The Governments and Peoples of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are profoundly saddened at the tremendous loss of life in the Dominican Republic and Haiti - sister countries which share the island of Hispanola - as a result of flooding and mudslides following torrential rains which swept across the island over several days.

Particularly affected by the combined loss of life in excess of one thousand people, are towns and villages on the Dominican Republic/Haiti border including Jimani, Fond Verettes and Mapou.

The Community conveys its sincere condolences to the Governments and Peoples of the two Caribbean countries, and in particular to those families who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.

CARICOM calls on the international community to spare no effort in providing emergency relief and assistance to the affected countries. CARICOM for its part will work through the Barbados-based Caribbean Disaster Emergency Relief Agency (CDERA) to contribute to the relief effort.