“Your determination to “build back better” serves as a remarkable example to others,” HRH Prince Charles

“Your determination to ‘build back better’ and make Dominica the world’s first climate-resilient nation, serves as a remarkable example to others.”

This line was pulled from a letter written at Clarence House by HRH Prince Charles to the people of Dominica on the occasion of the second anniversary of devastating Hurricane Maria. During the concert, the message was represented by Steffan Kossof, head of International Development Ministry.

“Two years ago, my wife and I, along with millions of people across the globe, watched with utter horror as Hurricane Maria wrought such terrible destruction upon your beautiful island. This second anniversary of those terrifying events is an occasion to remember all those who lost their lives, and the dreadful suffering that so many of you endured, the impact of which continues to be felt so keenly to this day,” letter states.

While sharing his visit to Commonwealth of Dominica Prince of Wales said “It was particularly important to me that I could visit Dominica in November 2017, in the weeks following the hurricane, to offer you my support and solidarity, on behalf of the whole of the Commonwealth, at that most difficult of times for you all. During my visit, I was profoundly shocked by the devastation I saw, by the way that whole communities were destroyed and by the terrible impact on Dominica's economy and society.”

Along with that, he mentioned the recent catastrophes of nature which demonstrated the devastation Bahamas by Hurricane Dorian and Hurricane Irma which posed a threat to small island fortnight ago. “The increased ferocity and frequency of these storms mean that, tragically, it is only a matter of time before another island community faces their destructive power,” Prince Charles added.

Applauding citizens of Dominica who suffered calamity of nature, Prince of Wales admired their determination to build back better. The letter read: “Despite the heartbreaking scenes I encountered during my visit to Dominica in 2017, my abiding memories are of the strength of character, the resilience and extraordinary resourcefulness of the Dominican people in those desperate circumstances and their remarkable determination to overcome such terrible adversity. Today, I know, your resolve remains strong. Your determination to "build back better" and make Dominica the world's first climate-resilient nation, serves as a remarkable example to others, especially those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.”

Prince Charles in his letter wrote to the Dominicans, what you have been through and how you have responded to it, must inspire and compel the international community to act against climate change before it is too late, so the destruction brought by Hurricane Maria or Dorian might be consigned to the past and not become a paradigm for the future.

“I can only say how much the people of Dominica remain in my thoughts and prayers. My wife joins me in sending all of you our special greetings and heartfelt best wishes,” HRH The Prince of Wales concluded.