Dr. Anthony reminisces on last year’s tragedy and expresses gratitude for the country’s recovery.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, Planning and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony has recalled the devastation caused by the torrential rainfall, high winds, landslides and flooding that accompanied last year's unseasonal Christmas Eve Trough, while celebrating the country’s recovery.

According to Dr. Anthony, despite severe losses, it was heartening to experience countries and communities pulling together to help Saint Lucia recover.

“At this time, one year ago, Saint Lucia faced a tremendous test. The passage of the trough resulted in the loss of six lives and the damage to property, and it was felt even more deeply because it came during what is normally a festive season.

“The response to this tragedy, however, was equally tremendous. The people of Saint Lucia, our corporate sector, civil society, the diplomatic corps and our friends and neighbors in the Caribbean and the wider world pulled together to help us recover, and recover we have,” he said.

“I wish to reach out to the families of those who regrettably lost their lives as a result of the trough. This will be their first Christmas without their loved ones, and the nation's prayers are with you. We must have a more profound appreciation for the blessings we have enjoyed, as we thank God for our friends and families, for our neighbors, for our communities.”

Dr. