Schools Remain Closed in the East as Parl-Rep Apologizes for Flooding Death

Given the electricity blackout and the flooding damage in the East of the country, the schools in Castle Bruce and Petite Soufriere among other communities remain closed since Monday. The severe rainfall on Sunday caused heavy flooding and massive mudslides that led to the death of a Petite Soufriere resident, Henson Durand.

Minister for Education and the parliamentary representative for the Castle Bruce Constituency, Octavia Alfred, said the lack of electricity in the entire east and the resultant infrastructural damage necessitated the closure of schools in the area. She, however, applauded some teachers who are still making efforts to reach out to students for the continuation of their education.

Alfred also apologized to Durand’s family for the broken Trough system that caused his death, saying the government is doing everything in its power to remedy the situation. She said PM Roosevelt Skerrit has mobilized some resources to help people affected by the flooding in Salybia, Crayfish River, Castle Bruce, Antrizle, Concord, Good Hope, and Petite Soufriere as well as other parts of the Kalinago Territory.

On behalf of the Government of Dominica I want to extend sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Stoute [Durand] who lost his life as a result of a Trough system that affected the areas on the East Coast on Sunday. We pledge to the constituency that we will continue to address their vulnerability.

Hon. Octavia Alfred, Minister for Education and Pal-Rep for the Castle Bruce Constituency

With rivers overrunning their banks and some houses swept away in the massive rainfall, Alfred cautioned people in the affected areas to exercise extra caution in navigating their communities. She said the area is still waterlogged and dangerous for the careless user, urging everyone to work together to restore the integrity of the region.

We continue to encourage everyone to look out for each other. I want our people to know that by the end of the day things will be better. We also encourage people to continue to exercise caution because the area is still very wet and soggy and waterlogged.

Hon. Octavia Alfred, Minister for Education and Pal-Rep for the Castle Bruce Constituency

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