‘Remarkable courage’ of Dominica praised by Prince Charles

Prince Charles has been left “full of admiration” for the people of Dominica as he ended a three-day Caribbean visit on the island.

The heir the British throne saw for himself the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in September, praising the nation’s “resilience” both in interviews and when speaking to citizens.

He explored the now ruined village Pichelin, and met the residents who have remained there.

Marilyn Leatham, 53, from a neighbouring village, told the Press Association: “The Prince told me ‘you’re resilient people – hold on’. It means the world to us to have him here and it means the world is thinking of us.

“And the Prince makes us feel proud as people – we will bounce back.”

In Pointe Michel, Dominica, HRH was able to see the powerful effects of Hurricane Maria. A gorge opened up in the town following heavy rain and flash flooding.#RoyalVisitDMA @DFID_UK pic.twitter.com/O4rkO3m8Om

— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) November 19, 2017

And later in the day, the Prince of Wales told state-owned DBS radio: “If I may say, I have been so full of admiration for the remarkable courage and resilience of people in Dominica.”

He told the people of Morne Jaune – an area he was meant to visit but was unable to get – that he offered his “sympathy but also my very best wishes” as the area recovers.

“So we are all trying to do our best to support this very important part of the Commonwealth and I hope everybody has the happiest Christmas as possible,” Prince Charles added.

He did manage to visit Pointe Michel, Bellevue Chopin and the Botanical Gardens accompanied by the President of Dominica and other government officials.

Earlier in the day the Prince met Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his cabinet.

Skerrit was in Germany last week speaking at the COP23 conference, urging serious climate change action while updating the world on the state of Dominica.

”Two months later 95% of the country remains without electricity, our water systems are compromised, and many citizens remain displaced and in shelters,” he said.

This morning The Prince received a briefing from Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit on how Dominica is recovering from the impact of Hurricane Maria. #RoyalVisitDMA @DFID_UK pic.twitter.com/3fdMk3Ypzn

— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) November 19, 2017