BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOLLOWING the devastation of the nature isle by Hurricane Maria, the people of Dominica have made significant progress in their recovery efforts.
Last month, the Category 5 storm wreaked havoc on the island, downing trees and power lines, decimating houses and buildings as well as claiming more than 30 lives.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit yesterday (Oct. 19) gave CNN International an update on the islands recovery efforts, explaining that they have made progress in clearing major streets in the country.
Further, he disclosed that they have restored water to 55% of the country and they “are now pushing the envelope” in terms of electricity restoration.
“The power company is really pushing on that,” he said.
The outspoken Prime Minister noted that it would take few years, when asked about the country returning to the state it was once at.
“…it depends on the generosity of the international community and the efficiency on the draw down on those resources. So, we would be relying heavily on the international community to assist us in our rebuilding efforts.”
Skerrit lamented that the people of Dominica alone could not afford the cost to rebuild the nation.
He noted that there are no ill feelings towards the coverage that the island got from the international media, especially those from the United States, reiterating that the country is looking to rebuild and to be the first climate resilient nation in the world.
“We contribute very little to the carbon emission but yet still we are the frontline of the impact of climate change. And it is a truth and a reality which we have lived and are living, and we are saying to the international community: ‘Look, we are not upset with you or we are not vex with you, what we are saying is look we need your help to build more resilient and help us to have more sustainable life…’”
The country’s agriculture sector has been hard hit and efforts are currently underway with assistance from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), as they are about to replant produce.
In a recent statement, the OECS disclosed that the agriculture revitalization has begun in Dominica following the passage of hurricane Maria last month.
That has been done through “a seedlings project” that is being coordinated by the OECS Commission, FAO and CARDI. Also, and an agriculture consultant has undertaken the task of ensuring self-sufficiency of the country.
According to the OECS, over 100,000 fast growing seeds were recently planted and the first harvest is expected in four weeks.
“Self-sufficiency is now a priority to speed up the recovery process as the country currently depends on shipments of food relief from regional and international stakeholders,” the OECS said.
