300 evacuees from St Vincent to get free accommodation and internet in Dominica

Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit stated that Dominica would accommodate 300 evacuees from St Vincent, and Dominica itself would bear all the costs.

He stated that officials worked over the weekend to get the Moroccon Hotel and ten other properties in Portsmouth ready to accommodate the people displaced by the eruption of La Soufriere volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines. PM Skerrit stated the evacuees would be accommodated for up to five months.

National Emergency Planning Organisation (NEPO) held a meeting to find details for evacuation and shelter management practice in preparation for the arrival of evacuees.

Prime Minister stated the Public Utility Committee is overseeing the arrangements to test and install utilities, including water and gas.

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"Attempts are also underway for internet connections at eleven identified facilities. We have got an indication that Flow has agreed to finance the internet connection and service at the Morrocan Hotel, while NRC has agreed to finance internet installation at ten other facilities," added PM Roosevelt Skerrit.

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The Emergency Shelter Sub Committee has also activated its management structure, and teams are in place and on standby to assist while keeping in mind strict COVID-19 protocols.

Prime Minister noted that due to the ongoing pandemic, the Health Sub- Committee plays a vital role in all the arrangements.

A team of the National Psychosocial Support team is also on standby. It will commence work with the evacuees after the quarantine period is over, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness gives clearance.

Office of Disaster Management (ODM) and National Emergency Planning Organisation (NEPO) will coordinate the overall operations of sub-committees.

Besides this, a hotline number has been established for the general public who wish to offer support in housing or other areas of assistance. People can contact on 6114678 or email at hostsvg@dominica.gov.dm

Food Supplies

To maintain sufficient supplies of food and goods, PM Skerrit stated that the General Manager of DEXIA would coordinate with warehouses.

Waste Management and Security

Prime Minister stated the government is also considering the issues of waste management and security. Committees are selecting facilities to combat the concern.

More than 20,000 people have been temporarily displaced by the eruption of La Soufriere volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The volcano which erupted on Friday has caused severe ashfall that has reached Barbados.