The Government 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.
- 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.
- 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.
