Dominica has received US funded emergency facilities marking a boost to national resilience. The Government of Dominica formally received three state-of-the-art disaster management facilities from the United States Southern Command (also known as US South COM).
Reportedly, it is a symbolic partnership for disaster preparedness and was observed during a handover ceremony hosted by the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs.
In total, the facilities included are valued at over US$3 million, considering the Emergency Operations Center Annex in Jimmit. It also involves a Disaster Relief Warehouse and Mini Emergency Operations Center in Portsmouth. Also, a similar facility will be finalized in Castle Bruce.
According to the reports shared, all buildings are fully equipped with modern infrastructure, office furnishings and emergency logistics equipment, including forklifts and appliances. It will also serve as a critical response hub during natural disasters.
PM Roosevelt Skerrit calls US partnership key to building a climate-resilient Dominica
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit delivered a keynote address and marked this handover as a milestone for Climate Resilience and US-Dominica Relations. It is a symbol of diplomacy in practice and partnership with purpose. PM Skerrit acknowledged the ongoing collaboration with the US as essential to Dominica’s goal of becoming the first climate-resilient nation in the world.
According to PM Skerrit, this partnership will result in shared values, responsibility and shared vision, that will last long.
Deputy Commander for Mobility and Reserve Affairs at US South COM – Major General Javier Reina emphasized the strategic significance of the projects. These facilities will enable the Government of Dominica to respond more effectively to emergencies and mitigate the impact of natural disasters and support the well-being of its citizens.
He noted that the US Southern Command’s Humanitarian Assistance Program had also supported other key projects in Dominica that includes a new fire and ambulance station under construction in La Plaine, funded at US $2.1 million. It will also initiate the delivery of thermal drones to assist with search and rescue. Also, the disaster management training for local first responders or reporters is valued at US $35,000.
US pledges support to help protect lives in Dominica
Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean – Karen Sullivan reaffirmed America’s continued commitment and said that they must constantly stay vigilant and prepared. These investments will help in saving lives in Dominica and throughout the region.
It is a significant project that aligns with Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan (CRRP) for Dominica and its National Resilience Development Strategy (NSRD), which prioritize decentralization and infrastructure development in rural and disaster-prone communities.
The annex building in Jimmit, is being praised for its design that integrates modern workspaces and conference rooms. It will also provide backup power and communications systems, along with the provisions for long-term staff accommodation during crises. Facilities provided in Portsmouth and Castle Bruce are expected to increase emergency coverage in the northern and eastern parts of the island.
Considering this, Minister for National Security – Rayburn Blackmoore described the development as historic and noted that the project fills critical gaps in Dominica, after Hurricane Maria disaster response architecture.
Blackmoore said that the project is about receiving infrastructure, advancing national preparedness and protecting livelihoods.
Moreover, Program Officer for Office of Disaster Management (ODM) – Janelle McPherson emphasized that the new buildings will be used for response, for training, coordination and simulation exercises.
Prime Minister Skerrit further added that the Jimmit annex building will be renamed to honor the US-Dominica partnership. He expressed his desire to find name that will immortalize this partnership, as the Dominica-US Resilience Center, so that the upcoming generations can appreciate what solidarity looks like in real terms.
The handover ceremony continued with a formal ribbon-cutting and a guided tour of the Jimmit annex, followed by a planned visit to the Cotton Hill site in Portsmouth.