The Dominica American Relief and Development Association (DARDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting disaster-affected communities through a recent relief initiative targeting families impacted by severe flooding and landslides in the Kalinago Territory.
Working in partnership with J. Astaphans & Co. Ltd., the organisation provided assistance to approximately 50 families affected by the extreme weather event that struck the territory in April 2026. The support effort focused on helping residents recover from losses sustained during the disaster while addressing immediate household needs.
According to DARDA Dominica Liaison Susan Lecointe Dorsett, the organization remains dedicated to its long-standing mission of assisting vulnerable communities across Dominica through humanitarian, educational and community development initiatives.
To facilitate the relief effort, DARDA worked closely with Kalinago Chief Anette Sanford and Councillor Francilla Darroux to identify families in need and coordinate the distribution of essential supplies. The donated items included towels, sheet sets, blankets, toothpaste and toothbrushes, all intended to support households as they continued recovery efforts following the flooding and landslides.
The supplies were officially handed over on June 10 at the Kalinago Council Office in Salybia. DARDA credited J. Astaphans & Co. Ltd and company representative Gracelyn Victor for their support in making the initiative possible.
Lecointe Dorsett noted that the association’s commitment to Dominica extends well beyond emergency response. Established in the aftermath of Hurricane David in 1979, DARDA has spent more than four decades supporting disaster recovery, medical assistance, community projects and initiatives designed to improve the quality of life for Dominicans both at home and in the diaspora.
The organization is also preparing for its annual school supplies and toy drive, which provides educational materials to students and distributes gifts to children across communities throughout the island. In addition, DARDA plans to introduce a revised micro-grant programme to support local development efforts.
Officials say the recent assistance to the Kalinago Territory reflects the organization’s continuing focus on helping communities recover, rebuild and strengthen their resilience in the aftermath of natural disasters.
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