The views expressed herein are solely those of the writer, who wishes to remain anonymous.
Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, many residents of Union Island were forced to flee to the mainland after losing not only our homes, but our entire way of life. Families were displaced, livelihoods were destroyed, and for many of us, everything we worked for vanished overnight.
The previous government placed over 40 affected families into rented accommodations as a temporary measure. However, since the change in government, our situation has remained painfully uncertain. To date, many families have received little to no post-Beryl assistance, and the temporary housing contracts for these families are set to expire on January 31st, 2026.
What makes this situation even more distressing is that no clear information has been provided regarding our next steps. We are being told to vacate these accommodations by the 31st, yet most of us still do not have homes to return to on Union Island. This includes children, infants, single parents, and elderly citizens, all now facing the terrifying question: Where are we supposed to go?
The emotional toll of this uncertainty is overwhelming. Families are anxious, frustrated, and deeply hurt. We feel forgotten. We feel abandoned. And above all, we feel unheard at a time when we are most vulnerable.
We are not asking for special treatment.
We are asking for clarity, compassion, and action.
We urgently need answers from the relevant authorities and the current government. We need immediate support, transparent communication, and a humane solution that ensures no family is left homeless after surviving such a catastrophic disaster.
This is a humanitarian issue.
This is a matter of dignity.
And this is a crisis that demands urgent attention now, not later.
We are pleading that our leaders will finally hear us and respond with the urgency and care that this moment requires.
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