Region comes together to help Dominica

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States is mobilizing regional and international support to find ways to help Dominica, which was devastated by Tropical Storm Erika last week.

The OECS said it was “very concerned” about the situation in Dominica, which has seen roads destroyed, homes collapsed and more than 20 deaths.

“As small island states we have common vulnerabilities to climatic issues and weather systems which impact on all our Member States and although limited in our own resources we are strengthening our response to Dominica through dialogue towards a coordinated response from agencies such as National Emergency Management Orgainsations, CEDEMA, ECLAC and USAID,” the OECS said.

Several regional countries have already stepped in with their support.

Neighbouring Martinique has launched a major solidarity campaign, looking to gather everything from home construction to hygiene kits to send to Dominica.