Former West Indies Captain Brian Lara, who was appointed Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of T&T, today visited parts of Dominica that were damaged by Tropical Storm Erika.
On August 27 Dominica was hit by Tropical Storm Erika, which passed over the country killing more than 20 persons and destroying many homes.
The day of the disaster T&T rushed to Dominica's aid by providing a search and rescue team and supplies. Four helicopters and a rotating team of 12 persons were also sent to Dominica.
Now T&T's Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley sent Lara over to Dominica to see what assistance the twin island nation can provide to the people of Dominica.
. I've got quite a few fans here, and there are Trinbagoinans who are happy that we are willing to do something," Lara told Dominica's Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.
On Friday lastLara was appointed by Rowley to determine how T&T may assist Dominica.
Lara formally met with Skerrit this morning before his tour of the island. He assured Skerrit that T&T will continue to provide support to Dominica, and supplies will be sent to Dominica soon.
"I know that we have supported (Dominica) in the past few weeks, but we stand now in a position where we can bolster that support," Lara said.
"We are one family in the Caribbean. If you suffer, we suffer. If we could pick someone off the floor then that's what we'll do. I'm going to go back and make sure that we take the right message back," he said.
Lara was warmly greeted by many people who were happy to meet the record breaking cricketer.
As the special envoy to the Prime Minister he heard the many concerns of the people of Dominica.
"I am here to see what's happening. I would have first hand information from your people on the ground," he said.
He visited some of the homes that were severely destroyed by the storm.
The parts of Dominica Lara visited today includedCheckhall, Coulibistrie, and Colihaut.
He met the shop owners who providing food and water supplies.
The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDEMA) requested further supplies for Dominica from T&T. Lara reassured that this new Government is committed to provide those supplies.
"Whatever support we have given before, I think right now the new Prime Minister, he is willing to give a lot more," Lara said.
During the aftermath of the storm, many roadways were closed because of flooding and landslides. Some of these roads are still being cleared.
Homes near Dominica's shoreline were severelydamaged by Erika. Lara said he has received numerous phone calls and emails from private citizens who are willing to commit to sending supplies to Dominica.
, the entire Caribbean stands behind Dominica. I've got some friends here, there are Trinbagonians here who are very happy and willing to do something," he said.
At the end of his trip Lara will return to T&T to inform the Prime Minister of Dominica's needs.
"I might be here on behalf of the Prime Minister, but I know the people of Trinidad and Tobago stand behind you," Lara said.
Photos courtesy of Dominican PM, Roosevelt Skerrit.