NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — The islands of the Caribbean face an existential crisis that persists more than a year after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which ripped through Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, and looms with inevitable future weather events. With compelling footage and heart-wrenching interviews with victims, business leaders, and government officials, the 45-minute documentary “Paradise in Peril – Rebuilding Homes and Hope,” brings attention to the continuing plight and the urgent need for basic necessities in the wake of the monster storms. Fundraising efforts can be found at RebuildOurHomes.com.

Producer Kiran Maharaj, of Caribbean Lifestyle Productions says, “The areas of disaster preparedness and rebuild call for everyone’s help. While this documentary focuses on hurricanes, earthquakes are also a serious threat. Habits of how we do things must change and there needs to be cooperation and assistance from private organizations and the global public.”

According to a January 2018 analysis by ACAPS, a non-profit international humanitarian needs organization, the most severely affected island is Dominica, where 90 percent of the population is still without electricity, 80 percent of homes have inadequate roofing, and potable water remains an unmet need. Still grieving the loss of loved ones, the people of the Caribbean remain vulnerable, desperate for help rebuilding infrastructure, hospitals, schools, and restoring security—before the next disaster strikes.

Accordingly, last week, the film’s screening to Caribbean dignitaries and representatives from non-governmental organizations, was followed by a forum at the United Nations on climate change resiliency and continued rebuild efforts.

Along with awareness of the human suffering and rebuilding requirements, the film’s intention is to promote crowd-sourced funding. The initial fundraising goal is $10 million USD.

Maharaj is hopeful, “Dialogues have started. Now we need to fast-forward to strategic action plans. We’re developing a cluster map to identify what resources are needed, and where.”

About ‘Paradise in Peril’
Presented by the Global Leadership Forum & Caribbean Lifestyle Productions for Living Water Community & The Mercy Foundation, produced and written by Kiran Maharaj, and hosted by award-winning journalist Jim Clancy, the documentary will air across the Caribbean on Flow cable, October 14.

SOURCE Global Leadership Forum & Caribbean Lifestyle Productions

END

IMAGE: Dothan Eagle