How Dominica is faring
By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor
Dominica has begun to rebuild after the devastation of Tropical Storm Erika.
The country’s tourism board says that assessments to the country’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, sites, and attractions, are underway.
Douglas-Charles Airport continues its cleanup towards reopening, while Canefield Airport, the ferry terminal, and both cruise ports – Roseau Cruise Ship Berth and the Woodbridge Bay Port – were unaffected by the storm.
Douglas-Charles has welcomed several flights by LIAT planes in recent days, however, most recently one carrying CEO David Evans.
Dominica’s Canefield Airport is currently operational for helicopter and small aircrafts, with daily WINAIR flights from St. Maarten, daily Caribbean Helicopters service to and from Antigua, and Hummingbird Air charts from St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.
LIAT and Seaborne Airlines have also increased flights into Guadeloupe in an effort to facilitate travel to and from Dominica.
Dominica said 72 out of 94 of the island’s hotel properties are currently operational, and visitors are encouraged to check directly with their accommodations regarding the status of their properties.
The majority of tour operators, dive operators, and hiking trails are also operational.
Many of the island’s sites and attractions remained unaffected, including Jako Falls, Cabrits National Park, Kalinago Barana Aute, Botanical Gardens, Concord River, Bois Collete Estate, and Soufriere Scenic Tour.
Trafalgar Falls, Spanny Falls, Mero Beach, and Indian River, all sustained minor damage in some areas.
Almost all roads in Dominica are now motorable, though Dominica advises that travelers request a status on the roads before using them.
All sea ports remain open and functional, and the L’Express Des lles ferry service, which brings passengers from the islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique and St Lucia is currently running.
Utilities have been restored to a majority of the island– water to 70 percent, electricity to 97 percent, and telecommunications to 98 percent.
Dominica tourism officials are working with island visitors and others to provide service and answer questions regarding the ongoing situation.