The huge loss of life and devastation on the southern coast of Asia, not to mention in far away Africa, occasioned by the recent earthquake and tidal wave or the tsunami, as the disaster is called, is mind-boggling and admittedly frightening.

Apart from the experts offering every natural and scientific reason for the tragedy, religionists have quickly pointed to the prophetic warnings of the calamities that will befall mankind in the last days. None of the theories or religious claims must be ignored. There are two important matters to consider. One is the need for advance physical and spiritual preparation as no one really knows the hour of the wake-up call. The second is the need for immediate humanitarian assistance.

On the physical side, it has emerged that there was advice which, if taken, might have lessened the impact of the tsunami on the hapless people and their countries, but the situation is now beyond that. The sad and deadly occurrence has suddenly caused the Caribbean to examine its own vulnerability to such a disaster and to take heed. But aside from that type of calamity, various parts of the region have long been beset by earthquakes, though less severe; volcanic eruptions, powerful and destructive hurricanes and other natural disasters. Clearly, if the Caribbean were to be struck by a tsunami of the magnitude that hit southern Asia, the entire region could be swept away.

No place on earth can really claim to be lucky or immune in terms of disaster. Tragedy seems to take turns. Today it strikes somewhere. Tomorrow it catches up elsewhere. The world will long remember the Asian experience which has affected the lives of so many people whose loved ones, nationals and foreigners, found themselves in that area of the globe on the fateful day and met an untimely death.

We in the Caribbean must feel the pain and grief of our fellow human beings and show our concern and condolences however best we can do so. Here in Anguilla the Government requested the flying of flags at half-mast on all Government buildings as well as on commercial and private buildings on Wednesday January 5. Small as it is, this has been an expression of the way we all feel about the plight of the victims and their families and there have been similar sentiments throughout the region. It is understood that one or more funds may be set up on the island to receive financial contributions from the public. Even the widow’s mite would be a worthwhile contribution to help relieve the sting of the horrendous tragedy.

Our Caribbean people must never forget that their turn for disaster and need of assistance has come and will come again as we are all part of a world riddled with disasters of every kind. The international aid pouring into the stricken area in terms of money, food supplies, clothing and many other necessities, is of a very high proportion but so great is the disaster and the needs of the survivors that no form or volume of assistance appears to be too much.

There is a call for Caribbean countries and their citizens to assist the tsunami survivors through the Barbados Counterpart Caribbean Organisation whose Washington-based partner, Counterpart International, is spearheading relief efforts. Given the distance of the disaster and the shipping difficulties involved, the best logical means of assistance seems to be monetary aid. There are various regional and national Government and NGO agencies through which this help can be generated and conveniently channelled. This appeal for help coming from within our region must be responded to as liberally and urgently as possible from those who can afford the assistance and who will feel happy about helping their destitute fellowmen.
Remember today is for the people in Southern Asia. Tomorrow it may be for us in the Caribbean.

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