UPDATE: Dominica pledges $2.3-million to Irma affected countries

Barbuda was devastated by Irma

Dominica has pledged a total of $2,930,000 to countries affected by Hurricane Irma.

Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit said at a press conference on Monday the money is pledged as follows: St. Kitts and Nevis, EC$500,000; St. Thomas, EC$540,000 (US$200,000); Cuba, EC$675,000 (US$250,000) and Antigua and Barbuda EC$675,000 (US$250,000).

He said the decision was made by cabinet to the various countries affected to assist with relief efforts.

In regards to St Maarten/St Martin, British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Anguilla he noted that the urgent need now is water and supplies,

“We are focusing on these three islands in respect to relief supplies,” he said.

Skerrit went on to say that as Chairman of the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), he suggested to the council of ministers that a financial contribution be made to the countries within the currency union to assist them in responding to the disaster.

He said the council has accepted that suggestion and approved EC$1 million to Antigua and Barbuda, EC$1 million to Anguilla and $250,000 to St Kitts and Nevis.

He stated further that the Board of Directors of the Bank suggested that Dominica should have received a contribution for the damage at the Douglas-Charles Airport, “but I respectfully declined the offer of assistance to Dominica, because what has happened in the other territories is extremely pale, the devastation in our member territories.”

In addition to montery and relief contribution, the Prime Minister said his government will be deploying police officers to the BVI and Barbuda

“In the BVI there are several prisoners who have escaped from the prisons, several of them, so that poses a security threat to the island and also in Barbuda of course, to avoid people coming in and taking advantage of the situation we need to ensure that there is proper security,” he remarked.

The money to Barbuda was pledged by the Prime Minister during a visit to Antigua on Sunday.

He arrived there last night with other OECS counterparts in a show of solidarity with Barbudans who were displaced by Hurricane Irma.

“In Dominica with the limited resources that we have, we are committing US$250,000.00 or (EC$675,000) to the government to assist with its response to the immediate situation,” he said.

Skerrit and the team were part of a tour of an evacuee shelter in Antigua.

He told reporters after a closed-door meeting with Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne that Dominica will assist in any way possible.

He also urged all residents to cooperate with each other.

“There is no need for this time for any discord. The country must be united in its efforts to bring about a permanent solution to the current suffering of the people of Barbuda,” he said.

Meantime St Lucia’s Prime Minister Allan Chastanet said the countries of the OECS have an obligation to support each other, and the Windward Islands will do what they can for the Leeward Islands.

Chastanet also said the OECS initiative is to support the work of CDEMA – the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and other entities.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne stated that the help is appreciated.

Barbuda was devastated by Irma and the island was declared uninhabitable.

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84 Comments

  1. DR Clayton Shillingford
    September 14, 2017

    There is a lot of commentary on sixths…It was the right thing to do ..

  2. Roseau River
    September 12, 2017

    Brilliant move. I scratch your back today you scratch my back tomorrow.

  3. Jonathan St jean
    September 12, 2017

    Once again emperor Skerritt is offering money and other forms of assistance from his private estate.As finance Minister and Prime Minister,Skerritt does NOT have the power and authority to pledge sums of money from the public purse without the approval of Parliament.Parliament comprises the government and the opposition so when and where was a meeting of Parliament held to so Skerritt was given permission to use our money.Skerrit isn’t it high time you start doing the right thing

    • Paul
      September 12, 2017

      Jonathan You deserve a drink. If i knew you personally we would drink on that comment. The ways this is done its like from his pocket. We don’t have the resources to help financially. We have over 300 rivers we could supply water and food but we are not like Trinidad with so much oil money to be giving away 3 million dollars and people In Dominica suffering.

  4. duck1951
    September 12, 2017

    The mere fact that we are able to show up on the board whether it is one dollar or two is great for DA . Tomorrow the shoe will be on the other foot . Can we not for once stop complaining ?

    • Anonymous
      September 12, 2017

      No, because everything in this place is crooked!

    • September 26, 2017

      You are so right. As it is stated in Luke 6:31, “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” Given the dire situation facing Dominica now, I’m pretty sure some of the people making negative comments here would welcome the assistance from other countries. I pray the contributions from our government and people to our brothers and sisters in Dominica (and throughout the Caribbean) does much good.

