Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement commending the Caribbean nations that have committed their support to the people of St. Vincent & Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Dominica in rebuilding after the devastating storm on Christmas Eve 2013.

The storm killed more than a dozen people, and resulted in substantial damage both to private homes and public utilities. Representatives of these nations have requested assistance such as emergency supplies, equipment for rebuilding, food and water and other basic necessities.

“I want to thank Ambassador La Celia A. Prince of St. Vincent & Grenadines, Ambassador Sonia M. Johnny of St. Lucia, Assistant Secretary of the Organization of American States General Albert Ramdin, Ambassador Nestor Mendez of Belize, Ambassador Angus Friday of Grenada, Ambassador Bayney Karran of Guyana, Ambassador Duly Brutus of Haiti, Ambassador Stephen Vasciannie of Jamaic, and  Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin of St. Kitts & Nevis for their work on these relief efforts in St. Vincent & Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Dominica. I encourage everyone to offer their support

Congresswoman Clarke continued: “Within the Caribbean Diaspora, the collection of relief supplies and other donations started soon after the storm, and have continued since then. As the daughter of immigrants from the Islands of Jamaica, I know the importance of our connection to the nations of the Caribbean, and I have worked in Congress to support these connections.  I know that we will act on our sense of responsibility – our moral commitment to the victims of this storm – and that we will contribute to a successful recovery in St. Vincent & Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Dominica.”