STAY WELL & SPARKLE – Petite Savanne Assists Coulibistrie, thanks to Cadets

 How many grandparents did you know? One or two? The lucky ones have three or four doting on them. But do you know anyone who lost four in one stroke – along with two uncles and two cousins?! Click here for the audio  of Lindra Antoine’s family fearsome ordeal. Her incredible deliverance from the deadly clutches Erika was one thing. But eagerly assisting the likewise traumatized villagers of Coulibistrie is simply something else.

“This must be a nightmare – somebody wake me up!” You hear variations of that theme uttered by the hundreds of traumatized Petite Savanne evacuees housed at the Dominica Grammar School. The traditionally soothing pitter-patter of rain on a tin roof is replaced by a nagging anxiety of when will it ever stop. This is no scary movie. It is stark reality forever etched in our collective memory. As we pause to reflect on the shocking loss and shattered lives, let us resolve to tackle the challenges ahead together.

Lindra Antoine was at work cooking at Jungle Bay, (which itself was subsequently destroyed), when she got reports of terrible landslides in Petite Savanne, just – miles away. Warnings of a blocked road too dangerous to travel fell on deaf maternal ears. She finally found her children, but not at her home – and not much of her village for that matter. In fact her first impression of the huge dirt gashes in the greenery was that “the mountains are bleeding!”

So many what ifs

You see, Lindra lived with her parents, Angelo & Gweneth “Ama” Antoine (in their late 50’s), her brother Danny and her three children. On that fateful day, it so happened that her littlest one, 6-year Alexandra (Lexi) was at her father, Alan Titre’s house. The second, 11 year-old Alandra (Ponkie), was spending the night with her aunt. Big brother, 17 year-old Ismael had left in the morning to hang out in the village.

When grandpa Angelo saw how badly the weather was deteriorating, he went to get his grandchildren. Lexi, pampered by her father, wanted to stay longer. Grandpa then called Ismael. He delayed – you know young people. Sometimes you have to yell, “Stop coming and come!” Ismael finally returned in the pounding rain just in time to see a monstrous landslide “flying his house” down the hill. In the audio, he describes how he barely managed to save his uncle Danny, but not his grandparents.

At this point in the unfolding drama, Lindra had no way of knowing that help was on its way by helicopter and coast guard. She had no way of knowing Petite Savanne would be the only ‘special disaster area’ ordered fully evacuated. She and her children just had to get out of there.

Leaving at about 7 in the morning in a group of ten, they made the grueling 5-hour trek south from Petite Savanne. They were angry with their relatives who chose to stay in the danger zone. They crossed raging rivers, drank muddy water, dodged falling rocks, climbing over landslides and tumbled trees. Fueled by adrenaline, they hardly rested till they found refuge in the welcoming arms of the people of Grandbay.

When Lindra heard the Cadet Corps was going to Coulibistrie, she wanted to come along. Rather than scenes of west coast destruction bringing painful flashbacks, it seemed to energize her that she could make a difference.

Tale of two cities

Dominica after Erika is very much a tale of two cities. For a large portion, it is life as usual, enjoying all the utilities with workable traffic restored. Other areas remain cut off, desperately short of food, water and shelter and at risk of diseases. Health, security, church and voluntary organization sectors are working extremely hard while the majority of the population sits idly by, waiting to see what freeness they can intercept. All Parl Reps I have seen are working hard in this crisis. They need to implement strict ration card system to help prevent diversion of aid and any appearance of favoritism.

Yet, Erika has brought out the best in the Dominica Cadet Corps. It is indeed gratifying to see disciplined young people working so hard. Their only reward is the knowledge that they helping the country in time of severe need. So it is not all about just drilling on parade to the bouncy beat of the band in smart-looking uniforms. This natural disaster points to the need for focus even more on soil conservation and reforestation. You too can, be an Adult Under Officer providing you have a passion for young people and the confidence to contribute leadership skills. Nurses are well represented in the Cadet medical unit. Professionals such as agriculturists, dentists, engineers, financial experts, vets, lawyers, physicians and others need to stand up and be counted.

There will be a special sunrise service next Sunday morning for Erika recovery. It will be at the foot of The Cross at Morne Bruce. (Exercise gear: sneakers; could be muddy. We start the short, but tough climb at 5:45 AM. Done at 7:00 AM. The less physically able should drive. Confirm attendance below). Only the seriously committed will care to do Jack’s Walk at that time – to get a little feel of what victims went through, to give thanks & praise, to plead for Strength to carry on.

Be that as it may, this tragedy is a stern test for our nation. By all accounts so far, we are passing – thanks to reconciliation from the top and generous infusion of aid from the Diaspora and friends of Dominica. Despite her afflictions Lindra found compassion for those still struggling for survival. Maybe your church or organization might want to hear first-hand from her as well as Ismael, Ponki and Lexi. God has spoken through Erika. Let us reflect, reconnect and recharge. Come on Dominica: A nous allay/let’s go! I have no doubt that we are well on the way to rebuilding Dominica stronger – by God’s grace.

Dr. Sam Christian is Medical Officer for the Dominica Cadet Corps and local chairperson of the Rebuild Dominica Stronger volunteer committee. He can be reached at 440-9133 or at rebuilddominica.org.