Premier Speaks With Island Leaders After Storm
“We must always help when and where we can,” Premier and Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley said today [Sept 2] following a series of telephone calls with the Prime Minister of Dominica and the Premier of Montserrat in the wake of the damage caused by Tropical Storm Erika last week.
The Premier said, “I spoke with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit yesterday and he expressed his gratitude for the concern and well wishes from the people of Bermuda, many of whom have family links to Dominica.
“The devastation was due to extreme flooding, landslides, and now water contamination and food shortage. Many roads remain impassable, 50% of the island is without electricity, and 20-plus people are known dead with 35 missing. Search and rescue efforts continue with assistance from neighboring countries.”
Premier Dunkley also noted that the relief effort is being coordinated by Baroness Scotland who is well known to Bermuda and the Region, having served as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the late 1990s.
“I also spoke with Premier Donaldson Romeo of Montserrat who thankfully reported virtually no damage to the island but observed that Erika brought some much needed rain,” the Premier added.
Additionally, CARPHA [Caribbean Public Health Agency] arranged a regional Skype conference yesterday to coordinate support for Dominica. Bermuda’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball and Senior Medical Officer, Dr Janice Chang were able to connect with the conference.
“Dominica has established a website where information can be found and where those interested and able to contribute resources can find the list of needs. The website is: www.opm.gov.dm and the link on the site is “Erika Relief” under which categories of relief needs are itemized,” the Ministry said.
“A relief coordination effort is being rolled out currently and questions about specific donations and needs should be directed to local officials at dom.healtheoc@gmail.com.
“At this time, it should be noted that individuals and organizations in Bermuda who wish to assist can send monetary donations [there is a link facilitating this on the website] unless specifically informed by Dominican officials on arrangements to receive shipped goods.
“There will also be a need for public health personnel, including mental health support, which can be arranged with the relevant Dominican authorities using the website links.”
The Premier reminded, “Here at home, I would urge everyone to be storm-ready and have their hurricane stores and preparations in order. There is an increase in activity in the Atlantic and we should be prepared as a community in the unfortunate event of a storm affecting Bermuda.
“I will continue to stay in contact with this relief effort for Dominica and ask that we remember that island and its people in our thoughts and prayers during this recovery period.”
Thank you Premier D.
Thanks for the updates. Hopefully those who are able to donate to the relief efforts can do so. Blessings to the people of Dominica and to those across the globe involved with the restoration and relief efforts.
Too late Dunk….PLP beat you to it…step back let them handle it while you handle what you were voted in for…Thanks.
exellent my bye…exellent…
fogot dat c sorry…