The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is of great importance to Dominica, as it has made a significant contribution to the Caribbean island's recovery after Category 5 Hurricane Maria, according to the country's president, Sylvanie Burton, in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) aired on Friday.
Hurricane Maria landed in Dominica on Sept 18, 2017, with a speed of 260 km/h, killing at least 15 people and leaving 20 people missing.
According to United Nations data, 80 percent of Dominica's population was affected by the disaster. The water and electricity supply to all hospitals and clinics nationwide was cut off, and all crops were destroyed.
These have left the country with immeasurable losses and follow-up impacts.
However, in 2018, China lent a helping hand to the island nation in need by signing a memorandum of understanding for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Burton spoke highly of the Initiative and its significance to her country and people.
"The Belt and Road Initiative is a very important initiative for us. We are benefiting from assistance from the Chinese government for the construction of six primary schools, which were destroyed or damaged during Hurricane Maria. And these schools are being constructed. A secondary school is also being constructed and a number of other projects that the Chinese government has assisted us with under the Belt and Road Initiative and these projects have definitely changed the lives of many Dominicans, have impacted the lives of Dominicans. So the Belt and Road Initiative has seen a number of projects in Dominica. We look forward to other projects, of course, and we hope very soon that our international airport will be constructed and completed. Well, the work is progressing satisfactorily," said Burton.
Dominican President hails BRI’s role in post-hurricane recovery
