It has been one week since the passing of Irma, and I can’t say enough of the devastation and disruption of lives this massive storm has caused. The BVI is considered a melting pot of diasporas from the Caribbean and around the world, and so many countries have made provisions to pull their citizens out of the BVI, but the PM of Dominica want its citizens to remain.
Why should we not stay?
1. The BVI economy runs on primarily the Financial Service Industry and a small percentage of Tourism. Given the current state of the territory, many jobs were lost, no means of working for a living.
2. The recovery response and presence from the UK was very slow; and now that the Royal Army is here, little or no progress has been made to restore the territory to some levels of relief from its devastation. Many of us are at shelters, the hospital with nothing to call our own. We need to come or at least be provided some means to settle elsewhere. As a Dominican citizen, it is my hope that our government will reconsider and come rescue us.
3. The government of the BVI has not been forthcoming with their intervention on how to assist and secure the well being of those residing here, and there is no assurance on their part as to when and how they will be providing help to its people. We too have no assurance from the government of Dominica that we can count of them to rescue us.
4. Many homes have been destroyed, many took shelters for their children and families at the homes that were not badly damaged. There are others walking around aimlessly due to no place to stay. The airport had many chartered flights to evacuate people back to their home countries. Just two days ago my Brazilian friends were picked up by their country’s helicopter. It’s heartbreaking watching every other government rescuing their citizens and no one coming for us.
5. No running Water.
The residents who heavily depend on the street water for sanitation purposes have no access. Some people had to resort to trenches and Gutters to make use of the little water they can find. It’s total chaos!
Those residents who are lucky to still have cisterns, the water is contaminated and now has a stench and they are unable to use it, due to fear that they would get ill. This is a health risk.
To date I have only seen one small distribution of drinking water which in my opinion is consumed by those who happen to receive it. There hasn’t been any other distribution for days.
6. During a disaster such as this, one would expect that there would be a flooding of relief products, particularly food coming into the country by now; but haven’t seen or heard of such. The Governor has declared a state of emergency on this territory, but the aid from outside is not happening in the BVI.
7. Debris and garbage everywhere.
One would expect by now the government in association with partner states would come together to deal with the sanitation process and make it a priority to avoid health issues; but for now there is little or no activities to cleanup this territory.
The harsh reality is we have been hit by the storm; unavoidably so, however, it was the expectation of everyone that:
1. Outside response would be swift and functional
2. Government would notify and reassure the residents of their intentions to assist and give information on when the relief efforts would come.
3. The provision of food and water for all.
4 The shelter of those without homes
5. The governments of those affect would provide safe transportation to its citizens
6. The prison infrastructure received extensive damage and prisoners were on the streets. It is our hope that the prisoners would be captured, and the raping would stop.
It is frustrating and depressing after such disaster, but more so when people are left with no available options on moving forward with their lives.
This territory is not safe and will only get worst if swift interventions are not taken.
The country is in need of skilled workers but those who are not in that skillset should be evacuated to countries where our lives can be restored. Armed robbery already caused the death of one man. Over 5 cases of aggravated rape and so much fear here in this territory.
There is a cry here and someone needs to attend to us, otherwise it will be too late.
And all you wonder why Dominica getting hit by a hurricane now just look at the ignorance that’s going on here the blame game and dirty politics as usual Dominica have it own hurricane now so let us see what’s next
pay chou zore… skerrit doh owe all you *** nothing.. continue to criticize HON Skerrit and when all you finish look to him as all you savior.. the bible says that the stone that the builder rejected the same shall become the corner stone… continue to blast a good man THAT GOD HAS BLESSED US WITH and all you will see how god will respond to you all. although the times are dangerous, you people are till spreading HATE, ENVIE, MALICIOUSNESS, HARDNESS OF HEART, POLITICAL SLANDER, AND EVIL.. GO AHEAD GOD IS LOOKING AND HEARING…
I would only hope that the author of this letter is not one of those who every five years accepts a free ride to Dominica to vote Roosevelt Skerrit government back to power!
