(Washington, DC ) — On Labor Day, in the wake of Tropical Storm Erika, Dominicans, and supporters of The Commonwealth of Dominica, came together during CARIFESTA.

The Washington DC Mayor’s Caribbean Commission, led by Barbadian born Margaret Forde, and CARIFESTA, led by Trinidad & Tobago born Arthur Griffith, both announced their support of Dominica. During this urgent time of need, they agreed to lead a relief campaign in partnership with Rebuild Dominica. CARIFESTA, a free Caribbean Music and Arts festival celebrating Caribbean-American heritage. Attendees of CARIFESTA attended the event with a donation in-hand through Monday, September 7, 2015.

During the event, CARIFESTA sponsored a centralized booth for Rebuild Dominica, which was manned by Rebuild Dominica officer, Michael Floissac and students from the Caribbean Students Association (HUCSA – Howard University). This provided a platform to build awareness and encourage more donations. Rebuild Dominica Chairman, Gabriel Christian, took to the stage with Spokesperson, Chardelle Moore, and the Honorable Ambassador Hubert Charles of Dominica to address over 2,000 attendees. Their plea requesting attendees pitch in to help Dominica was well received.

Numerous donations were collected in shipping barrels provided courtesy of Caribbean Cargo DC. The relief items and monetary donations collected will aid with relief efforts in Dominica. This partnership is only the first in a series of partnerships with organizations who have pledged to come together in solidarity to help restore Dominica. Items still needed are medical supplies, pampers, box juice, wooden pallets, towels, sheets, undergarments for men, women & children, deodorant, Paracetamol, Panadol, & water. Also needed are non-perishable foods, canned goods, clothing and shoes: for men, women, & children.

On August 27th 2015, dramatic and sudden floods brought on by Tropical Storm Erika devastated The Commonwealth of Dominica. The destruction that remains marks the worst flood-related loss that the island of Dominica has ever experienced since Hurricane David (1979). The damage is island-wide from the Douglas-Charles Airport in Marigot to the Canefield Airport: near the capitol city of Roseau. More damage continues from main roads in Layou to mountain roads in Petite Savanne. Industrial output has been degraded due to loss of production facilities. Utilities like water and power are also severely damaged. Agricultural production has suffered. Dominica now starts its journey to recovery. But, rebuilding Dominica will require international support. The entire village of Petite Savanne was washed away and villagers were forced to evacuate. Rebuild Dominica, Inc. launched to help Dominica after the devastation caused by flooding, which left over 100 villagers homeless and over 20 dead after Tropical Storm Erika.

About Rebuild Dominica

RebuildDominica.org is a relief organization based in the Washington, D.C. area and comprised of people determined to help rebuild Dominica in the wake of the devastation wrought by Tropical Storm Erika. This non-profit raises and distributes funds, expertise and material resources to organizations and individual families that support the recovery and rebuilding efforts of communities on the Commonwealth of Dominica, impacted by floods from Tropical Storm Erika. The Rebuild Dominica organization aims to make a sustainable, long term impact, and focuses on programs that address the unmet needs of communities around Dominica. Please visit our About Us page to learn more.

Want To Help?

RebuildDominica.org is the official website for Rebuild Dominica, Inc. We encourage those who want to help victims of Tropical Storm Erika to make monetary donations via our online fundraiser at:

https://life.indiegogo.com/fundraisers/dominica-relief-effort-post-tropical-storm-erika

To established charities, such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army, which distribute donations to disaster relief agencies, please contact our Chairman, Gabriel Christian, at The Maryland Law Offices of Gabriel J. Christian & Associates (301.218.9400) or contact one of our officers to learn more about making donations, or mail your contribution. Please include a memo on the check designating that the donation is for Dominica relief. Send mail to:

Rebuild Dominica, Inc

c/o The Maryland Law Offices of Gabriel J. Christian & Associates

3060 Mitchellville Rd, Suite 216, Bowie, MD 20716

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This write-up was prepared by the Media Relations Team at Rebuild Dominica. For more information regarding this post, contact LaDàna Drigo at 202.670.6489 or  info@AbovePrestigePR.com.