Local Grenadian community raises funds for hurricane relief

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The Grenadian community in Brownsville is teaming up with the country's consulate to start sending relief to the island nation following the devastation effects of Hurricane Beryl. Consulate General for Grenada Michael Brizan tells News12 his office has been creating an extensive list of reputable NGO's and how to initiate wire transfers, as well as list of needed supplies including tarps, space heaters, water purifiers and more. "We cannot be on the ground everywhere, but the diaspora organizations are within the community, and they know the people and the people know them," he said. The Grenada Cultural Festival Group opened its doors on 312 East 93rd St. to help store the non-perishable and clothing donations, and are also working to get the word out within the community of the resources available through the consulate. Director Micheal Vincent tells News12 they have many connections to the island, thanks to their work during Hurricane Ian, and say the situation on the ground may be worse than reported, due to a lack of cell service. "There's nothing, there's no running water, there's no real source of food, there is one area with Wi-Fi, and that is where we are hearing from people," he said, adding that their relief efforts will also go toward the islands of Carriacou and Petit Martinique. Brizan tells News 12 that there are more Grenadians living outside of the island than on it, and that is a powerful community to tap into to help rebuild the island better than it was before. "People do send stuff over on a regular basis, so they know how to get it in, we do know the shipping agencies, they know the people, they know the organizations, and so they are facilitating that, and we are in coordination with those organizations. Vincent tells News 12 his group's annual festival on Aug. 18 celebrating Grenadian and greater Caribbean culture will be looking to raise money to send back to the affected islands as well. "