The chairman of Digicel Group has thanked the British Government for increasing its help to the people of St Vincent & the Grenadines following the devastation caused by the La Soufriere volcano last month.

Denis O’Brien called on Britain to help the nation after volcanic eruptions caused the mass displacement of more than 30,000 people, food insecurity and a potential public health emergency.

Britain originally committed £200,000 through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency to help St Vincent, an amount Mr O’Brien labelled “pitiful”.

Last week, Britain made a further commitment of £550,000 to the World Food Programme to provide food, water and other essentials to help families in St Vincent & the Grenadines.

Mr O’Brien said: “Credit where credit is due; after a slow start, the UK Government has listened and has done its duty. Connected as they are to the UK through history, the people of St Vincent & the Grenadines naturally deserve help from the UK in times of dire need – this latest commitment by the UK Government is proof positive of the much-heralded spirit of the Commonwealth.”

St Vincent & the Grenadines is part of the Commonwealth. It gained full independence from Britain in 1979

The Digicel Group, of which Digicel Bermuda is part, last month announced a $500,000 donation of “much needed items” to support relief efforts following the volcanic eruptions.