THE threat of hurricanes and abject poverty are just two of the hidden problems facing the sun-drenched Caribbean that has become the new focus of a major appeal.

The Bishop of St Albans, the Right Rev Christopher Herbert, officially launched the Millennium Harvest for the Hungry Appeal on Saturday at a Caribbean conference in St Albans Abbey.

Outlining his inspiration for the appeal, the bishop said: 'We are twinned with a number of dioceses in the Caribbean and that is why we have decided to support it this year.

'People looking at travel brochures just now can be forgiven for thinking that life in these tropical islands must be the nearest thing to paradise on earth.

'The reality for those who live there is very different.'

The bishop highlighted the harsh conditions in Jamaica, where a third of the population live in extreme poverty and unemployment is rife.

Money is being drained from local health and education services by crippling international debt repayments and tourism brings few benefits because profits remain in the hands of tour operators.

He said: 'On top of all this, climate change is wreaking havoc across the region with hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions all on the increase.

'People on the islands seek help from their churches in a crisis and St Albans Diocese working in partnership with Christian Aid and the Caribbean Conference of Churches is responding to this.'

The appeal is aiming to fund a disaster management programme for the whole territory, which will include advice on protecting food and water supplies, setting up early warning systems and distributing equipment such as hurricane straps to hold roofs on houses.

Donations to the Caribbean Appeal can be sent to the Bishop of St Albans at Abbey Gate House, Abbey Mill Lane, St Albans AL3 4HD.