Roseau, Dominica: In order to tackle the situation of Hurricane, which is approaching the Caribbean region, the government of Dominica is working incredibly to provide climate-resilient shelters to the citizens. Recently, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit shared an update on these shelters, which were commissioned in the country on Thursday, May 25, 2022.
The government of Dominica has commissioned two regional emergency Hurricane Shelters in Castle Bruce and Jimmit.
About Jimmit: The 18 million dollar facility in Jimmit was constructed to serve as a safe place in the event of a natural disaster. This project was developed to house 500 individuals.
About Castle Bruce: The Castle Bruce Regional Emergency Shelter, costing over 14 million dollars, has a capacity of 300 people. Construction works began in September 2020.
Outlining the significance of the projects, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit asserted that these facilities were made to get prepared, position and put the country to come back in Hurricane4 Sesain and the impact of the climate change.
He noted that when Hurricane Maria hit Dominica, the government started developing a strategy to better position the country so that the country could withstand the ravage of a Hurricane or Tropical storm.
While highlighting the funding procedure, PM Skerrit said, “We approached European Union to fund them and help them in their efforts to build the capacity.”
PM Skerrit also stated that they are getting assistance from the EU to build these types of Hurricane shelters or regional centres in Grand Bay, one in Kalinago Territory, one in Portsmouth, one in Cattersbrook, and one in laplion. He also added that there are also regional centres in Marigot Western area.
Roosevelt Skerrit also exclaimed, “We have built these facilities, one in Castle Bruce and others in Jimmit. So that’s we approached European Union, and they were gracious to provide us funds.”
He said that these facilities are going to enhance the country’s Hurricane preparedness and disaster preparedness and allow them to become self-sufficient.
PM Skerrit underlined, “These two facilities will cover various communities, and as of now we use a number of shelters for Hurricane, and the intention is to move away using schools as shelters as after a disaster we would like to get back classroom as soon as possible, and we have seen delayed because we have been using several shelters across Dominica as Hurricane shelters.”
He also extended gratitude to the European Union for their financial assistance as Dominica and the EU shared friendly relations with each other.
Outlining the capacities of the Hurricane shelters, Prime Minister Skerrit asserted that he doesn’t have a precise number, but he assured us that they are going to hold a significant number of people in Jimmit and Castle Bruce, and it will certainly meet the required demands.
Anglina Byron, developed a deep-seated passion for journalism. Anglina is recognized for her tenacity, strength, and unwavering commitment to delivering honest and reliable news across the Caribbean. She covers general affairs of the region.
