Dear Community,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Africa, and I'm reaching out to you with a heavy heart but a determined spirit. Hurricane Beryl has recently devastated the beautiful islands in the West Indies, with Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and Union Island bearing the brunt of the first waves of destruction. These islands, home to a combined population of 13,500 people, have been significantly impacted, with Carriacou facing a staggering 98% destruction.

For me, Carriacou is more than just a place on the map. It’s a part of my heritage, my history, and my heart. In 2005, I had the privilege of attending one of only two secondary schools on the island. This experience blessed me with lifelong friendships and a deep connection to the community. Over the past two decades, Carriacou has been my refuge during challenging times, a sanctuary that offered me solace and strength.

Seeing the island in ruins is unimaginable, and while immediate aid is arriving, the road to recovery will be long and arduous. Many homes are left without roofs and power, and ongoing support will be essential until these homes are fully restored. The people of the West Indies are resilient and proud, and it is crucial to help them rebuild in a way that restores their independence.

Our goal is to raise funds to rebuild 50 modest homes on these islands, focusing on those most vulnerable and with the least access to resources. While a roof repair on a substantial home could cost over £10,000, rebuilding a modest home from scratch can cost just a fraction of that. The Windrush generation’s impact on the island’s wealth is significant, and as a result many hardworking descendants who remained in the islands do not have access to transformative funds or family within the diaspora to lean on.

Based solely on the population split of the three islands, I am aiming to distribute the funds raised as follows:

- 71% to Carriacou

- 7% to Petit Martinique

- 22% to Union Island

This translates to an equal share relative to the respective populations.

I am asking each of you to consider making a one-off donation of $/£5. If I have ever shared anything with you—advice, information, or content—that has been of value or brought a smile to your face, please consider supporting this cause. Together, we have the opportunity to make a life-changing impact on these three little islands.

My Papa would have been at the forefront of these relief efforts, always ready to help despite not having much himself. In his spirit, I urge you to join me in this effort to rebuild and restore. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference.

I will continue to update the fundraiser's progress to keep you updated.

Thank you for your support and generosity.

Warm regards,

Africa

If you'd like to see the face behind the fundraiser, I run a platform on instagram called @thevitamindproject -over the years I have documented my relationship with the island and commit to doing all I can now in it's time of need to help Carriacou and the neighbouring islands rebuild.

To ensure this fundraiser has the best chance of reaching its goal, it will end on October 31, 2024 (unless the goal is reached before then). The total amount raised will be distributed as outlined above from October 31, 2024.