CTO responds to Dominica’s plight
The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) has already begun to assist with sourcing and raising funds, relief suppliers and shelter for those in Dominica left reeling from the devastation wrought by Category Five Hurricane Maria.
“We will also help to manage the vital communications process. We are attempting to assess the most urgent needs and to tackle those first. We have activated our Hurricane Relief Fund to help our people and countries rebuild after the hurricanes,” the CTO outlined in a press release.
Pointing out that it was trying to get details on the extent of the damage, the organisation stated that it was “heartbroken” over the hurt the system has inflicted on Dominica.
While the hurricane was impacting the island, its Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit posted that the initial reports were of widespread devastation and that the island had lost all of what money could buy and replace.
“So, far the winds have swept away the roofs of almost every person I have spoken to or otherwise made contact with. The roof to my own official residence was among the first to go and this apparently triggered an avalanche of torn away roofs in the city and the countryside. Come tomorrow morning we will hit the road, as soon as the all clear is given, in search of the injured and those trapped in the rubble.
“I am honestly not preoccupied with physical damage at this time, because it is devastating... indeed, mind-boggling. My focus now is in rescuing the trapped and securing medical assistance for the injured. We will need help, my friend, we will need help of all kinds. It is too early to speak of the condition of the air and seaports, but I suspect both will be inoperable for a few days. That is why I am eager now to solicit the support of friendly nations and organisations with helicopter services, for I personally am eager to get up and get around the country to see and determine what’s needed,” Skerritt said.
There has been no updates since, and efforts to reach the island have so far been unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, the government of Trinidad and Tobago announced it would offer assistance to Dominica.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is mobilising to send assistance to the Commonwealth of Dominica. Currently co-ordination is taking place under the leadership of the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of National Security and the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs.
“It is envisaged that as soon as it is safe, a National Helicopter Services Limited helicopter will be sent to Dominica with Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force personnel. The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard is also preparing to send a supply vessel and to take Defence Force personnel as well as supplies up to Dominica,” the Trinidadian government added.