Category: News

Press Release

Regional Philanthropy Hub – July 5, 2024 – Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 4 storm ever recorded in the Atlantic, has caused widespread devastation across the Caribbean. Lives have been lost, and entire communities face significant damage.

The Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance (CariPhilAlliance) is deeply concerned and actively working with our partners to support relief efforts throughout the region. We have a strong network of trusted partners in the hardest-hit areas, which includes Grenada and its dependents, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as other impacted areas, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica, Haiti, Jamaica and Cayman Islands. These partners are currently assessing the damage and urgently need resources for all areas.

Guiding Resources to Effective Response:

CariPhilAlliance is committed to connecting donors with established, reputable organizations on the ground. We will leverage our network and expertise to ensure donations reach those in greatest need.

Focus on Devastated Communities:

• Grenada: Carriacou and Petite Martinique islands suffered “almost complete destruction” with extensive damage to homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.
• Vincent and the Grenadines: Early reports indicate at least 90% of structures may be affected on the island of Union. Widespread damage is reported across the nation.
• Jamaica: Hurricane caused significant damage in the southern belt in the parishes of Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth and devastated coastal infrastructure as well as displacement of families who are now staying in shelters.
• Barbados: While a full picture of the damage is still emerging, reports indicate that fishing villages were particularly hard-hit 

How You Can Help:

• Support Trusted Relief Organizations:
  • Visit our website (Hurricane Relief – Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance (cariphilalliance.org)) for our approved list of trusted, and vetted organizations actively engaged in relief efforts.
• Donate Through CariPhilAlliance:
  • You may support us to support others across the Caribbean through our philanthropy network and philanthropic outreach.
• Spread Awareness: Share this press release with your networks to encourage support for the Caribbean.

Standing Together for the Caribbean’s Recovery:

The Caribbean is known for its resilience, but communities need our support, especially now. By working collaboratively, we can make a significant difference.

We urge you to stand with us in solidarity. Every action counts.

Contact:

The Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance (CariPhilAlliance) Board members attended the inaugural CariPhilAlliance Board Convening with stakeholders in Puerto Rico for 2024. They also participated in a Racial Equity Builders Dialogue (REBIA), a collaborative effort by the Puerto Rico Community Foundation, the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE), Casey Family Programs, the MacArthur Foundation, the San Francisco Foundation, The California Endowment, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Susan Taylor Batten, CEO of the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE), and Dr. Nelson I. Colón Tarrats, President & CEO of the Puerto Rico Community Foundation, were the primary conveners of REBIA. Its core objective was to establish and strengthen a network of Afro-descendant leaders capable of influencing public policy initiatives in the Americas.

Ms. Taylor Batten, also the Vice President of CariPhilAlliance, emphasized the importance of collaboration and solidarity with the Black communities of the Caribbean and Latin America.  She acknowledged the crucial role of U.S. African Americans and Blacks who have been at the forefront of the fight for civil rights, standing in solidarity with others throughout the world.

Over two days, presenters explored how Afro-descendant leaders within the philanthropic sector can unite in solidarity. This comes as world events and movements dismantle structures that have historically held Black communities together. The gathering also examined the evolving landscape of the global Black Lives Matter movement within the Caribbean and Latin America. Key discussions centered on strategies for maintaining momentum and amplifying support for anti-racist movements in the United States and across the Americas.

CariPhilAlliance Board members, Advisory Group Members, and the CEO participated in stimulating dialogues alongside Black/Afro-descendant leaders and allies. Later, they collectively explored how race, equity, and inclusion play a crucial role in shaping and influencing the Caribbean’s current mission.

CariPhilAlliance members acknowledged the unique potential of the Alliance platform.  Its’ platform can facilitate breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and amplifying voices that may have been historically marginalized. As part of future strategy discussions, the link between racial equity and sustainable development was emphasized. Future strategies should include fostering inclusivity, pursuing a collective approach and leveraging expertise and philanthropic resources to tackle racial equity issues.

The CariPhilAlliance concluded it would engage in future policy discussions like REBIA. They will strategize with stakeholders on their role in influencing systemic change and contributing to developing policies that address racial disparities. The CPA is committed to fostering critical conversations and empowering Black/Afro-descendant leaders as they work towards a more just and equitable future.

The Alliance Highlights Women Climate Leadership 

Building on Success: New Initiatives

The CEO also shared that CPA plans to launch two new capacity-building programs in May and June 2024: BeYOUnd and WoMIND aim to elevate the efforts and achievements of Caribbean women in climate action.

Nomination and Recognition

Nominations for the Women Impact Awards open July 30th, 2024, and close December 31, 2024. Anyone can nominate deserving women on the CPA website. The awards ceremony will be held in Jamaica in the first half of 2025.

Become a Partner for Change

The CEO invited sponsors and partners to support the Women Impact Awards which will offer recognition and networking benefits. The Women Impact Awards will illuminate the achievements of exceptional Caribbean women, empowering them to build a more sustainable future for the region. Find out more about the award and be one of the first to nominate click here.

Alliance representatives attended CGI:

● Dr. Rosalea Hamilton, Chair, President of the CPA Board and President of Lasco Chin Foundation

● Ms. Anthea McLaughlin, CEO, Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance (CPA)

● Dr. Michele D. Singh, Director of the Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAGRI) and a Board Member of CPA

● Mr. Dwayne Gutzmer, Institutional Partner of CPA & CEO of Institute of Law & Economics

● Ms. Talya Mohammed, Regional Climate Coordinator & Sustainable Development Strategist-Energy consultant.

Stay tuned for Award Announcement

The Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance (CPA) will announce the esteemed recipients of the Philanthropy in Action: Women Impact Awards in the first half of 2025 during a ceremony held in Jamaica. We eagerly anticipate recognizing these exceptional women who are making a significant impact on sustainable development across the Caribbean.

Be a Part of the Movement

Join the CPA in empowering Caribbean women leaders! Visit our website https://www.cariphilalliance.org/ to learn more about the Women Impact Awards and nominate a deserving woman by December 31, 2024. Let’s celebrate their achievements and inspire the next generation of changemakers.

Together, we can build a more resilient and sustainable Caribbean for all.