Anguilla’s Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, who is also Chairman of the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, has addressed the people of the Commonwealth of Dominica in both capacities, in relation to the passage of Tropical Storm Erika. The storm struck that island on Friday, August 28, 2015, leaving a sizeable trail of death and destruction.
Mr. Banks first spoke in a Radio Anguilla broadcast as Chairman of the Monetary Fund. He had this to say:
“On behalf of the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, I express profound sorrow and regret to the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica for the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Erika.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, and with those whose family members and friends are still missing or injured.
“We are grateful to God for the lives that were spared and hope that the people who are still missing will be rescued unharmed. We recognise that the infrastructural damage is widespread and extensive and in the process of rebuilding it will be costly and will take some time. However, we know that the people of Dominica are strong and resilient and have the spirit to overcome this enormous challenge.
“Please be assured that we, the members of the Monetary Council, stand in solidarity with you at this time of immense loss.
“May God bless you all.”
The other letter to the people of Dominica residing in Anguilla, is as follows:
“My people,
“There are a number of persons of Dominican birth and heritage living among us as well as friends of Dominicans. At this particular time, I would like on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, as well as on my own behalf, and that of my family, to extend my sympathy and empathy to the entire Dominican community and its diaspora.
“Anguilla is no stranger to the devastation and pain that could be caused by such disasters, having experienced a number of severe hurricanes ourselves. We therefore have a first-hand understanding of what you must be going through at this time. I can assure you that our prayers are with you.
“I have written to your Prime Minister, the Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, expressing our sympathy and concerns. I have made a statement in my role as Chairman of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s Monetary Council as well; and I have also had the privilege of speaking to a number of volunteer community workers on the ground in Dominica where I got a grassroots expression of the enormity of the challenge your country-folk are facing at this time.
“The situation is dire, but Dominicans have proven to be resilient people wherever they are, and will overcome this trial with God’s providence and guidance.
“Again, let me reassure Dominican sisters and brothers living among us that Anguilla stands ready to be of assistance in whatever way we can in this very challenging time.
“May God bless you all and may God bless Dominica.”
