After the remnants of tropical storm Erika hit the Caribbean island of Dominica last week, roads were rendered impassable, homes were destroyed and people were left without basic supplies, including food and water.
More than 170 people gathered in Bolin Hall Tuesday night to support the remembrance of those lost in the tragic storm that hit the island country of Dominica.
Claudy Pompilus, pre-med junior said, “I came here tonight to show support for the tragedy that happened in Dominica. I remember how bad it was in Haiti so I just want to help out in any way possible.”
Pompilus said, “Some of my friends couldn’t get in contact with their family members for up to three days and had no way of knowing what had happened.”
Students not affected by the storm came in support of the Caribbean organization through the healing process.
Denise Mugabe, marketing junior said, “I just found out about it recently, and it is horrible to see this happen, there is nothing better than having support when someone is far away from home.”
Garret Reis, geoscience major, said he felt sad for those affected by the storm.
“A very good friend of mine is from the Caribbean Island and he is concerned with the safety of his fellow friends back home,” Reis said.
Keith Lamb, vice president of student affairs and enrollment, had words of encouragement Tuesday night.
“It is a university’s responsibility to support and comfort in this time of disaster for those who were affected from this tragedy, any of those who are in need can each out for resources.”
THOUGHTS FROM STUDENTS AND FACULTY
Kyle Gordon, mechanical engineer senior and CSO president: “Sunday night, the leaders in the organization came together to come up with an idea to help Dominica. We pushed to do this vigil tonight and everyone got on board and volunteered to come out. The musicians cam together to work on songs, and we got everything together by this afternoon. We already have 25 boxes of donations.”
Donna-Lisa Nelson, biology senior: “It was difficult to get everything together so quickly, but with our Catholic background prayer is very important. So then we get our prayers to God, if we can’t get supplies there as quickly. We have students that are committed to the Catholic Campus Ministry Association, and they have always been supportive, so we are so thankful that they came through to support us tonight and give word of God.”
Betty Stewart, provost: “I just want to support our students and let them know that we are here for them and care for their situation at home.”
Tarina Simon, marketing senior: “I’m from the country. I’m just here with my other Dominicans to be comforted. Our country did get a bad blow. Our prime minister said that this would set back our country 20 years. It will never be the same again. Parts of the country are destroyed, lives have been lost.”
Gisselle Polius, management sophomore: “I came out just to support the Dominicans because I am also part of Caribbean Student Organization, and we all came out to support. If I could tell the people over there one thing, I would tell them to be strong and to have faith that they will pull through whatever happened back home.”
GALLERY