Acting Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Minister for Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation, Hon. Guy Joseph, has commiserated with the government and people of Haiti at the devastation and massive loss of life caused by Hurricane Matthew on Oct. 4.

The tropical storm grew into a hurricane over the Caribbean Sea, after passing Saint Lucia and the Windward Islands on Sep. 28, and hit Haiti’s western peninsula with 145 mile per hour winds and torrential rains.

“We are saddened at the impact on Haiti. As we all know hurricanes and the major earthquake in Haiti's past have added to the day to day challenges the people of Haiti face,” said Minister Joseph, adding that Haitians nevertheless stand out for their resilience.

"Saint Lucia stands with our brothers and sisters in Haiti and our prayers go out to them in this difficult time. On behalf of the government and people of Saint Lucia we send our deepest condolences to the government and people of Haiti.”

In the aftermath of the storm several foreign governments and international agencies, including the United Nations, have been mounting responses to assist Haiti. 

Saint Lucia has despatched a team of three trained persons to Haiti to assist, and to conduct preliminary assessments for the provision of aid.