Recovery and Relief Efforts Continue across Salybia Constituency following Trough System

The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, through the Ministry of

Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency

Empowerment, continues to advance coordinated recovery and relief efforts across

the Salybia Constituency following the severe weather event of April 26, 2026.

The Ministry has kept active coordination with national agencies, humanitarian

partners, local authorities and community stakeholders to support affected residents

and restore normalcy within impacted communities. Recovery efforts are still

focused on restoring access, conducting assessments, supporting vulnerable

households and strengthening resilience ahead of the upcoming hurricane season.

Honourable Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation,

Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment and Parliamentary

Representative for the Salybia Constituency, has remained actively engaged in field

coordination and response efforts alongside government agencies and partners. The

Honourable Prime Minister also conducted visits within the Territory to engage

affected residents and assess damages firsthand.

➢ Considerable progress has been made in restoring access and supporting

clean-up operations throughout the affected hamlets. The Ministry of Public

Works, private heavy equipment operators, the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks

Division, and National Employment Program (NEP) crews have all played

critical roles in clearing debris, reopening roads, assessing culverts, and

mitigating safety hazards. Eighteen culverts requiring immediate intervention

were identified during joint assessments involving the Ministry of

Environment, Ministry of Public Works, NEP, and local operators.

“Building a Resilient Public Service: A Collective Response”

➢ The Forestry Division deployed chainsaw operators and field teams to clear

fallen trees, restore local access routes and support slope and environmental

assessments in collaboration with the Office of Disaster Management (ODM).

NEP teams from Salybia, Delices, LaPlaine, Marigot, Riviere Cyrique, Grand

Fond, and Belles were mobilised to support debris clearance and community

clean-up operations.

➢ Humanitarian assistance has also been expanded across affected hamlets. To

date, food hampers have been distributed to approximately 1,041 households

through support from the Government of Dominica Rapid Response

Programme. Priority assistance continues to be provided to elderly persons,

households with children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable

residents.

➢ Psychosocial support interventions have also commenced with support from

the Ministry of Health and UNICEF. Counseling sessions were conducted

with individuals who experienced trauma and distress following the event,

while UNICEF has initiated a “Return to Happiness Programme” at the

Atkinson, Salybia, and Sineku Primary Schools. The programme uses play

therapy, art, music, and interactive activities to support children affected by

the disaster.

➢ Agricultural recovery efforts continue through ongoing assessments and

consultations led by the Ministry of Agriculture. To date, 100 agricultural

holdings were assessed which include 70 within the Kalinago Territory and

30 in Atkinson. Farmers have identified key priorities including farm

restoration, livelihood support, rehabilitation of access, and resilience

planning for climate-related impact.

➢ Housing assessments are also progressing through collaboration between the

Ministry of Housing and the Kalinago Affairs Department. Initial assessments

have been completed for 26 affected households to date, with 14 households

identified as requiring relocation support. Immediate needs identified include

emergency repair materials, roof rehabilitation aid, temporary shelter support,

and slope mitigation around vulnerable homes.

➢ The Ministry has continued to coordinate assistance from development

partners and donor agencies including UNICEF, UNDP, IsraAID, Tropical

Shipping, private sector entities and overseas donor groups. Support has

included psychosocial assistance, clean-up tools and equipment, supplies,

water assistance, and logistical support.

“Building a Resilient Public Service: A Collective Response”

➢ Moreover, in support of long-term recovery planning, the Ministry also

requested technical assistance from the Economic Commission for Latin

America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) to undertake a post-disaster damage and

loss assessment. A team of six experts is expected to conduct assessments

during the first week of June, including environmental and geospatial analysis

to support recovery planning and climate resilience efforts.

➢ Additionally, the Ministry recently launched a community work crew

recruitment initiative aimed at supporting clean-up operations, agricultural

restoration, and road access rehabilitation while creating temporary income

opportunities for affected residents. Six individuals have already been

recommended for immediate engagement, with additional applications under

review.

The Government of Dominica remains committed to supporting the people of the

Salybia Constituency throughout the recovery process and ensuring that

interventions contribute to stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.