ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, January 13, 2015 – GIS: Prime Minister Dr. The Right Honourable Keith Mitchell has reached out to the Government and People of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with a pledge of encouragement and solidarity, after a minibus plunged into the sea on Monday, January 12th, killing several, including school children, and injuring a number of others.

According to Prime Minister Mitchell, this tragedy is "not only a national disaster, but it also touches the entire region. The people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are in mourning right now, and the rest of us in the region pause to offer words of encouragement, and to render our thoughts and prayers on their behalf."

The Prime Minister further stated, that while it is never easy to lose anyone, "it is especially disheartening when school children are the ones whose lives are cut short. It is therefore very important that we continue to support and pray for the people of our sister nation during this time of bereavement; that God will cover them with His grace, bringing healing to everyone affected."

Relief efforts continue in the neighboring island.