Dominica will accommodate evacuees from St Vincent: PM Skerrit

Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Dominica Dr Roosevelt Skerrit stated that he stands in solidarity with the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

PM Skerrit on Friday morning stated that he has been in touch with Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, all night.

He stated that it is estimated that SVG has to evacuate around 20,000 people due to the La Soufrière volcano, while 12,000 will be accommodated in shelters at St Vincent, the remaining 8,000 people to be accommodated outside the SVG.

The Dominican PM stated that he is coordinating with member states of the OECS and CARICOM to see how many evacuees each country can accommodate.

"Last night in Dominica, we met with Cabinet to discuss our acceptance and preparations to seek evacuees from St Vincent and the Grenadines," added PM Skerrit.

He stated it is a very difficult situation for the government and the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

"We all extend our solidarity and empathy, love and concern to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. This has come at a very difficult time of COVID-19; however, it is a national disaster, and we have to respond with the love and solidarity that is required from us as the citizens of OECS." added PM Skerrit.

Furthermore, he stated that it is the duty and an obligation to extend a handful of love and empathy to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The exact number of evacuees Dominica would be accomodating is not clear yet; however, PM Skerrit stated that these people would be accommodated at private properties and some hotels.

Antigua and Barbuda have also agreed to accommodate around 250 people from St Vincent and the Grenadines.

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All sister nations in the OECS and CARICOM have come together to help St Vincent and the Grenadines in this tough hour. The latest images from Friday morning showed ashes and smoke reaching sky-high due to the eruption. It is expected that the La Soufriere volcano can erupt in hours or days.