International leaders eulogized Dominica's recovery after Hurricane Maria

Two years ago, the Commonwealth of Dominica was devastated with a terrific category 5 Hurricane Maria. The government declared September 19th a public holiday in the country and a free concert was organised in Windsor Park Stadium, Roseau to commemorate the second anniversary of passage of the Hurricane Maria.

The concert which started at around 4 pm on Thursday had a numerous audience from all over the Caribbean Islands along with the presence of Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit his wife Melissa Skerrit and their two kids.

The concert had performances from famous singers, Colton T. sang the song ‘Dream of Brighter Days’ which left everyone in the audience dancing. Not only that, the winner of Britain Got Talent Rise Up 2017 Sarah Ikumu also performed in the concert.

After the Hurricane Maria destroyed the country, HRH Prince Charles visited the nation two years ago to see the situation. On the second anniversary of the hurricane Prince of Wales, Prince Charles sent a touching letter which was presented by Steffan Kossoff, Head of International Development Ministry.

Former US President Bill Clinton sent a video message praising the firmness of the citizens of Commonwealth of Dominica. Bill Clinton said that in a short period of two years Dominica has managed to build themselves better.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and Grenada Ralph E. Gonsalves also sent an extremely uplifting video message for the country.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland stood with the Dominicans through a video message in which she recalled the passage of Hurricane Maria and acknowledged the development the country has managed to get in a small period of two years.

During his address, Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit applauded the strength and dedication of the Dominican’s that made the country back on feet even after the devastating Hurricane Maria.

Prime Minister recalled the moments of devastation on the island after the category 5 Hurricane Maria, he said Maria left only one connecting bridge in the Capital city.

Dr Skerrit said, “My first concern as a man and as a father was to look out for my wife and my children and their well-being, but at the time of Hurricane Maria I was concerned about my colleagues, my citizens.”

PM said that after Hurricane Maria, Dominica lost 226% of its GDP which is more than any country in the region has ever lost. Not only that all the homes, health centres, schools everything was destroyed and now we must thank god for what he has done.

“We could not have been able to come this far this easily, it is the friendship and support of all Dominicans that made it possible,” said Skerrit.

“Let us rejoice and celebrate and give God thanks, may God be the glory.” added Skerrit.

Prime Minister also said that today, the people of the Bahamas are going through the same situation that Dominica was facing two years ago and the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica and the citizens understand what they are going through and the country stands in solidarity with the Bahamas.

Prime Minister also requested people to stand in silence for those who lost their lives in the Hurricane in Dominica and Bahamas.

After his address, Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit and his family sat in the audience to watch the concert and live performances by the singers.