The fact that this man has told Dominica native born now suffering on at least three hurricane devastated islands not to evacuate back to the island of their birth speaks volumes.
The idea to discourage the return of our people, is that he does not want them to return to see what he has done to our country over the years; he is afraid if the suffering return only to face greater hardship, in Dominica, and realizing they may vote in the upcoming election which might bring about his defeat, he is doing everything in his power to prevent our people from returning home.
It is ironic that they post an article on DNO listing numbers where people on the damage islands may call for help. That is laughable, how can you list a number in England for someone to call to tell them they want to repatriate to Dominica?…
Continue:
That is laughable, how can you list a number in England for someone to call to tell them they want to repatriate to Dominica? The number commencing with 011- is a prefix (area code) for numbers in England.
Basically all the numbers prefixes starting with 26, and 28, are numbers in even Tortola. The 767 code numbers are located in Dominica. How can anyone call Atheina at a 767 number I suppose in Wesley to ask her to help them out of trouble?Besides most of these people are in shelters, where there are no operating telephones; no land lines, or cellular.
And even if there were, all the calls a toll calls, calls the caller would have to pay for, calling anyone in England from the Caribbean cost quite a few dollars, if someone is homeless in a shelter how are they to call a toll numbers to get help: This false, this fake concern by the regime in Dominica is obviously hypocritical!
As everything else this is just another con-game by Skerrit, and his circus! Every…
Finally:
As everything else this is just another con-game by Skerrit, and his circus! Every island, and country in the world whose people are seeking to be repatriated from the islands of St. Martin, Tortola, or Anguilla, are taken to Puerto Rico and transported to their place of birth. If Roosevelt had any intention of bringing our people home he would have arranged for the same means of transport.
This I hope will help to see the true nature of the beast Dominicans have to deal with as a prime minister!
its just misconception of wanting to take political points at every angle.We had similar hurricane where such confusion never existed.Those who can help will stay.The rebuilding efforts have great potential.The situation is alarming.Help is needed at every angle.Dominicans are free to come to the country if they choose too.Some people like to twist things around, but they can provide any help, any alternative.Just blame and criticize.What lessons have we learned from this tropical storm or hurricane?Erika passes same finger pointing.The same hold you digging for the PM I hope you can get out from it.
Yesterday! there were cries of extreme hardship in Dominica with no jobs and accommodation and today we have vacancies and the resources to offer outsiders . Your cheating heart will tell on you
correct lyrics……. No need to question my motives. I bought my ticket to get out 6 days after the hurricane and here I am crying out for the people I left behind because not everybody is fortunate as me.
Can’t you see that I am writing on the wall, to all the Caribbean islands that are out there suffering because of this storm. There are no intentions of rebuilding the islands they want the people to move off the island so the white people can take over the islands and rebuild the island. It is plain and simple it has been done in the United States for many of years when major storms or catastrophes happen they don’t help out they just take the lamb and allow people to move out because they will not give any assistance, if black people don’t stand up for themselves and take care of their own Community they will lose their island, their heritage and the promise in which they are entitled to. They will not restore the water in a timely manner they will allow you to get sick so you will die off there’s already a master plan you just have to read the handwriting on the wall.
I cannot say Zandoli that they do not contribute to the treasury. Consider the amount of money sent into relatives and friends. This goes to the stores which in turn pay taxes. It does not go back to BVI treasury. Its the BVI money that helps make the barrels. Thanx for posting such comments. It allows us to clarify
The ones most affected are children so I’ve sent my child to my parents. As for me and my wife we are not running. Dominica is my beloved but the BVI has been good to me so together we will rebuild.
@Zandolly I like your comment because you have some great points.
I agree this situation is a sorry affair, nevertheless, I like your comment.
I do not hear the Prime Minister suggesting that people outside of Dominica should not go back home; he cannot prevent that. But I hear him speaking about the need to support all of those people, including those who are already at home.
