'We Have To Help Them': 19 Year Old Pleads For Help For Hurricane-Ravaged Dominica

Words cannot describe how 19 year old Rianna Patterson from Dominica is feeling after Hurricane Maria devastated her country.

Last night I receive an email from this inspirational young lady who was featured on this platform back in April of this year. The tone and urgency of her note shows the extent of the suffering that many people from the island of Dominica is now experiencing after Hurricane Maria left only a few buildings standing.

Patterson who now lives in England is deeply concern about the condition of her country.

She said,

“I cannot recognize my country, I spent over 15 wonderful years on this beautiful island and I cannot remain silent or helpless any longer, I am not physically there I feel physically ill, grieving for my country. I don’t know if I have a home to come back to in Dominica, I don’t know if my family and friends have survived this monster of a hurricane”

Patterson said she broke down when she finally made contact with someone in Dominica, including (Miss Dominica 2017, Jade Romain) and most of the persons she spoke to told her they are homeless, their entire house destroyed. They have limited food and water. Persons have to walk hours in search of food to sustain their family.

In her email, Patterson also wrote,

“I am grieving for the community of Portsmouth. The village of Portsmouth is without food and water, persons walking day and night in search of food for their families. There is no communication within Portsmouth I have not been able to contact anyone in Portsmouth on the status of Portsmouth I have only seen picture and heard of a few fatalities on the outskirts of Portsmouth such as Dos Dane.”

The High Commissioner for Dominica is trying to host an event called the “Dominica Hurricane Maria Disaster Fundraiser” on the 6 th of October at Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street W6 9JU in England.

How You Can Help
For people who can to sing, Dj or own a PA System please assist in whatever way you can and contact Vincent John, Chariman as soon as possible. You can also contact Rianna Patterson at rianna_p2[at]hotmail.com

Just like many Dominicans overseas, Patterson is worried about her family and friends in Dominica and have been in search of information endlessly. It’s been a restless time for persons outside of Dominica and also for persons within Dominica.”

Patterson is hoping to raise funds for Dominica, will be travelling to Dominica in December and hopes to assist as many people as possible.

Here are some photos that Patterson sent that shows the extent of the damage.