Grenadians will not suffer long-term trauma

Though devastated by Hurricane Ivan, the people of Grenada may not suffer any long-term psychological damage, even though the disaster would have triggered stress reactions. This is the view of Sir George Alleyne, the United Nations special envoy for HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, and former director of the Pan American Sanitary Bureau (PASB). Alleyne was speaking to reporters at a media cluster Friday at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) on Victoria Avenue, Port-of-Spain. He said persons would feel a sense of loss and grief, but may not suffer any long-term psychological trauma. He said there was more stress reactions associated with experiencing an earthquake, because people are not exactly sure when it would take place.

He pointed out that in the immediate impact of a hurricane was the loss of lives and limb and of facilities, with flying debris. In the medium term, because of much rain and exposed containers and other litter, there was the possibility of dengue. Persons should ensure they have access to clean water. In the long term, Sir George said, once the country was affected economically, as is Grenada, then everything is affected and food and medicine become scarce. He noted there were no real disasters, but natural hazards, and the destruction comes only when people are not prepared for the hazards.

On a brighter note, Sir George said the disaster would certainly bring about an agenda of togetherness and camaraderie among those who would have sought shelter from the hurricane. He said in most instances the lawlessness which initially prevailed would not continue for long. And what about the spread of HIV as a result of close bonds formed during such an event? Sir George didn’t believe there would be a prevalence of sexual relations and, therefore, there would be no increase in the rates of sexually transmitted diseases. He said in the very long-term, if there was a delay in establishing basic services and there were no condoms or medication, then there could be an impact.