Dominican Organization Announces Locations For Erika Relief Dropoff

ST. CROIX — The island of Dominica remains in crisis following the passage of Tropical Storm Erika, a system that ravaged the Commonwealth of about 70,000 people last Thursday morning, leaving at least 20 dead and over 50 missing, according to media reports, and entire villages displaced.

In light of the destruction wreaked by Erika, relief in various forms have been pouring in from Caribbean nations and disporans around the world. Now, the Dominican United Cultural Group, well-known here for its annual gatherings and cultural occasions, has setup locations on St. Croix where members of the community can donate a variety of items to be sent to the struggling island.

The group is working through the local Rotary Club on St. Croix to coordinate the effort, and all items collected will be shipped to the island and distributed by Dominica’s own Rotary Club to the various communities affected by what has been deemed the most destructive natural disaster event the nature island has ever seen.

Relief Dropoff Locations:

• Plaza Extra East (20-foot container located at the United Shopping Plaza)
• Kmart West (20-foot container located at the Sunshine Mall)
• Hummingbird Air is also accepting items, expected to be distributed through Dominica’s Rotary Club. However, said items must be no more than 70 lbs. The carrier has also opened a GoFundMe page in conjunction with Jungle Bay, a resort in Dominica. The fund has generated over $38,000 in donations.
• Kishma Williams and Berlina Wallace-Berabe will manage the east trailer while Okang Dover oversees the west. Managers will coordinate volunteers to assist with collection and packages.

Accepted Items:

• Water
• Over-the-counter medical supplies (gloves, dressing pads, bandages, etc.)
• Non-perishable goods
• Men and women underwear
• Bedding supplies and towels
• Toiletries
• Cleaning supplies
• Batteries

Dropoff Times:

From this Wednesday and everyday onward from 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m., until trailers are at capacity, items will be accepted.

The group will be hosting a series of media events in conjunction with WJCK Communications on Tuesday. A team led by educator Marcellin Lockhart will visit Government House at 9:00 a.m., and the day’s events culminates with a press conference to be held at St. Croix Rescue at 2:00 p.m.

The Dominican United Cultural Group is asking other organizations with ongoing relief efforts to join them so as to present a more united and cohesive relief operation, and to prevent duplication.

For more information, contact Lockhart at tel # 340-514-4124 or Laurel Royer at tel# 340-690-6637.

Feature Image: Flooding and mudslides brought devastation to the island nation of Dominica as the storm worked its way west and north. Above, people are left either side of a smashed road.