The Progressive Labour Party has reached out to the public to support the victims of flooding in St Lucia and St Vincent.

Heavy rains in the eastern Caribbean have caused severe flooding in the region, and killed at least eight people in St Vincent and caused a “humanitarian crisis” in St Lucia according to Dr Kenny Anthonthy, St Lucia’s Prime Minister.

Derrick Burgess, the acting leader of the Opposition, said yesterday: “Our Caribbean neighbours and kin are in need of our prayers and assistance. Many Bermudians have ties to these nations and we must send the message that all of our global neighbours are equally as important.

“We wish to reach out to the West Indian Association of Bermuda, to offer our organisational assistance. We are encouraging other local organisations to assist where they can, with items that have been identified as urgently needed.

“As Bermuda is an associate member of Caricom, we would implore the OBA government to extend every form of assistance to our Caribbean neighbours.”

He said supplies that are in particular demand include mattresses, collapsible water jugs, new clothing, sheets, construction plywood, toiletries, cleaning supplies, generators and disposable diapers.

Mr Burgess said that Walter Roban will act as the party’s coordinator for the cause, and will make announcements in the near future regarding where donated items can be delivered.