19 September 2004

Many of you might remember reading about Assistant Superintendent and Commander, Grenada Coast Guard, Commander Osmond Griffith “Griff” from the recent NAVIGATOR or SITREP article on the Caribbean SAR Conference in Miami.

We have tried to contact him to find out as to how things are in Grenada, after Hurricane Ivan hit the island with "hellacious winds" that reduced concrete homes to rubble and sent the island's red zinc roofs fluttering through the air.

Late last night, Griff called, advising that he is OK, considering that over 30 people have died and almost 98% of the homes and businesses are either destroyed or severely damaged, including his home.

“His Coast Guard and his recently formed Coast Guard Auxiliary are working tirelessly, unselfishly, and are performing well under the extreme circumstances”, Griff reported. “We have put many Auxiliarists in our Coast Guard uniform”, Griff added.

I asked if there is anything he might need. Griff responded that he wants nothing for himself and expressed concern for his people that lost everything. “Relief is gradually coming in via air and sea, but distribution is the big problem”, Griff said.

Griff mentioned the most important needs for Coast Guard and Auxiliary families are:
· Drinking Water and Food (Rice)
· Antibiotic Ointment and Bandages
· Tarpaulins (to cover holes in the roofs and to provide shelter)
· Clothing
· Water Purification Filters
· Baby Diapers

Since we personally can help only in a small way, I would like to receive some feedback from USCG Auxiliary members as to how to get supplies and how to get supplies over there fast.

One of the Coast Guard members who served in the Caribbean has gone to his church for help and they are planning to make a shipment to the Grenada Coast Guard. This is a good idea for all of us to approach our church, Auxiliary unit, and civic organizations and ask for their help in the way of supplies or that the Grenada CG could use.

“Please do not send money,” said Griff, “we want to avoid any additional problems. Money has very little value when there is nothing to buy.”

Any contributions should be addressed to: Grenada Coast Guard, c/o: CDR Griffith, Assistant Superintendent Grenada Police, True Blue St., St. Georges, GND Grenada. If they are sent to the Grenada Relief Fund, there is no assurance that they will reach the Coast Guard or Auxiliary families.

Griff also mentioned that it would be helpful for a member of the USCG Auxiliary to visit and assist in any way possible.

85% of electrical and telephone services are out. Internet service is out. The airport is operational, however.

COMO Tucker has also talked to Griff and he asks that we make this a priority initiative to show our concern and support for a “fellow” Coast Guard and its Auxiliary and their families. He was very impressed to learn of the support being rendered by their volunteer Auxiliary in this time of great need.

For further information and/or questions concerning this relief drive, please email Klaus Baumann at kbaumann@se.rr.com

Osmond S. Griffith, Commanding Officer
Grenada Coast Guard
True Blue
St. George’s
Grenada
E-mail: gcgxo@yahoo.com
or gcgco@hotmail.com

"so that others might live"

Here are some links that you might want to visit

http://www.cdera.org/cunews/publish/article_468.shtml

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/IVAN_graphics.shtml

Superintendant Griffith of Grenada