Meet Saint Vincent Volunteer Jelani Brudy
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December 14, 2021After nearly 42 years without an eruption, on April 9, 2021 the La Soufrière volcano erupted on the mainland island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, displacing approximately 20,000 residents on the most northern part of the island.
The pyroclastic flows and ash-fall devastated the livelihoods of many Vincentians which created a need for assistance/workers to help in combating the consequences that were associated with the natural disaster. With this in mind, I decided to volunteer my time and effort in helping with such relief efforts but did not know where or how to go about it. However, when Father Kevin and his team contacted me about joining Caritas SVG in order to start the immediate, much-needed relief work, I jumped at the opportunity, since I myself am a firm believer in the Catholic Church’s teachings on discipleship and the Bishop’s mandate of being a missionary church.
From the get-go, it was clear to see that the desire and drive of the team (mostly young volunteers from the Red Zone) to help as many people as possible was extremely high. No place was too far, no road was too bad, when it came to reaching those in need. Up and down the island we rode delivering necessities such as food, clothes, mattresses, pillows, sheets, face masks, face shields, and most importantly water, from early morning to late evening. Over time the evacuees living in the more central and safe areas (Green Zone) had come to rely on us, to the extent that we believe that “The Green Truck” was one of the most recognizable vehicles on the island.
However, that was not enough, additional volunteers (all evacuees from Red Zone areas) were enlisted to increase the effectiveness of the project. These evacuees turned volunteers, worked diligently and effectively to prepare food packages for all those in need. This continued even after the government lowered the alert level from red to orange, and then eventually gave the all-clear for residents to move back.
Caritas SVG is still actively helping residents with food supplies, safety gear, building tools, and much needed cleaning supplies. We have been working hard on cleaning and rebuilding certain key areas in the countryside in hopes of getting homes and shops up and running again soon. I could not have asked for a better project to devote my time to. Seeing the joy we brought to people, gives me great joy knowing that we were Jelani Brudy volunteers to help the island after the devastating volcanic eruption. We made a difference in a difficult time in the lives of these people. I will cherish the friendships, comradery, and overall experience for the rest of my life.
Jelani Brudy, Caritas Volunteer Jelani graduated from Saint Martin’s Secondary School in 2019 as Valedictorian. He went on to continue his studies at the St. Vincent Community College where he also excelled academically. He is an athlete, accomplished musician, and devout Christian. He serves the Church faithfully through his home parish, the Cathedral of the Assumption, and throughout the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kingstown, SVG.
(Courtesy of Baltimore Beacon.)