Roseau, Dominica– April 15, 2010………Dominica’s Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit has written a letter to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao expressing the sympathy of the Government and People of Dominica following the devastation caused to the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu in southern Qinghai Province by a massive earthquake and a series of aftershocks on Wednesday. The letter by the Dominican Prime Minister to his Chinese counterpart dated April 14, 2010 reads:
“The Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica were deeply saddened by the news of the devastation caused by a series of strong earthquakes, and the numerous aftershocks which hit the Western Tibetan area of China, on Wednesday morning, killing hundreds of people and leaving thousands injured , homeless and destitute.
“We are particularly saddened by the number of students, children and farmers affected by this tragedy.
“This, as previous disasters, will pose a challenge for Your Government, but we are confident that no effort will be spared in alleviating the plight of the people of the affected areas, in the shortest possible time.
“The Government and People of the Commonwealth of Dominica stand in solidarity with Your Government and people. We continue to be grateful for your invaluable contribution to our economic and social development, even in the face of your own challenges.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your people at this time. Please accept my best personal wishes for Your Country’s speedy recovery efforts, and convey deepest condolences of my Government and People to Your Government and People and in particular to the dispossessed families. “
As of today, Friday, April 16th 2010, the 7.1 magnitude earthquake has resulted in the deaths of over 1000 people. 417 persons are missing, more than 11,000 are injured and over 100,000 people are homeless.
