Committed to support Dominica's recovery efforts: US

The Donald Trump administration in the United States says it remains “a committed partner” in supporting Dominica’s recovery efforts following the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Maria in September 2017.

Washington’s commitment came as Dominica on Saturday observed 40 years of political independence from Great Britain.

“On behalf of the Government of the United States, I offer my congratulations to the people of Dominica as you celebrate 40 years of independence on November 3,” said US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo.

“The people of Dominica exemplify strength, perseverance, and determination as your country continues to recover from last year’s natural disasters,” he added. “The United States remains a committed partner in supporting your recovery efforts.

“We look forward to working together to strengthen prosperity in Dominica and throughout the region, as we implement the Caribbean 2020 strategy together,” Pompeo continued.

“The United States conveys our warmest regards and best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous year to come.”

In September, Dominica expressed gratitude to all who assisted the island in its recovery efforts following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria last September.

“I applaud Dominicans far and wide for being part of the relief efforts and the rebuilding process, but I salute in particular those at home, who walked for miles every day, up, down, and across the island, to be of service – who worked countless hours to save lives, to provide essential services and to deliver vital supplies to those in need,” said Francine Baron, Minister for Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, in addressing the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly Debate.

“Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc on Dominica, but the world must be told of the strength of Dominicans, our tenacity and our determination as a people,” she added. “The efforts of our people were keenly matched by the outpouring of support that we received from members of this UN family.

“From our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean region, to our international partners and friends, ordinary men and women across the globe reached out to us, to lend a helping hand,” Baron continued.

She said the tremendous support that Dominica has received from regional response agencies and international organizations – both within and outside the UN system – and institutions like the World Bank, have “contributed significantly to the progress that we have made thus far.”