Dominica has expanded its national disaster response capabilities with the inauguration of two new emergency facilities, funded by the United States Government through the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
On Thursday, Karin Sullivan, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Bridgetown, along with officials from SOUTHCOM, participated in the handover ceremony for an Administrative Annex to the Emergency Operations Center in Jimmit, as well as a Disaster Relief Warehouse and Mini-Emergency Operations Center in Portsmouth.
This is according to a press release from the Office of Prime Minister (OPM).
The Jimmit facility, valued at USD$1.7 million, is intended to improve coordination of disaster response efforts at the national level. The USD$1 million warehouse, located in Cotton Hill, will facilitate emergency coordination and provide secure storage for essential supplies.
The OPM reports that the U.S. contributed an additional USD$300,000 for furnishing and equipping both facilities with furniture, appliances, office equipment, and a forklift for use at the warehouse.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit acknowledged the ongoing support and partnership of the United States, stating, “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 further stated that U.S. support has helped Dominica 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 stated.
Major General Javier Reina, Deputy Commander for Mobility and Reserve Affairs of SOUTHCOM, highlighted the partnership’s foundation on shared values and long-term commitment, noting, “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, contribute to national and regional stability, and improve our collective ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters,” he noted.
Minister for National Security and Legal Affairs Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore also welcomed the new facilities, describing them as a significant milestone in Dominica’s disaster management efforts.
