Boost for storm-struck island

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Turks and Caicos Islands’ cabinet has approved a relief fund of $100,000 to assist with the restoration efforts in Dominica, still in a state of emergency following the effects of Tropical Storm Erika.

The storm caused more than $228 million in damage, according to a new estimate.

“Dominica has suffered greatly as a result of the passing of TS Erika and countries everywhere, who are in a position to do so should assist where possible to help to meet the needs of the displaced and to assist in restoring their lives to normalcy,” said Turks and Caicos Premier Rufus Ewing. “I am pleased that we are in a position to assist financially and while the grant is but a dent in the estimated value of damages, we know from the devastation of Hurricane Ike in 2008 that every little bit helps. We will keep Dominica in our prayers.”

The funding will be appropriated from the Turks and Caicos Island Contingency Fund, a reserve source account “intended for emergency send such as this,” the government said in a statement.