  5. Krysta
    September 12, 2017

    Impressive. Bigger countries like Guyana only donated $50,000 u.s . Happy to see Dominica looking out after another brother/sister

  6. September 12, 2017

    Blessings Prime Minister Skerrit! Your country’s assistance will be forever appreciated by the islands of the Caribbean. I love the togetherness.

  7. September 12, 2017

    Very timely Mr PM. Thank you for apprising. Dominica is a blessed country and we only wish to support our brothers and sisters who have fallen victim to lethal Irma. I am very happy that we are able to help in that regard.

  8. September 12, 2017

    The government and the people of Dominica will always show their unyielding support to its neighbours in the region. This is something they have been through many times, the devastation is heartbreaking. But they know firsthand how it feels and how to deal with it. The rebuilding process is trying but we are all here to support each other. Some are still recovering from their own deadly storms and its aftermath. So we can all rely on each other for guidance and strength. Bless the government and people of Dominica, may He be your guide always.

  9. Anonymous
    September 12, 2017

    I think this is good. We should help others in need. But really…we have that kind of money to give away? Politics aside. I’m concerned.

  10. XXOO
    September 12, 2017

    WOW Skerrit has a money tree somewhere

    • September 12, 2017

      I can’t stand an ignoramus!

      • Me
        September 12, 2017

        Look in the mirror.

    • September 12, 2017

      Must you be so daft? Ask a question instead of making idiotic assumptions. Say thanks Dominica can stretch a helping hand even while we have our our issues to get past.

  11. Just saying
    September 12, 2017

    St Thomas the us .Ok I will just leave it alone.

    • September 12, 2017

      It is the US, but did you read that it may take as long as 6 months to restore electrical power in most areas of the island? They are US territory, but their hearts lie in our region. They are more West Indians than Americans, in their ideals, upbringing etc.

      Also, do you know that we have a great deal of Dominicans who live and work on St Thomas(St.Croix etc too)? Are you aware of that? You would leave it alone because its is the US, but real Dominicans won’t because these are our families and friends out there, who contribute to our own country’s development by sustaining their families while living and working abroad.

      With that being said, good work PM and the government and to the private sector and other agencies who came on board to help. A job well done to each and everyone of you. Also the Red Cross and others who have taken up initiative of a relief drive to help our people in need.

    • September 12, 2017

      Must we forget Post-Erika when Dominicans and friends of Dominicans in St. Thomas, USVI raised almost US$20,000 to assist us? And must we forget the relief supplies we received from the same St. Thomas amounting to over US$197,000?? Must we really forget!?

  12. Patriot
    September 11, 2017

    I’m calling on the musicians to come together and help raise funds for our sister islands. They need us now.

  13. Let The Truth Be Known - Original
    September 11, 2017

    In time of need, friends helping friends. Neighbours helping neighbours.
    We recall the generous and enthusiastic help Dominica received after TS Erika struck. Some of those countries and individuals (enterprises) who gave were not better off economically than Dominica. This is one way of giving back as also with gratitude.
    Furthermore, as Holy Scripture tell us – St. Paul: “Who has more do not necessarily have more. Who has less do not necessarily have less. For God loves a cheerful giver.”
    The PM has generously and graciously assisted on behalf of all, especially, Dominican residents.
    God’s blessing and peace to all.

    • Me
      September 12, 2017

      Leave the Scriptures out of it for once, just donate your money.

      • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
        September 12, 2017

        :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

      • Me
        September 13, 2017

        OK, OK Truth no need to gnash your teeth (…if you’ve got any left!). If you don’t have the cash your credit card will do.

  14. Hmmmmmm
    September 11, 2017

    no issues with the monetary donations except that to St thomas?? they don’t need our money..they are US territory.

    • Emile Dominique
      September 12, 2017

      There are many Dominicans in St Thomas who need help immediately. This is help for our people.

  15. September 11, 2017

    Thanks to the people and Government of Dominica, for your support in Cash and kind! our Pm, is a bigger star, now shining brightly all over the Caribbean. The true brother Hood, will now cement our relationship with those countries. When it was our turn they step up to assist us. going forward what ever happens these countries, will be ready to assist us. Hope our builders, and other professionals, can secure employment in the Rebuilding those island, maybe going forward our one Caribbean has finally materilized? God loves a cheerful giver. least we forget!

