News

Citizens living on the West Coast now have a beacon of safety during natural disasters as the Government of Dominica officially opened the newly constructed regional emergency shelter in Jimmit on Wednesday, May 25 2022.

The Jimmit Regional Emergency Shelter can comfortably house approximately five hundred persons and will cater to surrounding communities from Fond Cole to Tarreau.

Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit stated that the facility will amplify Government’s disaster management efforts as the country continues to build its resiliency.

“Today we officially commission a new facility in Jimmit which will enhance our disaster mitigation and management efforts at both the community and national level. This climate resilient emergency shelter is built at a cost of over EC 18 million dollars and was planned to support our recovery and rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria,” PM. Skerrit noted.

The structure covers approximately 18,000 square feet and contains a water storage capacity of 130,000 gallons, as well as a generator. There are also shower facilities for men and women, a kitchen and storage area for food and other supplies.

“The intention is not for us to wait for when a storm happens for us to run to get food and water but it will be fully stocked in the event of a disaster. And this is what we speak of when we talk about emergency shelters and so we are very grateful for this investment,” PM Skerrit added.

Minister for National Security and Home Affairs and Member of Parliament for the Mahaut Constituency, Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore stated that the new facility will bring a sense of comfort to vulnerable people in his constituency.

“Your Government is very purposeful in its planning and its thinking. So if something were to arise by way of an adverse water system, we can sleep with some more comfort that there will be a specific location properly designed where people who are in vulnerable circumstances can find a safe location, and that is progressive thinking,” the National Security Minister stated.

The emergency shelter will also double as a resource center for the community, and Hon. Blackmoore looks forward to the hosting of many educational programmes which will aid in the elevation of the constituency’s youth.

“I am also very much elated for the other potential that may emerge because we have a resource centre component. In my view, this resource centre will be able to be used and will be very critical for empowerment activities especially to attract the young people. I am looking forward to seeing a number of programmes, vocational skills, targeting our young men to be trained in electronics, computer science, electrical wiring and construction. This is what the Labour Party Government is all about. The facility is here and it is up to us to make maximum use and effective use of the facility,” the Mahaut MP noted.

Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and CARICOM CARIFORUM, Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska stated that this facility is a representation of the support and friendship of the people from Europe.

“What we are handing over to the community of Jimmit through you Prime Minister, is not just a shelter. This facility reflects the needs of the local community and your political will to respond to this need. What we are handing over to you prime Minister, and to the Jimmit community, is a message from the people of Europe. A message of understanding and friendship, of support and cooperation, a message of common efforts, for a common safer future,” Ambassador Wasilewska explained.

The 18 million dollar facility is another of Government’s plans outlined in the National Resilience Development Strategy 2030 as Government continues with its thrust to become the world’s first climate resilient nation.