In a symbolic show of partnership and preparedness, the Government of Dominica formally received three state-of-the-art disaster management facilities from the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) during a handover ceremony hosted by the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs.
The facilities, valued at over US$3 million, include:
- An Emergency Operations Center Annex in Jimmit
- A Disaster Relief Warehouse and Mini Emergency Operations Center in Portsmouth
- A similar facility to be finalized in Castle Bruce
All buildings are fully equipped with modern infrastructure, office furnishings, and emergency logistics equipment, including forklifts and appliances, and will serve as critical response hubs during natural disasters.
A Milestone for Climate Resilience and U.S.–Dominica Relations
Delivering the keynote address, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit hailed the handover as a “symbol of diplomacy in practice and partnership with purpose.” He acknowledged the ongoing collaboration with the United States as “essential to Dominica’s goal of becoming the first climate-resilient nation in the world.”
These buildings are more than concrete and steel. They are a tangible result of shared values, shared responsibility, and shared vision.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica
Remarks from U.S. Officials and SOUTHCOM
Major General Javier Reina, Deputy Commander for Mobility and Reserve Affairs at USSOUTHCOM, emphasized the strategic significance of the projects.
These facilities will enable the Government of Dominica to respond more effectively to emergencies, mitigate the impact of natural disasters, and support the well-being of its citizens.
Major General Javier Reina, Deputy Commander for Mobility and Reserve Affairs at USSOUTHCOM
He noted that the U.S. Southern Command’s Humanitarian Assistance Program had also supported other key projects in Dominica, including:
- A new fire and ambulance station under construction in La Plaine, funded at US$2.1 million
- Delivery of thermal drones to assist with search and rescue
- Disaster management training for local first responders, valued at US$35,000
Karen Sullivan, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, reaffirmed America’s continued commitment:
We must constantly be vigilant and prepared. These investments will help save lives, not just in Dominica but throughout the region.
Karen Sullivan, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
Dominica’s National Strategy in Action
Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore described the development as “historic,” noting that the projects fill critical gaps in Dominica’s post-Hurricane Maria disaster response architecture.
“Today is not just about receiving infrastructure, it is about advancing national preparedness and protecting livelihoods,” Blackmoore said.
Program Officer Janelle McPherson of the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) emphasized that the new buildings will be used not just for response, but for training, coordination, and simulation exercises.
“We understand that infrastructure alone does not build resilience. It is people, planning, and partnership that create impact,” she said.
Program Officer Janelle McPherson of the Office of Disaster Management (ODM)
A Stronger Future Through Shared Responsibility
The projects align with Dominica’s Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan (CRRP) and its National Resilience Development Strategy (NRDS), which prioritize decentralization and infrastructure development in rural and disaster-prone communities.
The annex building in Jimmit, in particular, has been praised for its design, which integrates:
- Modern workspaces and conference rooms
- Backup power and communications systems
- Provisions for long-term staff accommodation during crises
The facilities in Portsmouth and Castle Bruce are expected to dramatically increase emergency coverage in the north and east of the island, respectively.
Looking Ahead
In closing, Prime Minister Skerrit proposed that the Jimmit annex building be renamed to honor the U.S.–Dominica partnership:
Let us find a name that immortalises this collaboration, perhaps the ‘Dominica-U.S. Resilience Center’, so that generations can appreciate what solidarity looks like in real terms.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica
The event concluded with a formal ribbon-cutting and a guided tour of the Jimmit annex, followed by a planned visit to the Cotton Hill site in Portsmouth.
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