If these people are going to arrive in Dominica with two hands swinging, who is going to pick up the tab to feed them on a daily basis–along with supplying their other needs; unless they have rich families living in Dominica.
That is the reason when we leave our homeland, we don’t go saying: “I will never return” instead we should prepare ourselves with financial resources and other material assets–we never know what the future holds for us.
Some Dominicans too ungrateful. ..once they leave they throw three stones behind their back… Where you all are and enjoy the “greener pastures”
You nuh, take a person into your home and take care of them, instead of just belching bubbles.
It is sad to hear of the situation in the BVI. It is clear that the BVI will and must be rebuild at the cost of billions of dollars. So lets look on the bright side.
There is money to be made in reconstruction of the BVI. Just hang on there and while all the other countries left the BVI in time of needs, lets plan as Dominicans. Dominicans should take this opportunity to organize, assist each other, and ready to work with the government and private sector in the rebuilding of the BVI. Please lets not make the same mistakes we have made in the past.
The truth is, when we succeed financially where ever we are, so does Dominica. So again, lets look on the bright side. Next year reunion many Dominicans in these hurricane devastated areas will be building or investing back in Dominica.
Food for thought.
I know for sure that Dominica got assistance from BVI last year during its time of need. I contributed as an OECS national. However, I do not think it fair to make a blanket statement such as ” and while all the other countries left the BVI in time of needs”. Islands in the Caribbean are helping. You will as usual mainly hear about the assistance provided by first world countries but believe me, St.Lucia right next to you is helping. It may not be as much. The communication is a problem but I see Guyana and other areas stepping in now. We can all take turns.
You don’t have a clue
! You sound educated but commonsense seems to have avoided your classroom and household at all cost. Remove the blinders and you will start seeing clearly my friend.
Assertive as YOU FOLLOW!
I sympathise with the writer. This makes me think on the level of preparation that we need to engage in in light of the current and future threats of other systems such as Irma. It cannot be as usual. Households need to have some serious planning in terms of the amount of water and food stored, how it is stored, the amount of cash to have in hand. This may not save anyone from a storm such as Irma, her winds would probably go with all! But, just in case that you would be spared most of her wrath, there is comfort in knowing that you just might be able to provide some measure of sustenance for your family and even share with others. We got to take the hurricane season more seriously.
All this panic hue and cry because some people misinterpreted what the PM said. Or rather some WICKED people start a rumour and all fools ran with it? My dear all now the PM is working to get people out. His speech was WICKEDLY AND DELIBERATLY taken out of context to cause strife. The same people who are on the radio everyday spreading DOOM AND GLOOM in Dominica are now doing it to you all. We feel your pain but be patient. There is no country in the world where a devastation of this magnitude can be solved in seconds. See two years after and Petit Savanne people have not returned to normalcy. Sometimes you may never return exactly how you were but that does not mean you are being ignored. Leaders have to meet, asessments have to be made. Use your good sense and do not be dismayed by people who care nothing for your existence but only want to use your situation to score political points. If UWP was in power believe me, Petit Savanne people and the rest of Dominica would be still zero.
Continuation:
If UWP was in power they would be waiting on their savior America and Britain while twiddling their thumbs. The PM of Dominica, though he has many faults, has foresight and he is well respected all over. Other PMs in the Caribbean are waiting on his move to make theirs and we can see this from what is happening now. The wicked people praise the other PMs for doing exactly what they copied from SKerrit. Be of good courage we all have family in your situation. YOU WILL BE JUST FINE.
Blah blah blah blah blah he did say he did not support them returning we not deaf we not dumb we can decipher San goo tan
Observation! UWP are not in power, our DLP government is and the buck stop with its leader, P.M. Roosevelt Skerrit.
How did this turn into a Labour or UWP conversation? Everything is not political; we are just citizens trying to reason with each other
Thank you Primrosette,
You know for a fact that it’s the PM. from the rest of the Caribbean that is well respected and not SKERRIT
No government on earth will respect a corrupt regime or PM> or President or king, U know that so stop belching bubbles
The prime minister had resources to fly diaspora to Dominica to vote. Whats the excuse.
So if they want to come home why don’t their family help them also……some of them when they go away they act like Dominica is a hell hole to them…… LIke they can never come back to Dominica because it’s NOT good enough for them some will not even come to visit….When they go away they turn their back like they found heaven else where ….As the saying goes never forget where u come from and also the stone the builder rejected become the head of the corner…..Irma is not the first hurricane that have strike many hurricanes have stike before and devastated many islands in the past and everyone stayed and rebuild what was once their homes and……For example I been thru hurricane Hugo in the USVI we got devasreally bad about 90% devastated I had never heard anyone talking about going back home everyone stayed thru the struggles and rebuild the islands back becauthats the place we reside and pay taxes and have our good time so why should we turn our backs and leave
Sorry for the typo we got devastated really bad….because that’s the place we reside….And yes my heart goes out to the person that wrote this letter because I been thru a a hurricane before so I know the struggles so hang in there….The BVI is where u reside and I think that they need u now you been there thru the good times why turn your back now ..
.Its like you have a good friend or family who was blinging that friend/family run into some financial problems and don’t bling any more are u going to turn your back on that person or are u still going to be there with them? Before u know it everything will get back to normal…..All the best and keep strong .
Hold on Dcans hold on for the time will come when the PM will see how much pain he caused by turning his back on those who came at voted for him. You see, as much as I hate to say it things like that bring out the best and worst in people allowing us to see their true colors. Skirt has blown his own cover and believe me that was the work of god.
The pressure will cause him to facilitate all cans willing to come home for now get back home safely. His conscience will eat him raw in the coming days so rest assured you will be home soon. Keep your eyes on the news.
DLP Kar Mal Twavaye!!!!
Assertive like Mama Eugenia!
Gaŕçon when you going to realize that we all, including you, know the reality of what is going on. We all look at TV and listen to the news. We know what Skerrit said. We heard what Linton said. But you are so drunk in your own idiotic shamelessess it’s your conscience that will devour you ?. Too much of anything…… and you’ve gone overboard a long way…. Same old … same old …. you’re stale and your mental ☻ is.eternally stuck in a ‘ what Skerrit trying to get rid of ‘. Assertive.. ?
You are free to come home, with or without government’s help, but I understand there may be no or limited commercial flights and the government could have made some arrangements with a chopper service to help evacuate Dominicans wanting to evacuate. However, the prime minister should never have made the statement he made. Let this be a lesson to those who have been flown in to vote in Dominican elections. Next election is not too far away, so remember that.
My dear I feel your pain. To hear about it and to actually be in the heat of the situation is another story. With a few hours of rain, the BVI is already flooding. I feel sorry for the people who have no roof and my heart aches that no assistance is given. The BVI always put their people first; they are top priority so we here are crying out for help from our beloved Dominicans. Please rescue us. We need clean water, food to eat, a place to rest our head and clean clothes to put on. Icing on the cake is to evacuate us from this place and assist us in getting a job in Dominica. We need to get on our feet again. Thanks in advance
Feeling sorry for yourself is not going to do any good. Tighten your belt and start the rebuilding process. Help to bring the country back so that it can be as good or better than how it was before the hurricane.
It looks like you are looking for the easy way out, so that you can return when other people do the hard work to rebuild the island? You are starting to sound like a freeloader.
Freeloader? Ha! no no no honey.
I’m afraid the Prime Minster goofed badly in this case. He could have earned himself a lot of credit by extending a welcoming and helping hand to those of his fellow citizens that could do with some respite in their home country. We have not got much but are very willing to share. If I were him I would have arranged for transport by now to collect those Dominicans, enable to fend for themselves for the present and provide a refuge back home, till they are able to stand on their own two fee t again. He also missed a golden opportunity to take the wind out of the sails of the opposition because no right thinking person would have criticized such a gesture, at least not in public. If ever you wanted to build unity and national cohesion, this was an opportune moment. Right now, these poor people may feel abandoned and rejected instead and who could blame them?
