UK announces further support for hurricane-ravaged Dominica

British International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt

British International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt has announced a £12-million package for Dominica in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

She accompanied His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales during a visit to the British Virgin Islands and Dominica over the weekend where she thanked British humanitarian heroes and the military for working tirelessly on the relief efforts on the worst-hit islands.

“We can be proud that in their time of crisis the UK stepped up to provide the vital immediate relief that was fundamental in getting these islands back on their feet,” she said during the visit. “The UK aid mission was huge, covering small islands stretching more than 1,000 miles apart, where buildings, airports and infrastructure had been razed to the ground. I want to pay tribute to the governments of the Overseas Territories, our humanitarian staff and to the military effort, which has been absolutely essential in delivering relief.”

She stated that Britain will continue to stand by those affected by the storm.

“Now as we move on from the immediate response phase, on to the long-term future of the islands, Britain will continue to stand by people whose lives were devastated. We are also talking to the international private sector who can support the reconstruction efforts to make sure the islands can build back, and better,” Morduant said.

The support package, which brings the total UK contribution to £92-million, will include £10-million to help Dominica to rebuild critical infrastructure damaged during the hurricanes, a release from the UK High Commission said.

In Dominica 97% of the water system was destroyed. This is one example of where UK funding could help rebuild so Dominica is better able to withstand future natural disasters.

The UK contribution to Dominica also includes an additional £2-millioni for early recovery, building on the £5-million committed in September, which will support:
• Repairs to homes and roofs, through the International Organization for Migration, to provide hundreds of households with urgent shelter;
• Debris clearance through the UN Development Programme and the National Employment Programme to help establish healthy and safe living conditions in communities, to enable agricultural land to be put to use once again, and to support restoration of economic activity and livelihoods;
• Cash assistance through the World Food Programme, helping those worst affected to meet their needs flexibly and to revitalise the local economy.

 

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13 Comments

  1. adrian brewer
    November 21, 2017

    For all those Dominicans that are concerned about the aid not coming in. We in UK have container loads, including water filters etc but we cannot deliver.

    No one persons fault except that your small port (Roseau), normally perfect for your lovely Island is no longer able to cope with the needs of a whole population. Have no fear we are out here working to get your situation normalised. However much money donated, it will not alleviate the immediate problems but bodes well for the future.

  2. Mahaut
    November 20, 2017

    People shutup people

  3. Jp
    November 20, 2017

    Yes he was…… on the red carpet…….. i saw them from my pouch…. this shouldn’t be make political

    • Me
      November 21, 2017

      You saw him from your pouch you say? Most interesting, I did not know Dominica had kangaroos that can talk.

  4. SMH
    November 20, 2017

    Oil for Gold, if you were following facts and not rumor, you would have known that the Prince was greeted at the Canefield Airport by the PM, personally.

    Come on, really!!

  5. November 20, 2017

    This is all chump change, the UK owes Dominica more than 100 times that amount, like chimps, the ripe fig continues to be dangled. Reparations now, now now, now, now.

    • Anonymous
      November 20, 2017

      Bob, you are sick! Were you ever a slave? Slavery is abhorrent, of course but it was never the preserve of the British alone. As a matter of fact, while the British navy tried to block the transatlantic trade our rulers in Africa were happy to perpetuate it. I never suffered from slavery personally, did you? So why you want people living today paying the likes of you for something they had no part of unless of course you believe that children are forever guilty of the sins of their fathers and must pay!. Get a life Bob.

  6. Oil 4 Gold
    November 20, 2017

    Thank you UK. You have shown true leadership once again and proved that you will never turn your back on Dominica. The only sad thing is that you came at a time when Prime Minister and Finance Minister Roosevelt Skerrit was out of state once again, this time they say he was supposed to be in Brussels, which is next door to the UK. I don’t know if the timing of your trip was based on the knowledge of Skerrit not around or, if it was Skerrit that was running from you all. But we say thanks to you, though you were careful and wise, to not give the said amount to the government of Dominica but instead it was allocated to different international / humanitarian groups to ensure those Rats don’t use it for their personal gain.
    No one trusts this government with money except people like Monfared and crooked businesses.

    • lisad
      November 20, 2017

      i believe it was skerrit’s ghost that i saw in the pictures with the prince

    • Silver fox
      November 20, 2017

      Oil 4 gold,Your opposition so-called leader would be glad to get hold of that millions ,But one thing i know that will never happen you guys in America and your workers brainless lazy party will never be government of Dominica, You and your lots go take a jump.

  7. jack
    November 20, 2017

    On behalf of the Prime Minister his cabinet and the Citizen of Dominic. I would like to thank all the Countries who has graciously contribute there support in the rebuilding of Dominica prior to post Hurricane Maria. Once again Thank for your contributions May God Bless you all always. I am hoping that we all must focus on one goal and that is to rebuild Dominica to the best as we know. Lets forget all our negativism that so easily beset us from going forward Love always Dr. Leroy Registe

    • Anonymous
      November 20, 2017

      Did not know Skerrit had another Dr. speaking on his behalf. I thought he was quite capable of doing that himself.

  8. UK Dominican
    November 20, 2017

    Was Skjerrit there to welcome them?

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