Government reports continued recovery efforts in Salybia and Kalinago Territory after April 26 weather event

Following the severe weather event of April 26, 2026, the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, through the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, is continuing coordinated recovery and relief work across the Salybia Constituency and Kalinago Territory

A press release from the Ministry stated that it has been working closely with national agencies, humanitarian partners, local authorities, and community stakeholders to support affected residents and help restore normalcy in impacted communities.

Much of the current focus remains on reopening access roads, carrying out assessments, supporting vulnerable households, and building resilience ahead of the upcoming hurricane season.

According to the release, Hon. Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment and Parliamentary Representative for Salybia, has been actively involved on the ground, working alongside response teams and partners. The Prime Minister also visited the Territory to meet with residents and see the damage firsthand.

Minister Frederick claims that meaningful progress has already been made.

“Significant progress has been made in the Salybia Constituency. We have been able to clear up a number of slides to create access from Hatton Garden to Castle Bruce. We have further engaged the housing stock within that space, those who have been affected by the trough system. We have also completed a comprehensive assessment of the farms and small holdings with people whose livelihoods were affected. The work is ongoing, we are collaborating with several partners, and we have taken it further to look at the psychosocial impacts for residents.”

A range of teams have been involved in the recovery work, including the Ministry of Public Works, private heavy equipment operators, the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division, and National Employment Programme (NEP) crews. Together, they have been clearing debris, reopening roads, assessing culverts, and addressing safety concerns across affected areas.

During joint assessments, 18 culverts were identified as needing urgent attention, with input from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Public Works, NEP, and local operators. The Forestry Division has also deployed chainsaw teams to remove fallen trees, restore access routes, and assist with slope and environmental assessments alongside the Office of Disaster Management (ODM). NEP teams from Salybia, Delices, La Plaine, Marigot, Riviere Cyrique, Grand Fond, and Belles have also been supporting ongoing clean-up efforts in communities.

The Ministry shared that on the humanitarian side, assistance has been steadily expanded. About 1,041 households have received food hampers through the Government’s Rapid Response Programme, with priority support going to elderly persons, households with children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable residents.

Minister Frederick noted, “To date, food hampers have been distributed to approximately 1,041 households through support from the Government of Dominica Rapid Response Programme. Priority assistance continues to be provided to elderly persons, households with children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable residents.”

Reportedly, support services for mental and emotional well-being have also started. The Ministry of Health and UNICEF are providing counselling for people affected by trauma and distress. UNICEF has also launched its “Return to Happiness Programme” in the Atkinson, Salybia, and Sineku Primary Schools, using play-based activities like art and music to help children process their experiences.

Agricultural recovery work is also moving forward, as per the release. Assessments led by the Ministry of Agriculture show that 100 agricultural holdings have been evaluated so far—70 in the Kalinago Territory and 30 in Atkinson. Farmers have highlighted key needs including restoring farms, supporting livelihoods, improving access, and strengthening resilience against future climate impacts. According officials, this was confirmed by Animal Health and Production Officer and Acting Team Leader of the East Agricultural Region, Mr. Emanuel Joseph.

Housing assessments are also underway through the Ministry of Housing and the Kalinago Affairs Department.

Quality Assurance Officer in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Oswald James, said early findings show urgent needs in several communities.

“Initial assessments have been completed for 26 affected households to date, with 14 households identified as requiring relocation support. Immediate needs identified include emergency repair materials, roof rehabilitation assistance, temporary shelter support, and slope mitigation around vulnerable homes,” he stated.

The Government says that it continues to work with a range of partners and donors including UNICEF, UNDP, IsraAID, Tropical Shipping, private sector groups, and overseas donors. Support so far has included psychosocial assistance, clean-up tools and equipment, supplies, water support, and logistics.

For longer-term recovery planning, the Ministry has also requested technical assistance from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) to carry out a post-disaster damage and loss assessment. The release outlined that a team of six experts is expected in early June to carry out environmental and geospatial assessments to support recovery planning and resilience building.

In addition, a community work crew recruitment programme has been launched to support clean-up work, agricultural restoration, and road rehabilitation, while also creating short-term income opportunities for affected residents.

The ministry indicated that six people have already been recommended for immediate engagement, with more applications still being reviewed.

The Government of Dominica says it remains committed to standing with residents throughout the recovery process, with continued focus on rebuilding stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.