During January of 2024, I was able to visit St. Vincent in the eastern Caribbean to learn more about the land and society there. Our small research team visited villages in the north leeward part of the island, listening to people’s stories of the 2021 La Soufrière volcano eruption. We heard how people disregarded evacuation orders and stayed in their homes, what it was like to be displaced and navigate aid and public shelters, and how the community was brought together for a short period as a result of this devastating event. Ash from La Soufrière covered the entirety of the island for months, ruining most crops and livelihoods. Some of these stories are collected here. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this collection and may these stories and photos bring you joy, laughs, humility, gratitude, and respect.

Click on the presentation below to read the full story: