One year after Beryl, Farley reflects on crisis and climate

Elizabeth Gonzales 

Chief Secretary Farley Augustine is spending his birthday today looking back on a very different July 1—when, one year ago, Tobago was bracing for one of the most powerful storms the region had ever seen.

Augustine spent his last birthday in full crisis mode as Hurricane Beryl threatened to rip through the island. Now, he’s calling on Tobagonians to remember, reflect and prepare, warning that climate change is no longer a distant threat.

“One year later, Tobago, like many small island states, continues to confront the relentless realities of climate change,” Augustine said last night, marking the anniversary of the storm’s passing. “Whether it’s the increasing frequency of storms, the warming of our seas that threatens our coral reefs, the persistent haze of Sahara dust, or the growing invasion of sargassum seaweed, each day seems to bring a new and urgent challenge.”

Beryl was the earliest Category 4 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic. It rapidly intensified in just 42 hours and was headed straight for the southern Caribbean. On June 30, 2024, Tobago was placed under a hurricane warning. By nightfall, the island was on high alert.

Augustine ordered the closure of schools and all non-essential services. Emergency shelters were activated and utility crews placed on standby. The Tobago Emergency Management Agency began issuing constant updates. Extra flights and ferry services were arranged, and a generator was deployed to Shaw Park.

When the storm passed north of the island on July 1, Tobago was spared a direct hit. Still, strong winds and heavy showers affected eastern and northern communities. Trees were uprooted along Arnos Vale and Plymouth Road. Power was lost in areas including Castara, Concordia, Belle Garden, Goodwood and Speyside.

Fifteen people took shelter overnight—eleven in Canaan and four in Lambeau. No serious injuries or deaths were reported.

In the days that followed, officials confirmed that Tobago had avoided disaster. Cleanup crews cleared blocked roads and restored electricity. The Emergency Management Agency recorded over 200 reports of damage, mostly fallen trees and minor landslides. Some fisherfolk reported losses after boats were overturned or damaged along the coast.

A formal assessment in October estimated the damage at $592,000, with 71 roofs affected. Most repairs were completed using emergency funds.

Augustine said while Tobago was fortunate, the storm should not be forgotten.

“Yet, even in the midst of these trials, I remain deeply grateful,” he said. “Grateful for the unwavering trust that Tobagonians have placed in me and the young, dynamic team I lead. I am humbled by the continued support for our progressive agenda and encouraged by the resilience and hope that define the spirit of this island we call home. Above all, I giving God all the glory.”