T&T is among countries including Japan, Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados, donating US$100,000 each to Dominica, as requested by that country, following the devastation left by Tropical Storm Erika in late August.
The tropical storm, which hit Dominica on August 27, took the lives of at least 30 people and the country’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit put the infrastructure repair and reconstruction bill at over $1.5 billion—nearly half the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
Roads, bridges, homes and the country’s airport was severely damaged by the storm and raging flood waters.
Shortly after this country’s general election, newly-elected Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced that famed cricketer and Sports Ambassador Brian Lara would visit Dominica as a special envoy to discuss the country’s needs.
Lara is also expected to participate in a charity cricket match in Barbados this week, all proceeds from which will go to Dominica.
In an interview yesterday, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management CEO Dr Stephen Ramroop said T&T had acceded to the requests made by the Dominican Prime Minister.
On the country’s government Web site, the request was made for neighbouring islands to contribute US$100,000 cash for relief efforts.
The Web site also provides a list of medical and other supplies needed.
“We sent the money subsequent to Brian Lara’s visit,” Ramroop said.
“We also committed to the provision of technical assistance, once a request is made.”
In the wake of the storm, T&T sent a Coast Guard vessel with emergency supplies and also assisted with four helicopters to assist in search and rescue operations.
He said citizens and groups such as the Rotary Club also sent financial assistance to Dominica, adding that he was aware that local Rotary Clubs sent about $60,000.
“Their need for cash was explicit and so that was how we assisted,” Ramroop said.