LONDON, England: A new disaster relief charity, Caribbean Development Trust (CDT), has been established in the UK following the devastation and destruction caused by Hurricane Ivan, which struck Grenada, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Cayman Islands between September 7 and 12, 2004. It was formed with the precise notion that Caribbean people have long been vulnerable to natural disasters, more particularly hurricanes and lack the strategic capacity in terms of finance and technical support to re-invigorate these economies quickly, in the wake of a major disaster. Its mission therefore is to provide socio-economic relief quickly and proactively through strategic local and international partnerships. CDT intends to avail to disaster victims substantial and sustainable relief on a project-by-project basis working through local NGOs (on the ground of beneficiary countries) and bona fide community organisations in the UK, Europe and the international community. CDT will employ creative conventional and non-conventional means to attract donations and other forms of support. Community organisations with a proven track record for excellence, diversity and professionalism will be engaged to delivery its fundraising activities. One of CDT’s policies is to work closely with Caribbean and Regional High Commissions and local government to ensure relevance and currency in its programmes. CDT has contracted Taqua Limited, a South London based entertainment management company to produce fundraising activities to support these islands. Hence the Bridge Over Troubled Waters project was formed. The main aim of the project is to stage a series of well-organised high profile events throughout the United Kingdom on a quarterly basis to collect donations for specific projects local to the beneficiary countries over a period of one year to eighteen months. It is envisaged that £100,000.00 will be raised in the twelve-month period and used to modernise the economies of the afflicted territories. The overall strategy is to target local government, private sector organisations, community and civic organisations and individuals in the United Kingdom and Europe through creative advertising, marketing and public relations programmes. Effective and efficient use of the traditional and new media both at community and mainstream levels will be critical to the execution of the strategy. The proceeds from the many events will be channelled to the Caribbean Development Trust, which with the assistance of PriceWaterhouseCoopers will disburse the gifts to the respective countries. These fundraising events will feature the talents of professional and amateur singers, dancers, comedians, actors, magicians and other performing arts practitioners who have agreed to give of their time at a reduced cost and in some cases gratis, for the cause. Plush, safe venues across the UK will be utilised giving locals throughout the country from Scotland to Southampton the opportunity to attend. High Commissioners, government officials, business leaders, sporting personalities, Actors and actresses, and other celebrities are expected to attend and in some cases, make presentations. All guests and the public alike will be required to pay a reasonable entry fee. Guests will be invited to purchase ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters’ branded merchandise including a specially produced music CD of the same title to further contribute to the cause. A grand raffle will be held at the end of each event to give out sponsored gifts and prizes to attendees. In addition to local UK coverage the entire show will be web cast and broadcast live via satellite to select public locations in Grenada, St Vincent and Jamaica facilitated by Cable & Wireless. The first ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters’ event is carded for Wednesday 8th December at the Ocean in Hackney East London. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com