ADRA-Tobago Among Skilled Volunteers Deployed for Oil Spill Cleanup
In the Tobago Conference the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) responded to a call from the Tobago Emergency Management (TEMA) to assist cleanup efforts, following an oil spill that occurred on February 7, 2024, along the Atlantic coastline of the island.
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Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) workers from the Tobago Conference receive a briefing from government officials before embarking on cleanup efforts in response to the oil spill in Tobago. Image courtesy of TC Media.
In the Tobago Conference the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) responded to a call from the Tobago Emergency Management (TEMA) to assist cleanup efforts, following an oil spill that occurred on February 7, 2024, along the Atlantic coastline of the island.
Pastor Vishnu Persad, President of the Tobago Conference, visited the site and shared, “The scene is horrendous. The large area of black oil means we need lots of help to assist with the cleanup, and it means much to have trained professionals to assist and give guidance to our dedicated volunteers during this tragedy. We are so thankful to the volunteers and church members all across Tobago, and even persons outside of the island who have responded so quickly to this national tragedy.”
ADRA volunteers in Tobago attentively receive instructions before participating in cleanup efforts following the oil spill. Image courtesy of TC Media.
The Conference’s ADRA Director, Mr. Wilfred Desvignes, began to coordinate a response from the Seventh-day Adventist Church to the national disaster declared by the government. ADRA volunteers collaborated with community leaders and the local government authorities to identify and implement an effective response to this emergency. Mr. Desvignes said, “Initially, only [specially trained] individuals were permitted into the devastated area. Only after the assessment and management of the danger of the situation, were volunteers allowed to participate since those volunteering need to use protective equipment. The area, once beautiful with white sand, is now coated with thick black oil along the coastline. We have now joined the list of volunteers deployed to aid the clean-up process in this national emergency.” ADRA volunteers assisted in skimming the massive slick found floating on the ocean.
As reported by the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, the oil spill occurred after a barge, which was wrecked on a reef off the coast of Tobago, started to sink and leak oil. After the magnitude and danger of the devastation became clear, the authorities deemed it necessary to engage volunteers, and to provide them with the required personal protective equipment (PPE). It is going to become an overwhelming task to remove the thick oil and restore the once beautiful coastline of white sandy beaches for which Tobago is famous. The spill will severely impact the island's beaches, wildlife, marine organisms, tourism, and cause untold financial repercussions. Several beach and golf resorts in Tobago have been forced to place a temporary ban on guest access to once pristine beaches.
President of the Tobago Conference, Pastor Vishnu Persad, accompanied by ADRA Coordinator Mr. Desvignes, recently visited the site to offer support to government officials and volunteer workers involved in cleaning up the oil spill. Image courtesy of TC Media.
“Many volunteers have been faced with the trauma of the experience since their livelihood and that of their loved ones are threatened. Working together, we can make a meaningful difference in our nation and our community,” said Mr. Desvignes. ADRA is assisted by the Youth and Communication departments of the church.
“The citizens of Tobago have shown great compassion – supporting the cleanup efforts. They pull together as a nation in the light of this tragedy,” said Mrs. Annette Lewis, Communication Director of the Tobago Conference.
Adventists believe that the response of the Church is a matter of good stewardship as it represents care for the environment. Dozens of members have been assisting ADRA, which has remained a diligent and resourceful part of the government’s response team. ADRA-Tobago officials will continue to meet with the local disaster risk management committees, to coordinate ongoing relief efforts and estimate recovery time for Tobago’s ecosystems.