This evening I want to salute all Dominicans, particularly residents of the Eastern and Northeastern districts, battered today by this weather system.

I was out there and I saw the resilience and determination of our people. I want to say this evening Dominica and Dominicans shall prevail! We have walked this road before. We fought and triumphed over adversity, and we shall do it again. No matter how challenging and daunting your experience was today, it could have been worse. We got a hard knock, but it could have been worse.

I have called a special meeting for members of the Cabinet this evening because we intend to hit the road tomorrow morning RUNNING!!

I have already spoken to our regional and international partners, and I want to say to those severely impacted by this weather system today, your government is on the job. We shall visit, we shall assess and we shall assist!

I want to appeal to neighbours to BE neighbours. Don’t wait for a call. Don’t wait for anyone to come knocking. If you see someone in distress or if you see a dangerous situation developing, jump in and lend a helping hand. Open your doors to your neighbour. Open your yard to your neighbours’ animals. Be a good neighbour this evening and for the next few days give us an opportunity to assess conditions and formulate a response mechanism.

This evening I want also to salute our public officers, especially those in ministries responsible for roads and drainage; as well as utilities – water and electricity. I saw you today. I saw your valiant efforts. I saw your passion and determination to help however you can. This is commendable. This is pleasing to the eyes and the soul. For this is Dominican! This is how we treat each other in times of crisis. This is what makes us strong and resilient!

My dear Dominicans do not ask “why us?”

We shall play the hand we have been dealt. Tonight we have been thrown a challenge and together we shall confront and overcome it.

I urge you to continue to take all safety precautions. Guard against live electricity wires and do not venture out on the roads if it is not necessary. Please be safe.

We are on the ball and this government will respond, as we have many times before, to the impact of disaster on our communities.