A high-level delegation will visit Haiti and The Bahamas between October 11 and 13, 2016 to undertake discussions with the leadership of the affected States and to confirm additional areas where the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) can provide support.
This high-level mission includes Roosevelt Skerritt, Prime Minister of Dominica and Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community; Secretary General of CARICOM, Irwin LaRoque; Executive Director of CDEMA, Ronald Jackson; Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, St Vincent and the Grenadines supported by a technical representative from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Dr David Farrell, Principal of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH).
Haiti and The Bahamas have been severely impacted by Hurricane Matthew and are currently undergoing damage assessments. The Rapid Needs Assessment Teams (RNATs) that are being led by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) have commenced assessments in New Providence, Andros Island and Grand Bahama in The Bahamas while operational support has been provided to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) in Haiti. The preliminary assessments has so far revealed widespread flooding of buildings and major roads; severe damages to houses, schools and health facilities; fallen electrical poles, trees and damage to infrastructure including electricity, water and communication.
At a press conference called by the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Perry Christie on Sunday October 9, 2016, a number of the critical agencies including health, social services, security, water and electricity presented updates on the progress of work being undertaken in efforts to restore normalcy to the affected areas as soon as possible.
Speaking at the press conference on behalf of CDEMA, Joanne Persad, Preparedness and Response Manager said, “The RNATs are made up of twenty nine (29) members, who are multi-disciplinary and multi-national. The teams will provide a report in 72 hours on the damage to those islands being assessed and will also provide guidance for recovery and rehabilitation.” She also expressed gratitude to the Government of The Bahamas for the opportunity to serve as well as commended the people of The Bahamas for their resilience.
The RNATs are led by CDEMA with deputy lead by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) with 7 members from the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC). Other partners involved in the RNAT include Global Affairs Canada, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), The Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), the Council of Caribbean Engineering Associations (CCEA) and representatives from the CDEMA’s Participating States including The Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Wow! Look at those broken branches which cover the mass graves that the 1000 Hatians were put in!
Is that the best they can do? These liars have no shame.
Please let them know that Dominica cares and feels their pain and suffering and ask for strength and faith for the people.
You are a fool and being duped by these people into sending them (the dupers, not the ordinary Hatians) your money.
Where are the pics of the mass graves????
What a shame. All these worthless politicians trying to demonstrate sincerity but it is all just for show. Most of the relief will only go the wealthiest Haitians and the poorest communities will continue to suffer. It is the corrupt and oppressive Haitian government that has that beautiful island in such a state such poverty and despair. If these leaders really want to make a difference then they should pressure the Haitian government for better governance. What a shame
Haiti was once a rich and thriving country. This is why many people in the Caribbean, no exception Dominicans flocked there for work. Some never returned. I assume when the economy got bad in Haiti, they were unable to return.
My father told me about a relative who went there and did not return. My aunt also told me about another one.
You appear to forget Papa Doc and Baby Doc how they bilked the people. They lived lavishly in a palace and enjoyed all the amenities of life while their people suffered.
Remember what Our Lord said: “For I was hungry and you gave me no food to eat. Naked and you did not clothe me . . . .” I wonder where those souls are in eternity.
The poor in Dominica are far better off than the poor in Haiti.
Beginning to sound like today’s Dominica Truth. We’d better take heed. Don’t forget Papa Doc was a doctor also and now we have our own Papa, who is even an Hon. Dr. Just waiting for him to appoint his son as his successor.
Yes, know all. When were you in Haiti and when was the last time you visited Dominica to pass a judgement like that?
Tjebe fort, if one is well-read they learn much and know much. Further DNO is a place to discuss and exchange ideas, “not words – maypee.” I do think you and some others give the PM a bad rap. Give him a break to exercise his elected duties. Everyone has faults. No one is perfect. In my heart, he is not a bad person. Be happy.
As for “Me”, cease being sarcastic. You have a severe problem. Stop throwing words. Have you ever read any of my comments, throwing words to anyone? Learn from others. Learn good communication skills.
I do not have to respond. However, I will go to Dominica whenever I want, whenever I feel like it. I do not have to inform you where I am or when I will be there. It is my personal business. I could be writing from Dominica and you do not know it. People take their computer or a laptop wherever they travel to..
Once and for all, try minding your business.
Haiti is the world’s LEADING supplier of vetiver which is the substance used in 99% of the world’s luxury perfumes.
Haiti is no poor. WE ARE.
Stop being conned by these worthless politicians who organised the hurricane.
The Bible says that God does not give you more burdens than you can bear. But when it comes to Haiti I think that it has had its full share of tribulations. We should all pray for our sister Caribbean neighbor.
As we pray we must also pray for Dominica, nationals, ourselves and perform acts of love/kindness. One does not go without the other.
As St. Paul said, “We cannot say we love God whom we cannot see and hate our brothers whom we can see.” We are all made in the image and likeness of God. There are many who do this. It is hypocritical and telling a lie, as God knows and sees too well. In essence, those who hate do not love God; they love no one.
Good.! This sounds much better than that earlier, self-serving press release.
Where are the mass graves???? I only see a few fallen branches.
These politicians are con artists.
Sheesh what difference will it make if a high delegation from caricom visit the Bahamas, Dominica full of bailey bridges after Erika and that was August 2015!
May God be master of these recovery efforts. Dominica will remain forever grateful for the show of support from our regional and international partners in the aftermath of Storm Erika.
It is disappointing that the adverse comments of some, the ungrateful ones who appear to be filled with hatred, did not project it. It is a bad mark on them and against them.