Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday pledged Jamaica’s assistance to Caribbean nations impacted by major hurricanes in recent weeks as Hurricane Maria headed towards the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico,
with the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) warning of a “potentially catastrophic” impact after the storm battered Dominica and other territories in the Eastern Caribbean.
“I am in touch with the prime ministers from the Eastern Caribbean. Our prayers are with them as they seek to recover from these tragedies. Jamaica stands with them in their time of need,” Holness said. “Jamaica stands ready to assist our Caribbean neighbours. We are calling on the private sector to also assist where possible.”
Yesterday, Dominica’s prime minister, Roosevelt Skerritt issued an SOS, saying that his country will need help of all kinds.
“Initial reports are of widespread devastation. So far we have lost all what money can buy and replace. My greatest fear for the morning is that we will wake to news of serious physical injury and possible deaths as a result of likely landslides triggered by persistent rains,” Skerritt said.
“I am honestly not preoccupied with physical damage at this time, because it is devastating… indeed, mind boggling. My focus now is in rescuing the trapped and securing medical assistance for the injured,” he added.
“It is too early to speak of the condition of the air and seaports, but I suspect both will be inoperable for a few days. That is why I am eager now to solicit the support of friendly nations and organisations with helicopter services, for I personally am eager to get up and get around the country to see and determine what’s needed,” said the prime minister, whose official residence was also severely damaged.
Yesterday, the NHC advised that “Maria is forecast to remain an extremely dangerous Category 4 or 5 hurricane while it approaches” the British and US territories.
