Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris (left) and Dr. Denzil Douglas
Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 27, 2015 (SKNIS): St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris has expressed solidarity on behalf of the nation to the government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica as the country mourns the loss of lives and recover from damages caused by the passage of Tropical Storm Erika overnight Wednesday and Thursday morning August, 27.
In a call to the Dominican Prime Minister, the Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, Thursday evening, Prime Minister Harris expressed that, “the prayers and thoughts of the government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis are with the government and people of Dominica at this moment of tragedy and grief.”
Prime Minister Harris also advised him that, “St. Kitts and Nevis stands ready to offer whatever support we reasonably can to assist in their recovery and return to normalcy.”
In addition, to expressing support to the government of Dominica, Prime Minister Harris has also been in contact with business and education leaders in Dominica.
News and weather outlets are reporting that Dominica received more than 15 inches of rainfall from the slow moving storm. The resulting rains caused overflowing rivers and mudslides. One airport was reported to be under water, streets have been flooded, and damage to roads and other infrastructure have been reported by news agencies in Dominica.
Meanwhile the former prime minister of SKN, the Hon Dr Denzil Douglas in a statement to the government and people of Dominica said,”I would like to express my support and solidarity with the Government and people of Dominica who have suffered a disaster of unparalleled magnitude caused by Tropical storm Erika.
I can imagine that the people are going through a very difficult and painful period at this time, especially the families of those who lost their lives.
Please therefore accept, on behalf of the St Kitts Nevis Labour Party and myself, our deepest condolences as extended to those who mourn the loss of their loved ones.
We are aware that Key infrastructure was destroyed and residents have suffered terrible personal losses. We therefore remember them all in our thoughts and prayers.
Prime Minister, be assured that we are here to assist Dominica to return as quickly as possible to a state of normalcy, and with the resilience and determination for which the people are known, we have no doubt that your people will rise to the occasion and weather this storm.
May God continue to bless you and the people of Dominica,” Said the Hon Dr Denzil Douglas.