CDEMA Legacy Project gives more to hurricane weary countries, TCI gets computers

#Providenciales, November 8, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – Donors from around the region and the globe were so generous in their giving to the CDEMA Legacy Project in the aftermath of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season that the overflow in cash is able to continue to help countries hardest hit by storm disasters with more practical materials, materials which the country’s themselves have identified would be beneficial.

“We place in the interim, emphasis on ensuring that the resources we have been able to access via donors, via the diaspora or corporate communities through their corporate social responsibilities in harvesting these resources and providing them to our member states either in the response phase or in this case where we have completed response, ensuring that these resources go back to our member states in the form of what we call our Legacy Projects.” said Mr. Ronald Jackson – Executive Director – CDEMA.

The Turks and Caicos Islands is among the country’s on the winning side of this excess which has come through fiscal prudence and the thoughtfulness of the Caribbean Disaster Management Agency. CDEMA Executive Director, Ronald Jackson was in the territory to present 88 computers for TCI public schools.  He said it was based on expressed need and a precursor to a coming safe schools initiative in partnership with UNICEF.

“In this situation, we have sought to leave something meaningful with our member states through projects identified and derived by the various countries in discussions with their governments and key stakeholders.  The remaining resources are therefore allocated to aid the reconstruction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, social systems as well as providing necessities of affected populations including supporting preparedness for the following seasons.”

Other Legacy Project beneficiary countries include Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew in 2016; Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, British Virgin Islands and Dominica, and the effort has even attracted substantial help from countries like Canada and Barbados.

“Antigua received a donation of $50,000USD to provide support for those who were displaced to ensure they were fed for a maximum of two weeks to a month, depending on the needs identified.  We provided support to the Autism Center and the Long Trench community center in the BVI through rehabilitation of these facilities in the BVI to the tune of $70,000.  In Dominica, where we would have seen the largest devastation of the event, we provided support to the indigenous population in the Kalinago territory through the repairing of roofs for over 44 families.”

The Turks and Caicos Premier, Education Minister, Home Affairs Minister and Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies expressed gratitude at the handover ceremony which was held on October 31, 2018 at the Office of the Premier.

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