Montserrat and other non-independent Member States of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are exploring what options are possible to provide monetary, and or in-kind contributions to the recovery efforts in The Bahamas.
Montserrat’s OECS Commissioner, Ambassador Debra Lewis, said this was decided at a meeting of OECS Heads and communicated to the OECS Commissioners at the OECS Commission’s meeting on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. In a release from the Government Information Unit, Lewis said, at that meeting the OECS Commissioners were informed that the OECS Heads of Government decided that independent Member States would each make a contribution of USD$100,000 to help the recovery efforts in the Bahamas; given that they have autonomous control of their finances.
Following her return from the OECS Commissioners meeting in Antigua, Ambassador Lewis, who is also the Director of External Affairs in the Office of the Premier, said modalities (options) open to Montserrat are being considered by the Premier and Minister of Finance, Donaldson Romeo, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance to determine exactly what contributions can be given toward the Bahamas’ recovery.
The public will be informed at a later date of the nature and type of contribution Montserrat is able to commit to as part of efforts to assist The Bahamas.
Hurricane Dorian impacted the Bahamas on Sunday as a powerful category 5 hurricane and caused wide spread devastation and destruction mainly on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama.
As of September 5, 2019, the death toll rose to 23, and Bahamian authorities say they expect that number to increase.
Montserrat is a Member State of OECS and the Governments and people of the Eastern Caribbean stand in solidarity with the Government and people of The Bahamas and continue to pray for their well-being and quick recovery.
