26 people evacuated to TT

Twenty six people, including 20 Trinidad and Tobago nationals, were evacuated to Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday from territories affected by Hurricane Maria on Caribbean Airlines Limited flight BW 3411.

This activity was coordinated by the Ministry of National Security.

A ministry release said that some people were located in impassable areas but they were transported by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) via helicopter to reach the pickup point for the flight.

Two immigration officers were on hand to screen all returnees.

Trinidad and Tobago has been and continues to be instrumental in search and rescue and medivac of Dominicans, TT and other CARICOM nationals seeking assistance in Dominica.

TT sent nine medical personnel to Dominica on Sunday. They are being accommodated by the TTDF. In keeping with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s announcement concerning TT nationals or institutions wishing to accommodate friends and family from Dominica, they may contact the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs via email address consular@foreign.gov.tt or by telephone number 868-715-2154.

The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs is assisting in evacuation efforts by providing this information to the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force to track and rescue nationals in affected territories.

At present, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force has a 56-man team working alongside the Government of Dominica, other regional and international military forces and non-governmental organisations to bring relief to the people and to return the country to normalcy.

Colonel Roger Carter who is leading the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force’s contingent of 22 soldiers, 24 sailors and 10 airmen has stated that it is going to be a long journey for them, as Dominica is virtually at a standstill, with all utilities down and most of the roads impassable due to fallen trees and debris.

While food and other household supplies are needed, Carter reiterated the need for a number of items which will assist in making the roads passable on the island.