St. Kitts – Nevis’ PM – Dr. Timothy Harris
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
September 03, 2015
PM Harris Extends Sympathies to the People Of Dominica In The Aftermath Of Tropical Storm Erika
Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris called Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit earlier today and extended sympathies to the Government and people of Dominica after Tropical Storm Erika devastated that country (early this morning), leaving a trail of death and destruction.
PM Harris, in a telephone call and follow-up letter to the Dominican Prime Minister said our people are saddened to learn of the tragedy. “The people of St.Kitts and Nevis are saddened to learn of the tragic loss of lives, injuries sustained and the destruction of public infrastructure and personal property caused by Tropical Storm Erika. Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of the Commonwealth of Dominica in this your moment of tragedy and disaster. Even in the midst of this storm, it is important to acknowledge God’s mercies and his promise to see us through.”
Early Thursday, floodwaters inundated communities across the country causing buildings, roads and bridges to collapse, isolating many areas. Weather reports indicate up to 15 inches of rain may have fallen between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. An elderly, blind man and two children were killed when a mudslide crashed into their home in the southeast of the island and another man was found dead near his home in the capital of Roseau after a mudslide. Late Thursday rescue crews were reported to be searching for missing and injured people.
Prime Minister Harris told PM Skerrit the people of St. Kitts and Nevis join the fraternity of Caribbean people in prayer for the people of Dominica. “I join all Kittitians and Nevisians and indeed the fraternity of Caribbean people in expressing deepest sympathies to the families of the victims. We pray for the safety of those missing as well as the speedy and full recovery of those injured.”
Dr. Harris acknowledged that the resilience and faith of Dominicans will see them through this latest challenge. He said the Team Unity administration stands ready to help Dominica return to a state of normalcy. “I am confident that the strength, resilience and resoluteness of the people of Dominica, anchored by an abiding faith in the Almighty God, will see your country through this grave misfortune. Please be assured that my government stands ready to assist your country in any way that we can, to ensure a speedy recovery and return to normalcy.”