ROSEAU, Dominica, Sep 16 2015 – Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is due to visit storm ravaged Dominica this weekend as the Spanish-speaking country announced it would provide at least 300 houses to the government here.
“We have accepted that offer and the Venezuelans brought in one of such structures to be erected because we expect the President of Venezuela to come to Dominica on Saturday where we will have the symbolic handing over of this one home and of course making a pronouncement on the 300 homes,” Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said Tuesday.
The island had been battered by Tropical Storm Erika on August 27 that left more than 30 people dead and damages estimated at more than EC$600 million. Officials have also said that more than 20 people, including two foreigners, are missing and presumed dead.
Skerrit, giving an update on the relief assistance to the island, said he expects the first 50 homes to be here “within the next couple weeks and the Ministry of Housing will advise the Cabinet as to how we go about erecting those homes”.
Meanwhile, Taiwan is providing US$100,000 to Dominica even though the island does not enjoy diplomatic relations with Roseau.
The Asian country Monday presented the funds to the Director General of the St. Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Dr. Didicus Jules.
Taiwan has formal diplomatic relations with three OECS member states, namely St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts Nevis and St. Lucia, while Dominica enjoys relations with China.
“I think it’s very important that when we face a catastrophe that responses be made on a humanitarian basis regardless of whether the diplomatic links exist or not. We are particularly pleased with this contribution,” Taiwanese Ambassador James Chang said.
“Taiwan has been an active participant in aid for international disasters and we will continue to fulfill this role as a provider of humanitarian aid,” he added.
Jules said that in situations of disaster, the requisite cash infusion to get things done on the ground is important.
“Quite often in these disasters a substantial cash infusion is necessary to attempt to solve the immediate things that need to be attended to and to ensure that the economic impact of the disaster is mediated. So we are very grateful,” Jules said.
