On July 1st, 2024, Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Grenada, leaving a path of devastation in its wake. The tri-island nation of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique faced significant destruction, particularly in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, which were nearly obliterated by the storm. This catastrophic event has set the stage for an extensive recovery effort that draws upon the resilience and unity of the Grenadian people.

Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, spoke with BET and described the immediate impact of Hurricane Beryl, emphasizing the widespread damage. The mainland of Grenada, with the exception of the parish of St. Patrick's, was less affected. Most hotels remained open, welcoming visitors and keeping the island's attractions operational.

BET: Can you describe the current situation in Grenada and its islands, particularly Carriacou, in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl?

 Petra Roach: Grenada is a tri-island nation that consists of 3 islands: Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Unfortunately, Carriacou and Petite Martinique were almost completely destroyed by Hurricane Beryl when it made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on July 1st. In the few days following impact, we were very temporarily off-market to facilitate clean-up efforts and to allow for preliminary assessments to take place by local authorities. With the exception of the north of Grenada – namely, the parish of St. Patrick’s – damage has thankfully been less extensive on the mainland. The majority of hotels on the mainland remained open throughout the ordeal. We continued to welcome visitors, and all of the island’s attraction’s remained operational. 

BET: What has been the extent of the damage to the island’s infrastructure, homes, and agriculture?

Petra Roach: According to our Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, estimates suggested that Hurricane Beryl totalled as much as one third of our country’s economic output. That is a significant hit for any island, and for Carriacou and Petite Martinique the situation is no different. The loss of life, destruction of property and displacement of livelihoods on those two islands is something that can’t be quantified in numbers. It’s going to be long road to recovery for our sister islands, as we work to rebuild in the most sustainable way possible, but we are a resilient people and are committed to showcasing the beauty of the Spice Isle to our visitors.

BET: How is the government planning to rebuild the damaged infrastructure, including homes, public buildings, and marinas? Can you share any specific initiatives or programs aimed at restoring agriculture and the natural environment?

 Petra Roach: The government is currently in consultation with relevant stakeholders on the rebuilding process for Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. NaDMA – which is our National Disaster Management Agency, the state operations responsible for these initiatives – is overseeing these efforts, in consultation with the Office of the Prime Minister. In terms of monetary donations, we invite everyone to make contributions online to the Government of Grenada National Disaster Relief Fund, at https://pay.gov.gd/. Addressing the vulnerability of sectors such as agriculture and marine, all of which are directly related to tourism, is a top priority for everyone. As Grenada continues to be open for business, we are looking forward to sharing more details on the programs and initiatives in the near future.

BET: With the significant damage caused by Hurricane Beryl, how will this affect tourism in Grenada, particularly on Carriacou?

Petra Roach: Grenada is open for business, and we continue to move from strength to strength with record-breaking number of visitors in the first 6 months of 2024 for long-stay visitation.

Relief efforts are heavily underway and ongoing in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, but in mainland Grenada, we have been busy executing several initiatives including our recent culinary academy in collaboration with Grenadian-born, Boston-based Chef Olrie Roberts of Zaz Restaurants, where 2 aspiring chefs from the island, Keira Edward and Destiny Antoine, will gain an internship/work experience program at the Zaz Establishment/Hospitality Industry in Boston. We are also excited to welcome the world to the Spicemas experience from August 1 – 13.

In Carriacou, it will be a long road to recovery, but we look forward to opening our second Underwater Sculpture Park there , focusing on culture, sustainability and tourism. However, the hurricane has also been a very sobering reminder of the importance of sustainable development which is one of the backbones of our tourism product. Vital research, youth education and training in Carriacou – are also important to our lifeblood and to encourage future generations to understand the landscape that will help in activism efforts. Taking place from September 27th to October 5th , this year’s Dive and Conservation Festival will bring together global leaders in marine conservation to discuss initiatives to protect our oceans and seas while promoting sustainable values across Grenada and around the world. Our goal is to continue to build a bright future for everyone in and beyond our beautiful Grenadian shores.

BET: What are the plans for celebrating Spicemas this year in light of the recent devastation? Are there any special events or initiatives planned during Spicemas to help raise awareness and funds for the rebuilding efforts?

 Petra Roach: To be honest, our hearts are heavy as we process the widespread devastation in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, but we are determined to continue stimulating the economy so that we can move forward with the rebuilding efforts. In collaboration with Industry 360, Mel&N Media and Chambers Media Solutions – our partners for our annual multi-market Spicemas Press Trip experience – the Grenada Tourism Authority is happy to announce this #SpicemasIsWeTing campaign will be working with Sandals Grenada to establish a relief drop-off point for our media guests and visitors at the hotel. The Spicemas Corporation, who leads all activities as it relates to Carnival on the island, will also partner with other event promoters to host a Relief Concert featuring Grenada’s best and brightest entertainers. Funds for the concert, along with revenue proceeds from Spicemas 2024 will be donated to the Government of Grenada’s Hurricane Relief Fund. We are therefore encouraging everyone to participate in all Carnival community activities to assist with building resources in the rebuilding of homes and buildings.

BET: How can individuals and organizations from around the world contribute to the recovery and rebuilding of Grenada? What are the most critical needs for the island's residents right now, and how can people help meet those needs?

Petra Roach: We invite everyone to come visit Grenada. There is so much to do and see on this Caribbean island – our majestic waterfalls, our delicious cuisine, our Underwater Sculpture Park, our rum distillery tours – we are the ultimate destination for relaxation, wellness and adventure. When you visit Grenada, you’re not simply enjoying a vacation – you are investing in various industries and attractions that make the Spice Isle so special and unique. Whether you choose a solo adventure or a family trip, this is truly paradise, and Grenadians are so warm and hospitable.

BET: Considering the increasing intensity of hurricanes due to climate change, what measures are being taken to enhance future disaster preparedness?

Petra Roach: During one of the NaDMA press briefings in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, our Prime Minister said that the hurricane was a direct result of the climate crisis that Grenada, the Caribbean and Small Island Developing States are experiencing in real-time. So more than just disaster preparedness, there needs to be ongoing conversations and action about climate justice while the rebuild takes place. In April of this year, we made a conscious bid to host the biggest Sustainable Tourism Conference in Caribbean Tourism Organization’s history - because we wanted to have a seat at the table to contribute to conversations on sustainability and conservation. As a Caribbean nation, we have a very clear understanding on the unique challenges and evolving need to advocate for climate change, and to introduce measures that protect us as tourism stakeholders on the frontlines.

For example, the Grenada Tourism Authority is thrilled to be a part of the ongoing mangrove restoration projects that assist with the preservation of our natural resources. Programs such as the Kido Foundation’s partnership efforts - whose aim is to preserve the island ecosystems and biodiversity with conservation activities, environmental research, youth education and training in Carriacou – are also important to the lifeblood of encourage future generations to understand the landscape that will help in activism efforts. Taking place from September 13th, this year’s Dive and Conservation Festival will bring together global leaders in marine conservation to discuss initiatives to protect our oceans and seas while promoting sustainable values across Grenada and around the world. Our goal is to continue to build a bright future for everyone in and beyond our beautiful Grenadian shores.

Grenada's annual Spicemas starts on Aug 1-13.