By Martin Coulter From Evening Standard UK

The Prince of Wales has described the devastation caused byhurricanes in the Caribbean as “utterly heartbreaking”.

Speaking after meeting families made homeless by Hurricanes Irmaand Maria, Prince Charles said it was “painful beyond words to see the devastation”.

The heir to the throne’s comments came during the first of his three-day visit to the Caribbean.

At a Friday night reception in the Antiguan capital of St John’s, Charles said: “It was so painful beyond words to see the devastation that was so cruelly wrought across the Caribbean by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in those few, terrible weeks in September.

“In Barbuda as well as in the British Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, and the British Virgin Islands; in Dominica, and in Puerto Rico, Saint Martin and other islands too, the loss of life and property and the damage to the natural environment have been utterly heartbreaking.

“This is why it was so important to me that I should come to the Caribbean this weekend – to show my support (however inadequate that may be) for those who have suffered so greatly; and to thank all those who have worked so tirelessly and courageously to help and assist them.”

The prince was greeted by the governor-general of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, and the country’s prime minister, Gaston Browne.

“In Barbuda as well as in the British Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, and the British Virgin Islands; in Dominica, and inPuerto Rico, Saint Martin and other islands too, the loss of life and property and the damage to the natural environment have been utterly heartbreaking.

“This is why it was so important to me that I should come to the Caribbean this weekend – to show my support (however inadequate that may be) for those who have suffered so greatly; and to thank all those who have worked so tirelessly and courageously to help and assist them.”

The prince was greeted by the governor-general of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, and the country’s prime minister, Gaston Browne.

Charles’ visit, which began on Friday, started as the UK Government reaffirmed its commitment to “stand by” the islands devastated by the natural disasters and announced a further £15 million in support.

The new International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, has launched the financial package – £12 million for Dominica and £3 million for Antigua and Barbuda.

With the £15 million initiative – plus £15 million recently allocated for the affected Overseas Territories of Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Turks and Caicos – the UK Government has now committed £92 million to help recovery and long-term reconstruction in the region.

The prince was making his first official visit to the Commonwealth nation, whose island of Antigua escaped the worst of Hurricane Irma’s high winds and lashing rain. Neighbouring Barbuda and the BVI bore the brunt of its destruction.

During Saturday Charles will visit Barbuda, where most of the buildings were destroyed, and the BVI, which suffered major damage to its infrastructure, homes and businesses.

On BVI’s main island of Tortola the prince will meet staff from British Virgin Islands Red Cross, who are supporting families made homeless by the hurricane, and attend a community reception at Government House.

The entrepreneur and BVI resident Sir Richard Branson will be among the guests at the event.

IMAGE:

The Prince of Wales viewed a guard of honour as he arrived (PA)

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