Prime Minister’s Statement on Earthquake in Haiti

It is with a great sense of distress that I have received news of Tuesday’s catastrophic earthquake which has rocked Haiti.

Initial reports suggest that the quake, registering 7.3 on the Richter scale, has not only devastated buildings and infrastructure but has resulted in significant injury and human casualty.

With this crisis still unfolding, we in CARICOM stand ready to assist our brothers and sisters in Haiti in this their hour of need. While we are very encouraged by the many expressions of international support that are already pouring in to Haiti, CARICOM as a region also intends to play its part.

In the coming days and weeks, as the true picture of the destruction is revealed, we will be in a better position to say more on the type of assistance needed and where our resources could best be put to use.

However, on behalf of my own country Dominica and indeed all of CARICOM, let me say that our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti at this time, in particular the numerous families who have suffered losses and their loved ones.

As a country and a region, we share your pain and intend to help in whatever way necessary to ensure that it goes away as quickly as possible.