the rebuilding efforts expected in due course.
Following the eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano in April 2021, the Freemasons Lodges regionally and internationally, have expressed their solidarity with the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in its commitment to provide relief to displaced persons, and have pledged their wholehearted support to the relief effort.
Mr Trevor Thompson, a member of the fraternity explained that the Freemasons have conducted their own research and have decided to offer relief in three phases. “The first phase being the assistance given to the displaced persons while they were in the shelters. The donations which were distributed to persons in the orange and red zones to assist with the Cleaning and Clearing phase – we consider to be the second phase. The third phase would be assistance to the restoration and reconstruction of homes damaged during the volcanic eruptions” Thompson concluded. He disclosed that sister lodges internationally and regionally are already making contributions to assist NEMO and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines with reconstruction projects.
The cheque of US $5,000.00 was presented to immediate past President of the Rotary Club of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ms. Annette Mark.
With the blessings and approval of NEMO, St. George Lodge 2616, acting on behalf of the DGLBEC, has partnered with the Rotary Clubs in St. Vincent for the distribution of the food stuff and goods to the shelters, and other displaced persons from the orange and red zones. Lodge members joined members of the Rotary Club in the distribution of goods to persons who have returned to their homes in the red and orange zones.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is home to St. George Lodge 2616 EC and St George Royal Arch Chapter 744 SC.
St. George 2616 is a member of the regional body. The DGLBEC, in turn, falls under the umbrella of the internationally renowned United Grand Lodge of England.
Freemasons throughout the world make substantial contributions to charitable causes, as Charity is one of the doctrines of the Order.