UK Development Director for the Caribbean visits Dominica to review UKAID investments

The United Development Director for the Caribbean Stefan Kossoff visited Dominica last week with the Climate Change Team Leader Richard Carter and examined UKAID's investments in the island country.

The United Kingdom Aid, commonly abbreviated as UKAID, has been assisting Dominica in combating environmental issues caused by climate change.

The UK delegates visited Grand Bay to inspect the recently upgraded Smart Hospital, followed by a visit to Good Hope to learn about critical UK-funded work through the Climate Resilience Execution Agency (CREAD).

Additionally, UK officials inspected the new geothermal plant, which is being funded by the United Kingdom and the World Bank.

Dr Vince Henderson, the newly appointed Minister for Planning, Economic Development, and Renewable Energy, Education Minister Octavia Alfred, the CEO of CREAD Francine Baron, and DGDC Ltd Chairman Fred John accompanied the United Kingdom's officials during their visits to various sites.

The United Kingdom's government is making every effort to assist the Caribbean island in its fight against climate change.

The UK has provided Dominica with a £5 million aid package following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria.

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Hurricane Maria tore through Dominica in 2017, destroying 98 percent of buildings and stranding thousands. It was the first category five hurricane in living memory to strike Dominica, affecting nearly the entire 70,000-strong population.

UK aid provided immediate relief to areas devastated by the Maria, including shelter, hygiene kits, and cooking equipment. DFID also chartered a number of flights and vessels to transport additional relief items alongside over 2,000 military and 50 police officers.

Additionally, the UK contribution to Dominica included an added £2 million for early recovery, building on the £5 million pledged in September 2017 for home and roof repairs. UK Aid also assisted in providing emergency shelter to hundreds of households whose roofs were ripped off by Hurricane Maria. It also covered the debris clearance through the United Nations Development Programme and the National Employment Program to assist communities in re-establishing healthy and safe living conditions, reclaiming agricultural land, and reestablishing economic activity and livelihoods

Cash assistance from the World Food Programme also aided the most vulnerable in meeting their basic needs and revitalising the local economy.