A Barbados-based group has raised over EC$ 161,000 to assist Dominica following the havoc caused by Tropical Storm Erika in late August.
The group, Barbados Cares, consists of over 25 event promoters and brands in Barbados which came together to offer assistance following the passage of the storm.
“Our mission was to create a campaign and weekend of events that both raised awareness about the urgent needs of the Dominican people and provided opportunities for Barbadians to contribute to the ongoing relief and recovery efforts. We are happy to say that our efforts were successful and through the weekend of activities, as well as individual and corporate donations, have to date raised a total of BDS $119,385 (EC$161,169.75),” the group said.
Barbados Cares has identified two projects that the funds will go towards: the purchasing of 12 water tanks for schools and community facing water problems and a school rehabilitation project at the Coulibistrie Primary School.
The water tanks, which hold 1,000 gallons, will be installed at the Bagatelle, Pichelin and Calibishie primary schools, the communities of Kingshill, Beau Bois, Grand Coulibri, Savanne Paille and Sylvania.
Since the storm, students from the Coulibistrie Primary School having been attending classes at the Salisbury Primary.
The Coulibistrie Primary School suffered intensive damage during Erika and has been deemed unsafe to use even in the future.
“As a result, the Dominican Ministry of Education has identified theunused wing of the neighbouring village’s school, the Salisbury Primary
School that, with some level of rehabilitation and upgrading, can be used to house these 42 displaced students and 5 teachers on a short to medium term basis until a suitable location to build a new school has been identified,” the group said. “Having consulted with the parents and teachers of the Coulibistrie School, it has been agreed that this is the best solution for the students in order to resume normal school hours and activities. The Barbados Cares group is pleased to partner with the Ministry of Education in Dominica to adopt this school rehabilitation project, which initial estimates have put in the region of EC $116,193 or US $42,800.”
Barbados Cares extended its gratitude to corporate partners and individuals both in Barbados and overseas who made its fund raising campaign a success.
Thank you and May God bless all of you and your organisation
Barbados Care, thank you for taking the time for this special fundraising effort to assist the schools mentioned. It is a great help for all concerned.
Hope you visit Dominica sometime especially if you have not yet visited.
God bless you!
On behalf of all the Dominican people are heartfelt thank you goes out to the Barbados Cares Team.
your kind gesture to our ravaged country will not go unnoticed. Once again, thank you.
It’s such a shame to see such low response to this article. If the name Skeritt was mentioned at least once all the politickers would make it about him. SHAME ON YOU PEOPLE.. REMEMBER THE DONORS EYES ARE ON YOU!!!
Barbados, many many thanks for your contribution. It will go a long way. This is very much appreciated
Thanks B’dos Care, It’s good to see the CP school making a contribution. Thanks guys
Thank you Barbados Cares. We are truly grateful.
Thanks for your kind generosity.
Thank you Barbados