Skerrit: Thank you TT

Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit thanked the people of the Caribbean, especially Trinidad and Tobago. for the generosity, comfort and support meted out to Dominica and its people in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

He did so at a thanksgiving mass on behalf of Dominica citizens at St Theresa’s RC Church, Barataria yesterday evening.

Skerrit said he was amazed and inspired by the outpouring of regional and global love and assistance his country received. “To date, nothing impacted me more than image of that long snake of loaded containers making its way to the Port of Spain docks for shipment to Roseau, Dominica.”

He said nothing compared to the spirit of Trinidadians in times of need as it lifted the spirit and souls of his fellow Dominicans. He said the spontaneous and selfless response of the Government and the people made them feel and know that they were cared for and that help was on its way.

“The spirit I saw displayed by Trinidadians and other Caribbean nationals in the aftermath of these hurricanes told me the bond that exists between us is much more than geographical...Let’s not be in doubt, my dear brothers and sisters, the Caribbean is one.”

Skerrit thanked the people of TT for their efforts, for housing their students, understanding that there was no quick fix for Dominica’s problems, and their continued prayers and assistance.

He also stressed that climate change was real and the Caribbean was on the frontline of the threat, saying that our response must be united and strong.

After the mas, he told Sunday Newsday shelter remained a major concern and the country still needed building materials and related tools. He said the roads were clear, schools were being built, farmers were back in the fields, and businesses were opening. “We are resilient people. We are not sitting on our hands and worrying about the future. We are working to make the future brighter for ourselves so we are pressing on.”

Earlier yesterday morning, seeds of short-term crops were given to Skerrit to aid farmers of that country after its devastation by a hurricane on September 18. The handing over took place at The Green Market, Santa Cruz and was part of the celebrations of the market’s fifth anniversary.

Skerrit expressed his gratitude for the support recalling that the first helicopter with aid that landed in his country was from TT. He also promised that every single seed would be planted on fertile soil as he recognised the importance of agriculture to his country.

Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture representative in TT, Gregg Rawlins, said his organisation was committed to supporting the rehabilitation of the agricultural sector in Dominica.

He said six weeks ago, the organisation had discussions with farmers that support The Green Market to collect and donate seeds to get the farmers of Dominica back on their feet. The initiative was called Get Dominica Growing Again.

The short-term crops seeds that were donated included tomatoes, cabbage, beans, pumpkins, bell peppers, beetroot, carrots and more. “We want to help the farmers get back into production to earn an income and start back building their communities.”

Therefore, he said the organisation was also in the process of purchasing equipment and tools such as water tanks, fertiliser, and chainsaws to ship to Dominica to assist in the process.