Hotels get help

The Ministry of Tourism and Urban Renewal has made a donation to properties affected by Tropical Storm Erika.

One hundred thousand dollars was handed over to the President of the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) Gregor Nassief at the Ministry of Tourism and Urban Renewal Conference Room March 30.

The money will support seven properties across the island that became affected by the storm.

Nassief said that several properties suffered damage; however, "A significant part of that was actually covered by insurance as it should be".

Nassief stated that the DHTA strongly advises its properties to be fully insured but there are instances where the insurance companies will not pay if the properties suffered a destabilization of their site.

"We had several instances where the structures were fine but the landslides and access has been completely wiped out or the river had taken away a certain portion of land," he said.

Nassief said that DHTA will be focusing on specific properties and those that have approximately 60 rooms.

"If we take into account the loss of the Jungle Bay Resort in addition to these 60 rooms that were placed at risk and that is approximately 10% of the destination's hotel rooms that have been placed at significant risk," he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism and Urban Renewal Robert Tonge said: "The Government of Dominica through the Ministry of Tourism and Urban Renewal consulted with partners in the industry especially with DHTA to find out some areas of assistance that was urgently needed."

Tonge noted that a list of areas needing assistance was forwarded to the Ministry of Tourism and passed on to the Cabinet.

"Earlier in the year we did ensure that the establishments affected by the passage of Tropical Storm Erika we have provided concessionary support for the importation of materials and equipment used in restorative works," Tonge said.