A delegation from the Government of St Lucia, led by Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, is currently in Dominica meeting with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to access the situation and discuss further ways St Lucia can assist Dominica with relief efforts, in the short and long term.
The island of Dominica, sister isle of St Lucia, was devastated after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 18. Since then, St Lucia has been utilised as a base for humanitarian relief to Dominica and assisted with the evacuation of hundreds of students stranded on the island.
St Lucia has sent tons of relief aid in conjunction with the local private sector, while local police and fire officers were dispatched to Dominica to assist with rescue as well as security efforts. Additionally, St Lucia released six Bailey Bridges (portable or pre-fabricated) to Dominica in an effort to assist.
At a press conference on Thursday, the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and the Public Service, also announced that St Lucia is readying to accommodate students from Dominica, as well as vulnerable persons who may not have access to proper healthcare facilities, such as expectant mothers.
Following the visit, the Prime Minister said St Lucia will map a long-term assistance programme to Dominica.
The Prime Minister is accompanied by Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development Dr Gale T. C. Rigobert, and Minister for Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation Guy Joseph. (SLGIS)