From left, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, Prime Minister Perry Christie, Prime Minister of Dominica and Chairman of CARICOM Roosevelt Skerrit, Secretary General of CARICOM Irwin LaRocque and Minister of Labour and Coordinator for the hurricane Matthew relief and recovery efforts Shane Gibson walk in West End, Grand Bahama yesterday. The prime minister yesterday led a delegation tour to the destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew in Grand Bahama and Andros. (Photo: Torrell Glinton)

Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit said yesterday that his government has donated US$100,000 to The Bahamas to assist with relief, restoration and rebuilding efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Matthew.

After touring the destruction caused by the storm in West End, Grand Bahama, Skerrit, who said his heart goes out to all those impacted by the storm, announced his government's "humble" donation.

"It is going to take for us to work together to ensure that we can bring the country back to a state of normalcy," he said.

"We are on standby from the Caribbean community standpoint in regards to the provisions of technical people to assist with the restoration of lines and poles.

"There are teams on standby ready to come in at a moment's notice to assist.

"From the government of Dominica's standpoint, we would have transferred today a small contribution in response to Hurricane Matthew in the sum of US$100,000."

Despite criticism about the Christie adminstration's response to the hurricane, Skerrit assured that he was pleased with Christie's efforts to help those suffering from the devastating storm.

"I understand the challenges you're faced with but I want to say to you, residents of Grand Bahama, that you have to exercise great patience," said Skerrit.

"We must understand that there has only been six days since the storm, not 16, 60 or 600 days.

"I know there will be anxieties among us but I am very impressed with the intimate knowledge and structure the prime minister has shown.

"Also the minister for Grand Bahama (Dr. Michael Darville) who was able to respond to every single question about the restoration process."

Christie expressed gratitude.

He too had a message for Grand Bahamians.

"I have said on so many occasions, in the face of disasters, the people of Grand Bahama have already demonstrated their extraordinary patience in the face of that and seemingly clear knowledge that you must be patient and allow serious damage to be restored and not be overanxious," Christie said.

"It is amazing to see your disposition.

"But the bottom line that I want to commend you for is that you have this indomitable spirit.

"You were knocked down and you've demonstrated that you get back up.

"I leave here knowing and believing that notwithstanding the extensive damage on this island, this too will be overcome because we have to overcome it.

"It's a question of our own survival."

Roosevelt said he visited The Bahamas as the Dominican prime minister and CARICOM chairman, but also as a friend and supporter of Christie.

In August of 2015, Dominica was torn apart by Tropical Storm Erika.

In a nationally broadcasted speech, Skerrit sent out a request to every leader in the world.

"This country needs all of the assistance it can receive from every legitimate and legal source of funding," he said.

Hundreds of Bahamians donated to the country.

Through an initiative by the Bahamas Telecommunications Company, residents were able to text "HELP" to the specially designated number "5200" to donate a dollar to the disaster relief effort.

Jayme C. Pinder, Guardian Staff Reporter

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