Some 35 Ecuadorian students at the Dominica State College (DSC) received the news over the weekend that their country Ecuador was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, on the central coast near the towns of Manabi, Guayas and Esmeralda. The hardest hit province was the coastal province of Manabi. It is reported that 270 persons have died and 2000 persons have been injured.
The College stands in support of the students from Ecuador in Dominica in this time of grief and turmoil. President of the College, Dr. Donald Peters said “this is a very sad and unexpected occurrence which has had significant emotional impact on our Ecuadorian students, and we do feel and empathize with their pain.”
The College reacted immediately and gathered all of the students on Sunday evening to express their concerns and distress about their families in Ecuador. Today, students will be counseled by grief counselors and will be visited by the Honorable Acting Minister of Education, Honorable Kelvar Darroux who will represent the Office of the Prime Minister and Mr. Alvin Bernard representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dr. Peters also indicated that some of the areas hit are in dire need of water, blankets, clothing, non-perishable foods, baby products and medicine.
The College will launch a relief drive immediately to gather supplies and raise funds to help the people of Ecuador. In that respect, President Peters added that “The global community came to the assistance of Dominica when we suffered the ravages of Tropical Storm Erika, now is the time for Dominica to stand in solidarity as a nation with the international community and reach out to assist the people of Ecuador.
Ms. Ellena Bowers, Coordinator of the International Program at the College, together with Mr. Edgar Hunter, Director of Student Services, Ms. Diana Angol, Dean of Arts and Science and Ms. Beverly LeBlanc, Dean of Education will coordinate the relief effort.
The Ecuadorian students are part of the DSC family and the College is appealing to all Dominicans to help by donating generously to the relief effort and expending empathy to the students.
Jokers all of them. I wonder how he plan to deal with this one. We got so much relief afer Erika and to date the country feels no relief.
I will not only shake the earth but the heavens also, sign of the time,don,t fear
For our God is a consuming fire.
I pray that their families are ok
Disaster strikes when we least expect it. This was shocking news to hear of the earthquake and devastation in that country. I imagine the anguish and concern of the DSC students. Take heart.
My heartfelt sympathy to the families of those who lost loved ones. May the departed rest in peace.
May the injured be comforted and healed in time.
I heard two Canadians, a mother and son from the Province of Quebec are among those who died. They had moved to that country a few years ago. The husband and a few children survived.
Canada has sent $1M, so far, to assist. Additional assistance will be forthcoming also from the Canadian public and other countries. Whatever is sent will never be too much.
I visualize a lot of money will be required to assist the survivors. The road ahead to also full recovery will not be an easy one.
May God bless and comfort the survivors. May He also strengthen those who will be assisting with this recovery and in anyway possible.
Yes
I really empathise with the students and the country of Ecuador. We just don’t know from one day to the next what is round the corner. That is why I prefer to spend my time thinking and doing positive things, rather than spawning negativity and hatred on this site and elsewhere, because any day could be my last. I always remember and am guided by the words of scripture which advise me that I will account for every idle word that I speak and I guess, write!
Perhaps Doctor Peters could inform the public of the nature of assistance which would be most useful. Money, clothing, water, foodstuffs etc.? Since the students are here this might be easier to manage logistically.
May God bless and guide them and their country at this time.
So where is the honorable Prime minister and the foreign affairs minister? Just asking
Probably out of state on another passport selling trip.
Even if his name was there you would have something to say like why is he in everything. Relax they got this, go do your share to assist and take a sit.
are you kidding me rite now?
gf bf?
really, thats your main concern, smh.
They are right here in Dominica everything haven’t got to do with the government
wow, you really love your PM, just can’t miss him for an hour!!!!
ridiculous people, go be productive
Cant you see he is not important.