Mrs. Velda Joseph, Director of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) at the press conference held on October 17, 2017, at the NEMO Headquarters gave a brief overview of the organization to indicate that its primary responsibilities are:

1.  To ensure that the nation is in a state of preparedness to deal with hazard impacts.

2.  To support emergency responses when the need arises (both locally and regionally)

With respect to Dominica, Mrs. Joseph informed that Saint Lucia, through NEMO, has facilitated the shipment of twenty-three (23) containers of food items, building supplies and other non-food items as indicated on the priority needs list for Dominica.

She also Joseph emphasized her satisfaction with the assistance that has been given to Dominica to date; and encouraged the public to continue to contribute as it going to be a long road to recovery for Dominica.

From the Situation Reports coming out of Dominica, the damage to the island has been extensive; and almost 100% of the population has been affected.

The Director pledged Saint Lucia’s continued support to the recovery efforts as she noted that we, as Saint Lucians understand the pain and suffering of the people of Dominica, having gone through Hurricane Tomas and the Christmas Eve Trough.

She informed that the items, when received are inventoried and prepared for shipment with the generous assistance of Geest Industries free of freight charges.  The Director thanked Geest Industries and also SLASPA who have waived all port charges in order to facilitate the shipment of the containers.

Mrs. Joseph thanked British Airways for their generous donations; and was happy that there was a focus on children as the donation included toys and storybooks.  She went on to say that too often the psychosocial impact hazards are not prioritized but that children are usually traumatized by such events.

The Director once again thanked the British Airways team on behalf of the Government and People of Dominica.