  16. The Darkness
    September 11, 2017

    2.3 mil does not equal to “…2,930,000…”

    • Emile Dominique
      September 12, 2017

      Never mind the arithmetic, the money is good.

  17. September 11, 2017

    HMmmmmmmmmmmm HMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
    HMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

  18. viewsexpressed
    September 11, 2017

    IBO France, where are you in Dominica or in France? Well Charity begins at home. Tell Skerrit go clean our house first, the one that he has brought poverty upon us.
    “We all should be generous to each other in our homeland first. Dominica has money to give away for one man fame and its children and families are in poverty. Go about Dominica and you will see where hurricane Skerrit and Hurricane Labour has passed and destroyed and reduce our people to beggars. And you have some idiots about flagging about “We love our PM”, while their children are beggars and hungry and in poor living conditions. We love our Skerrit My Foot! Disgusting

  19. viewsexpressed
    September 11, 2017

    We go on as if we are a big oil producing country like Qatar, Kuwait or with a thriving economy just dish out money when the opportunity comes up to put Skerrit and his corrupt Labour government in the limelight at expense of the needy. That Is all it is! Dominica has not & will not be able to raise that kind of money on its own but thru international questionable deeds, that we are still questioning for transparency, accountability and decency in government, ignores. This is all about Skerrit the kingpin & failed Prime Minister, the worse Dominica has seen.
    Our people and families in the rural villages; Gutter, Silver Lake, Pound, Newtown, Grandbay, Carib Territory, etc. continue to live in poverty and deprivation due to many Hurricanes, for example, Hurricane Skerrit, Hurricane corrupt Labour. All our Dominican people receive is the hand-out of begging by Skerrit.
    To condone this abuse is criminal, devious and foolish by any Prime Minister. Skerrit knows nothing of development…

    • Emile Dominique
      September 12, 2017

      Man you full of it. You cannot be human because you have no humanity. This is the human race helping the human race. We are prepared to share the little that we have with our brothers. Unlike you who is an advocate of degrading Dominicans. I cannot believe you are a Dominican with all that insulting and negative rantings.

      • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
        September 12, 2017

        And he calls himself a Catholic and I suppose a practicing one at that. Some Catholic, eh? Some Christian, eh? Not a genuine one. God is taking note.
        According to the words of Our Lord Jesus Christ, “Who knows and do not do it, it is a sin. They will be beaten the worst.” This will be ‘views expressed’ lot one day. He, the ungrateful is piling hot burning coals upon his head.

  20. Dominica Massive
    September 11, 2017

    Very great gesture ,Human intervention

  21. %
    September 11, 2017

    Always good to come to the assistance of those who are in dire need.This was shown to us in a BIG WAY,after we were battered by Hurricane David.Well Done!!!
    SKERRIT MUST GO
    SKERRIR MUST GO
    SKERRIT MUST GO NOW

    • KiD ON THE BLOCK
      September 12, 2017

      Lennox Must Go and Go Now!

    • Emile Dominique
      September 12, 2017

      %…I never thought I would agree with you. You are showing some humanity after all. Its all about doing the right thing and leading by example.
      yes Skerrit must go on leading others to do the right thing.

  22. tell me about it
    September 11, 2017

    that cant even build a bridge nuh! 18 million for the roseau west bridge

  23. zandoli
    September 11, 2017

    I think he US government is more than able to look after St. Thomas. Those precious dollars would be better directed to countries such as Antigua and St. Kitts.

    • Mother
      September 12, 2017

      I pray the U.S. don’t show the same kind of prejudice and ignorance. when disasters like Irma fall upon Dominica. People in need are people in need. Besides, don’t we have many Dominicans residing in the U.S. V.I. ?

  24. NKRUMAH KWAME
    September 11, 2017

    Good and timely gesture. Mr. Chastanet said: “The countries of the OECS have an OBLIGATION (emphasis mine ), to support each other”. O really?? Don’t they also have an obligation to ensure that each individual country adheres to the SHARED core values ? How long has the opposition been calling to the attention of these very regional leaders about what has been occurring in Dominica? There was the treating issue, the availability of electoral voting cards, the alleged political coup of which our PM said he had irrefutable evidence? Their response was that they respected the right to sovereignity and non interference in the affairs of a sovereign state. They have really carved out spaces for themselves and not the masses. This statement is all hypocrisy. Indeed, fools seldom differ!!
    HOTEP!

