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Statement by Honourable Premier Donaldson Romeo on Montserrat’s Assistance to the Commonwealth of Dominica

I have spoken directly to the Prime Minister of Dominica and to the Director-General of CDEMA, who were able to give me a more personalised overview of the situation on the ground in Dominica and their immediate requirements.

Good day fellow citizens, residents and friends of Montserrat.
 

Premier of Montserrat, Donaldson Romeo

As I had indicated in my previous press release, the Government of Montserrat is committed to assisting the people of Dominica, in whatever form possible.

I have spoken directly to the Prime Minister of Dominica and to the Director-General of CDEMA, who were able to give me a more personalised overview of the situation on the ground in Dominica and their immediate requirements. An extensive damage and needs assessment is still in progress. However, nine Special Disaster Areas have been officially declared and are being evacuated.

The Montserrat Emergency Policy Group (EPG) met on Saturday August 29th and Monday August 31st, 2015, to discuss how we can best assist, given our limited resources. I have also met with my colleagues and it has been agreed that Dominica, having been one of the first to lend a hand to Montserrat during our times of need, can be assured of assistance within reason.

Montserrat has agreed to send a thirteen person contingent from the Royal Montserrat Defence Force in addition to the Director of DMCA, who has already left for Dominica. We have also agreed that a number of affected Dominican born officers from the Royal Montserrat Police Service are to be granted compassionate leave. These persons would be transported by the Montserrat operated ferry Caribe Sun, who will pick up an Antiguan contingent and sail to Dominica.

RFA Lyme Bay the Royal Navy presence in the Caribbean for the hurricane season, which is equipped with a range of vehicles, equipment, disaster relief supplies, a helicopter and is able to produce large quantities of fresh water, has been rerouted to Dominica. The UK Secretary of State for International Development, Justine Greening, has confirmed that the ship can provide vital expertise and capability to help the clean-up operations and recovery efforts in the next couple of days.

I am aware that many efforts are being made by the Dominican Community on Island to support the relief and recovery of Dominica. I commend these efforts. My Government is fully in support these initiatives and continues to explore how best Montserrat can facilitate the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica. 

In conclusion I want to thank the volunteers of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force, DFID, Her Excellency the Governor and her staff, my ministers and the public servants who have all collaborated to make it possible to send this mission to Dominica.
 

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