Dominica: PM Roosevelt Skerrit recalls torrential impacts of Hurricane Maria at 5th anniversary

Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica- Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, recalled the torrential impacts of Hurricane Maria on its fifth anniversary as it hit the country five years ago on September 18, 2017. 

Hurricane Maria caused massive devastation across the nation as it left a shattered economy, death of loved ones, and destruction of homes, shelters and infrastructure as a whole behind. 

PM Skerrit took to social media and pens down his feelings after the five years of the destruction period in the history of Dominica. He remarked, “Today, we honour the memory of our fellow citizens who perished during the passage of Hurricane Maria on September 18, 2017.” 

Five years ago, Hurricane Maria crashed into Dominica, leaving considerable damage in its wake, a shattered economy and a people traumatized by the sheer ferocity of the storm and the death of loved ones. A category five hurricane, Maria devastated the country’s physical infrastructure and displaced hundreds of families. With estimated damage at $1.3 billion or 226 percent of GDP, the Government of Dominica took immediate action to rebuild and recover, declaring our intent to become the first climate-resilient country in the world.

He expressed pleasure in the efforts put forth by the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica. 

PM Skerrit felt proud of their efforts thus far to mitigate risks, improve planning procedures and empower communities to prepare for and recover more quickly from extreme weather events. Through targeted interventions at the national and community levels, they have enhanced shelter capacity, introduced new construction and design standards, restored livelihoods in the areas of housing and agriculture and rebuilt key infrastructure.

He is even prouder of the fighting spirit and national pride displayed by you, the Dominican people, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. As they go through the remainder of the 2022 hurricane season, he also urged people to remain vigilant, for disaster can strike when they least expect it.

“I also encourage you to remain steadfast in your love for country and your zeal for nation building as we “toil with hearts and hands and voices” towards prosperity for all, “said the prime minister.