ST. GEORGE, GRENADA, OCT. 03, 2017 – Five members of the Grenada Airports Authority (GAA) Disaster Relief team will be stationed in Dominica for the next two weeks to help restore the Douglas-Charles International Airport.

General Manager of the GAA, Mrs. Wendy Francette-Williams, said they are happy to assist with Dominica’s restoration efforts in any way they can.

Francette-Williams was speaking Saturday as Grenada sent off a 40-foot container on the GEEST Vessel bound for Dominica.

“We will also be sending another technical person next month, to accommodate night landing at Douglas-Charles International Airport. We will be sending supplies. Our men are well equipped, for this journey, and we look forward for other relief efforts in the region,” she said.

Dominica’s International Airport took a beating when Hurricane Maria slammed into the island on Monday, September 18, 2017. Two of the of GAA Disaster Relief team spoke of their commitment to assisting the restoration efforts.

Team Leader, Alwyn Clarke, said, “We are going to Dominica to assist our comrades there. We realize the airport and the economic situation that it is for the country. So, we at the Maurice Bishop International Airport, we’re going to make sure that the airport is back in running, so that it could relieve some of the stress that is caused by the hurricane that just passed. So, we’re going there for the next two weeks to kind of restore order to the airport, so that we could bring relief to the people of Dominica.”

Team member, Martin Jessamy, shared his expectations for the trip.

“We’re on our route to Dominica, to assist and all I have to say – yes we can. We can.”

NADMA contributed the 40-foot container, in co-ordination with Real Value IGA and donations from the public. NADMA has also worked with the vessel, the Flying Buzzard, to collect relief supplies for Dominica.

Sen. Winston Garraway, Minister with responsibility for Disaster Management, said this is a moment of Caribbean unity.

“Grenada has responded. Grenada has responded to the call and I want to say to my fellow brothers and sisters of Grenada, let us continue to support. The situation is dire. It will take many, many months before we see some state of normalcy. So, your every contribution is important and we look forward to your continued support, in ensuring that this happens,” Sen. Garraway said.

Medical supplies were also sent off on a chartered flight to Dominica on Saturday, September 23, following a donation of approximately 20 boxes by the Ministry of Health.

Additional shipments were also prepared for shipment to Tortola, Anguilla and Dominica, during the week of September 25.