Dominica has strengthened its national disaster response capacity with the opening of two new emergency facilities funded by the United States Government through the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
On Thursday, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy, Bridgetown, Karin Sullivan and officials from SOUTHCOM participated in the handover of an Administrative Annex to the Emergency Operations Center in Jimmit and a Disaster Relief Warehouse and Mini-Emergency Operations Center in Portsmouth.
The Jimmit facility, valued at USD$1.7 million, is designed to enhance coordination of disaster response at the national level, while the USD$1 million warehouse, located in Cotton Hill, will support emergency coordination and provide secure storage for critical supplies.
The U.S. contributed an additional USD$300,000 to equip both facilities with furniture, appliance and office equipment; and a forklift for use at the warehouse.
Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit addresses handover ceremony of the two emergency facilities
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed appreciation for the continued support and partnership of the United States.
“We express our deep gratitude to the United States Southern Command, whose commitment to Dominica’s security, emergency preparedness and institutional development has been unwavering. Over the years, our two nations have worked together on a range of development initiatives from education and health to economic growth and disaster resilience,” he stated.
He said the United States had consistently supported Dominica’s efforts to build capacity, strengthen institutions and invest in sustainable development.
“This support reflects a strategic and policy-level partnership that recognizes the unique challenges faced by small island states in an era of climate uncertainty,” he added.
Chargé d’Affaires Sullivan reaffirmed the U.S. Government’s commitment to regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and resilience-building.
“The devastating effects of Caribbean natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods and volcanic activity, as well as other seismic events, affect the United States due to our shared culture and intertwined economies. This emphasizes the need for continued cooperation, sustained collaboration and an understanding that we must confront our shared challenges together.
“We know these U.S.-funded emergency operations centers, warehouses, stations, and associated training events will be leveraged to coordinate responses during natural disasters that will undoubtedly save lives,” she said.
In his remarks, Major General Javier Reina, Deputy Commander for Mobility and Reserve Affairs of SOUTHCOM said the partnership is built on shared values and a long-term commitment to supporting Dominica’s development.
“These facilities will enable the government of Dominica to respond more effectively to emergencies, to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and to support the well-being of its citizens. As part of the U.S. Southern Command’s efforts to build partner capacity, these projects demonstrate our strategic approach to enhance the resilience of the people of Dominica, national and regional stability and our collective ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover,” he noted.
Minster for National Security and Legal Affairs Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore also welcomed the new facilities saying they represented a significant milestone in Dominica’s disaster management efforts.
Disaster Relief Warehouse and Mini-Emergency Operations Center in Cotton Hill, Portsmouth.
