Dominica PM hoping for US$100 million recovery fund from World Bank

Last updated: September 28, 2017 at 06:01 am

The prime minister of Dominica has revealed he is in negotiations with the World Bank to secure package of grants and loans to help recovery efforts on the hurricane-torn island.

Speaking at a news briefing, Roosevelt Skerrit said that the financial institution, which is based in Washington, had already agreed to provide funding of US$64 million but he was hoping to raise this number.

“They have asked me to come to Washington to further negotiate this package. I told them I would come if they will take it to $100 million, so we are trying to push them to take it to $100 million in a combination of grants and loans,” he said.

Dominica has recovered help – and promises of further help – from a number of foreign governments and international organisations.

The island’s Catastrophic Risk Insurance Policy has already seen $19 million deposited at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.

Education commitments

During the news briefing, which is a daily occurrence in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the prime minister reassured people on the island that a large number of supplies would be making their way across Dominica.

Skerrit also announced that he would be writing to the University of the West Indies to ensure students in Dominica would not have their education further disrupted.

“We will make arrangements to keep our commitments to the University of the West Indies,” he said.

“I want all the students who are universities, who have commitment letters from the government, do not let your heart be troubled, we will keep our commitments to you so you can continue your education and our hope and prayer is that you come back to your country to help the country once you have completed your studies.”