Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has expressed the Community’s sympathy to the Government and People of Dominica over the tragic loss of life and the widespread damage caused by the devastating passage of Tropical Storm Erika over the island, Thursday.
Erika’s heavy rainfall left four confirmed dead and more than 30 missing and caused significant damage to the infrastructure, washing away large sections of road and making some rural communities inaccessible.
Ambassador LaRocque expressed confidence in the strength and resilience of the Dominican people to overcome their personal tragedies, and to work with the government to reconstruct their communities, infrastructure and economy. He also pledged CARICOM’s full backing for the recovery effort:
“Through the coordinating efforts of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and Member states, we will assist with the damage and needs assessment process which we know is critical to mobilizing the required support for the reconstruction effort,” he stated.
The full message:
The Secretary-General, on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), expresses deepest sympathy to the Government and People of Dominica over the tragic loss of life and widespread damage caused by the flooding associated with the passage of Tropical Storm Erika over the island.
The Community joins with the families of the deceased in mourning their loss. It is our hope that the several persons reported missing will be found and safely returned to their loved ones.
We are confident that the people will summon the necessary strength and resilience to overcome the personal tragedies they have suffered and work with the Government to reconstruct their communities, infrastructure, and economy.
Through the coordinating efforts of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and CARICOM Member States, we will assist with the damage and needs assessment process which we know is critical to mobilizing the required support for the reconstruction effort.
In this trying time of such disastrous loss, CARICOM stands with the Government and People of Dominica and extends our sincere wish for a full and speedy recovery.
