Other Challenges

Aside from the above, discussions with the women revealed two other noteworthy challenges that they have recently encountered or are currently experiencing. Recounting her experience at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Dominica, one respondent noted that she was forced to leave her children behind for two months to avoid losing her job. On the other hand, one respondent reported that there is a discrepancy between the type of training provided, and the job opportunities available, to women. Explaining the issue, she noted that despite taking advantage of the skills and training opportunities available to them, some women are unable to access certain opportunities simply because of their gender.

### *6.3. The Unmet Needs of Dominicans Post-Hurricane Maria*

#### 6.3.1. Immediate Unmet Needs

In dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Dominicans needed a lot of support to recover from the destruction and trauma they endured, which they did receive. Nevertheless, there were several areas in which their needs were unmet. Based on the respondents' accounts of their experience, there appeared to have been a need for training, education and psychological support among Dominicans to help them cope more effectively with the ramifications of the hurricane. Psychological

support was needed to help the respondents deal with the anxiety, fear, anger, despair and other overwhelming emotions they felt after the passing of the hurricane. Education was needed by the public regarding their use of water and generators following a hurricane.

Additionally, training in the provision of psychosocial support following a disaster was needed by the Rovers Team, disaster relief volunteers, social workers and other helping professionals who were required to immediately return to their duties. Moreover, similar support services offered to the public were also needed by government workers and other relief personnel as they too were significantly impacted by the hurricane. According to the respondents, however, they were either deemed ineligible or overlooked for assistance because of their civil servant status.

### 6.3.2. Unmet Needs Four Years Later

#### Psychological

Some Dominicans remain in need of psychological and financial support to aid in their recovery from the loss and trauma they suffered in 2017. As highlighted, some Dominicans are still experiencing psychological distress initially caused by their Hurricane Maria experience. Whether it is simply a windy or rainy day, a mild weather system affecting the island, the onset of the hurricane season or discussions of people's experience with Hurricane Maria, the occurrence of these stressors is still causing anxiety, fear, anger and despair among some. Psychological interventions are thereby needed to help improve their mental health.

#### Financial

Despite their best efforts, some Dominicans are still struggling to rebuild their homes and places of work, support their children's education and daily needs, care for their elderly parents and improve their overall quality of life. As a result of their inadequate salary and the increasingly inflated cost of living which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, many of them still find themselves living in damaged homes, unable to meet their financial obligations.

#### Infrastructure

Affecting Dominicans' way of life, particularly their social, professional and academic life, is their lack of access to reliable phone and internet service. Four years since their telecommunication systems were compromised, the telecommunication companies in Dominica were yet to restore services in various communities across the island. According to the respondents, this situation is impeding their ability to stay in touch with their friends and family members; limiting their children's use of the internet to complete their school assignments; and putting a further strain on their already limited finances due to their reliance on data. One respondent is thereby calling on the government of Dominica to put more pressure on the telecommunication companies to address the issue.