I feel your pain because I live through Hurricane David. We were happy to get outside assistance in our time of need.
Despite what the prime minister said, you have the right to return to Dominica at your leisure. No one can stop you of you so desire. All you need to do is book a flight and return to your loved ones. I am not sure what else you expect the government of Dominica to do. I am sure if they had the resources to send in charter flight, it would have been done. You have lived in the BVI for a while. One would think you have some savings put aside for rainy days. It is literally a rainy day. so dip into you savings and do something to help yourself. Do you sit by and wait for a government to save you.
My dear the banks are closed, one has no access to book a flight because all offices are closed, no internet and all phone lines are down. To stretch it u want to tell me the government don’t have $13,000.00 ECD to charter a 19 seat airplane (it’s a start). I’m pretty sure a lot of people saved for a rainy day but they have no access to it right now
Why should the government use tax money from Dominican residents to charter n aircraft for people who do not contribute to the treasury?
Hmm, whoever you are, I would and have supported giving assistance in times like this and I am sure that our Government and more so our PM will do everything in his power to alleviate pain, suffering and assisting the needy. Having said this I get get the feeling that we are blowing this issue out of proportion, a sense of politicking. Banks are close, cannot book flight, NO INTERNET; good heavens how did you get online. I am really questioning your motives. I am sorry.
I guess Zandoli did not see what happened to Scotia bank and FCIB. I guess Zandoli don’t know that you have to go and stand in LIME or Digicel office to be able to even use whatsapp; not even regular phone service. And that is, IF you are able to get to Roadtown. Most people don’t even know what aid is being provided because of lack of communication and access. Garcon, send the ferry for them people eh.
Surely, if Roosevelt Skerrit can give St. Kitts $500,000 when they had virtually no damage from Irma, he could find the money to get seats for Dominicans on a ferry to bring them home for a little food and some fresh water. Don’t tell me the can not do that if they can find money to buy tickets for thousands to come and vote for him at election time. No man, he has shown his true colour.
You all need to stop the biasness ungrateful thing St.kitts did get damage…. you have to be in the diaspora why u talking this crap because if u been in Dominica to get all the help from other countries after Erika you would not be talking all this BS ….He showing his true color by making sense of what he said you all always their to give the man a bad name.
Stop your stupid politics.
You that zandoli like most dumbincan seems to have no understanding!
Those who are crying out to us and your rogue prime mistake for assistance back home, can’t get flights,hence the reason for asking your rogue government who wasted $8,000.000.00 on LIAT, to no provide a form of transportation like the other countries are doing for their stranded citizens. The passports sales monies that your rogue prime mistake goes around distributing illegally is well needed now to rescue these people! The apartments that your rogue prime mistake has given free to his blind loyalists could provide shelter for those people! I suppose your rogue prime mistake must be sleeping with regrets over his bad decisions taken! Everything happens for a reason, those Dominicans who are forced to come back will experience his bad governance,this is what your prime mistake didn’t want them to see,hence his reason why he doesn’t want them to come back!!! 
Zandoli the people who need help cannot simply book a flight and take off!
Most of them have nothing except the cloth on their backs. Skerrit and his clones are all talk, if Dominica government wanted to help a Dominican out of there, Tortola, St. Martin,or Anguilla, the nearest connection to Dominica right now is Puerto Rico.
All they had to do is designate a place on all three of the islands where people wanting to repatriate could go to talk to Dominica authorities who should be there coordinating the evacuation, they could get them on a boat ride lasting I think less than five hours to Puerto Rico, and put them on LIAT in which Skerrit has dumped more than fifteen million of our Tax payers money, and take them home!
Francine boast that Dominica has the most diplomatic relations with countries in the don’t we have any in St. Maarten, Tortola, and Anguilla?