    • Emile Dominique
      September 12, 2017

      Did you reread this before posting ? To give in time of disaster is charitable work, not political party hatred. It displays the human and Godly spirit .
      You are the real hypocrite using peoples suffering to spew your political poison. SHAME ! SHAME ! SHAME !

  25. Emile Dominique
    September 11, 2017

    Thank you Sir. Remember the implied promise of the least of my brethren. Don’t forget the Biblical story of the lady who shared her oil then never ran out of oil for her lamp.

    • Me
      September 12, 2017

      Must have been a lady from Venezuela.

  26. thethingswesay
    September 11, 2017

    When are our roads going to be fixed? I doubt Barbuda will by any means be repaired in the near future. This is a mazssive nation reconstruction. Meanwhile we cannot fix Macoucherie, Portsmouth and Delice roads. Our roads in Roseau are a complete mess with the constant patch work. the botanical Gardens is an embarrassment, we have work that needs to be done here also for almost two years. Anyway we will do what we can for our sister island Antigua and Barbuda. But we must not forget we still have our own yard to clean. The billionaire Robert Deniro already said he will build back Barbuda.

  27. Dominican Passport
    September 11, 2017

    That money well needed on the grounds whoever that gave it away, allu have Dominicans walking around with 2$ chine slippers & shoes like is that alone they can afford. :roll:

  28. KiD ON THE BLOCK
    September 11, 2017

    Hand go, hand come. We must not forget in the time of Ericka.

  29. winston warrington
    September 11, 2017

    Absolutely no need for WCF this year.

  30. Tjebe fort
    September 11, 2017

    Yes brother I support that. Far better than donating half a million of our tax money for the roof of one church in return for a worthless knighthood. And by the way, have you heard the Bishop yet speak to say what his church is donating to help the other islands? Well, I haven’t!

    • Emile Dominique
      September 11, 2017

      Our tax money, since when you started to pay tax. So what have you done. Instead of criticizing you should do something or just shut up.

    • Pinez coco
      September 12, 2017

      You are just a monkey without a brain i dont blame you.

  31. Jose
    September 11, 2017

    Where all that money was?

    • KiD ON THE BLOCK
      September 11, 2017

      None of your d*** business!

    • Emile Dominique
      September 11, 2017

      The money was up yours. Envy is a terrible thing to have. You can always fake a need to get some.

      • Emile Dominique
        September 12, 2017

        Yes @ Jose …… non of your d..business, so continue to look up yours

    • September 11, 2017

      You did not pay attention to the budget presentation, the government had a surplus of $405 million for the last financial year. So they should easily be able to afford $3 million to help neighbors in need.

    • Man bites Dogs
      September 11, 2017

      @:JOSE above comment, hi there jose, answer to your question is because you are stupid you would not know where to find it…….

    • Me
      September 11, 2017

      Each country is supposed to have a certain amount of currency set aside to help another country just incase of a disaster even if there are no funds available to help itself. We will not understand but that’s the way it is. For example…..things are in turmoil in Venezuela but it gives a helping hand to it’s fellow neighbors

      • Me
        September 12, 2017

        That is known as P.R.

    • September 12, 2017

      Now you know he’s been holding out on you for some time.. but on the other hand we should lend a hand to those who were affected by Irma.

    • FORKIT
      September 12, 2017

      panama or maybe malaysia

      • Me
        September 12, 2017

        Or maybe even Zurich, who knows?

    • Primrosette
      September 12, 2017

      Jose the money was in a reserve fund put aside for this purpose. This is how the other islands have been able to assist us immediately after our ordeal. Jose you need to stop chasing Irma and educate yourself, this is basic knowledge

  32. zandoli
    September 11, 2017

    I think it is good for us to come to the rescue of our fellow Caribbean brothers and sisters in time of need.

    I just hope that pledge is not as empty as the “pledge” to repair the Salisbury feeder road.

  33. SD
    September 11, 2017

    I’m glad that with out limited resources we’re able to help. We must not forget the massive outpouring of support that we received when we were in need. Although we’re still dealing with the aftermath.
    However, I would like to is go beyond that. This divisions into ever smaller constituents do not serve us. We have Leeward and Windward islands, greater and lesser Antilles, West Indies and Caribbean. This is foolishness. Let the Europeans keep those names and divisions if they wish, can we just all be Caribbeans?

