Windward Aid showcases hurricane recovery efforts in Carriacou and Grenada on GIS News

Addressing Water Insecurity Through Aqua Aid

Speaking with GIS News, Windward Aid CEO Colin Moses explained that persistent water shortages in Carriacou — worsened by the dry season — became a critical concern during ongoing relief efforts.

To address this, Windward Aid launched its Aqua Aid initiative, aimed at ensuring consistent access to safe drinking water for the island’s most vulnerable residents. Phase one of the programme provided five gallons of water every two weeks to 100 individuals, overcoming complex inter-island logistics challenges.

Despite operational difficulties, the programme has continued successfully, with plans already underway to expand into a second phase.

Supporting Schools and Education Through Edu Aid

Building on the Aqua Aid initiative, Windward Aid expanded its support into the education sector through Edu Aid. Initially focused on providing drinking water to schoolchildren in Carriacou, the programme was extended to include teachers and school staff, ensuring everyone within the school environment had access to daily water supplies.

This approach reflected the organisation’s commitment to holistic community support, recognising that resilience begins with stable, well-supported learning environments.

Household Recovery, Livelihoods, and Economic Support

Beyond water and education, Windward Aid has supported families rebuilding their homes by providing essential household furniture to those unable to afford replacements after repairing structural damage.

The organisation has also worked closely with agricultural and fishing communities. This includes purchasing boats from fishermen who lost their vessels during the hurricane and providing grant funding to sea moss farmers whose harvests were destroyed.

To date, Windward Aid has invested over EC$2 million in relief and recovery efforts across the sister islands.

Preparing for Future Disasters

As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, Windward Aid is introducing a new initiative focused on early detection and warning systems. The project aims to improve hazard awareness and preparedness by ensuring communities receive timely and accurate information before disasters strike.

Mr. Moses noted that many residents received little warning ahead of Hurricane Beryl, leaving them unprepared for the scale of impact. By strengthening early warning capabilities, Windward Aid hopes to reduce future risks and enable communities to take protective action sooner.

Investing in Skills and Long-Term Resilience

Windward Aid’s outreach has also extended to mainland Grenada through education and skills development programmes. The organisation has awarded scholarships to young people pursuing vocational training and trade skills, contributing to broader goals of economic resilience and long-term community stability.

These initiatives reflect Windward Aid’s wider mission: not only supporting hurricane recovery, but strengthening societies as a whole through education, preparedness, and sustainable development.