    • September 11, 2017

      @SD September 11, 2017

      The Caribbean is the Primary name but were are in groups for better identification. Can you imagine telling someone that you are from Dominica in the Carribean, how do you explain to that person how to find Dominica on the map.

      Even so, in the Caribean, some of us are of the West Indies while the rest is known as South Americans, we have to be broken into groups, so we can better be identified and to be found on the map.

      • Not Too Smart
        September 12, 2017

        If you tell someone you’re from Dominica in the Caribbean and they cannot find you on a map (that’s really their problem), I’m pretty sure that telling them you’re from Dominica in the Windward islands or from Dominica in the Lesser Antilles will be even less informative to them. I agree with SD that we should stop being victims of this divide (Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles, English West Indies, French West Indies, big island, small island, etc.) and rule practice.

      • SD
        September 14, 2017

        I am Dominican born and raised and reside inn the UK. I have yet to meet s single person in 30 years who does not know where the Caribbean is. I can almost gaurantee they may struggle with the other names. I do not say ever that I’m West Indian. A name given to the region because of a sailing trip gone bad and got lost? Really? I do agree with others that there are too many changes and will take far too much effort. A things worth is not dependent on How difficult it is to do.

    • Man bites Dogs
      September 11, 2017

      SD, It would be wonderful if it was so, but at the moment it’s a load of goats crap.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      September 11, 2017

      I would not even think of that. There are also the Dutch West Indies and French West Indies. Too much to consider any change.
      What is done is done in this case and cannot be undone. Make up your mind this will not happen. Furthermore, there will be too much controversy over that which would also take years to decide. God knows what more. Much will have to be accomplished prior to such an amalgamation.
      Would it be worth it? People of these countries are different. They are all complacent with whatever their country and area are called.
      One way of getting along is to be amicable and respect each other; visit each other’s country, extend invitations to one another and to be hospitable to each other. By visiting we could make friends, be friends and contribute to the host country’s economy. I think this sounds reasonable and feasible. Therefore, we should live and let live.

  34. God bless Dominica
    September 11, 2017

    Thank u to the government of Dominica

    • Me
      September 11, 2017

      Surely that should read:”Thank you the people of Dominica”.

      • A. George
        September 11, 2017

        ok… all together now “Thank you to the people and government of Dominica…. yaaay!!!”

      • DaMan
        September 11, 2017

        Government , people, the government is by the people and sometimes for the people.

      • September 12, 2017

        I agree with you it’s the people it’s not the establishment . Power to the people.

  35. lalee
    September 11, 2017

    they can cancel creole fest too, and give them the money, or st. martin.

    • ALmighty God help
      September 11, 2017

      lol wait :lol: :lol: :lol:

    • Anonymous
      September 12, 2017

      Yes, I’m hearing motormouth Waddix advertising tickets for $250 for there nights still. That means that sales are not going as fast as they wish even after making all that razzamatass overseas. STOP the free VIP tickets I say.

  36. Ibo France
    September 11, 2017

    This is a good gesture and should be applauded. We all should be generous to each other in the OECS when in need as we are all brothers and sisters living on different rocks in the same space.

    • Emile Dominique
      September 11, 2017

      Thanks. We need to give those who suffered a feeling of support, that they are not alone and some brothers are willing to help. I am surprise by the amount of negatives posted. Are we becoming less human. Dominican use to be a people full of sympathy. Every hurt was met with exclamation of ‘hayla poor diab’. Now we are always ready with our “stick it to you” attitude. Shameful.

      • Me
        September 12, 2017

        Eh ben Emile, kettle calling the pot black?

    • viewsexpressed
      September 11, 2017

      Ibo France, Charity begins at home, and good gestures are honest intervention first within your own home. You cannot be abusing your own children and families and taking care of neighbours who are likely able to recover from international funds and donations from international countries, like the USA, UK, European union. Charity and generosity begins at home and it appears that Skerrit was not raised within this Golden Rule.
      Skerrit must Go….he has crippled Dominica. A sad country to drive about and see the poverty and suffering and sadness of our people.

    • %
      September 11, 2017

      We should also be generous and not wicked towards the plight of our own citizens,like those in Coulibistrie and Paradise Valley.

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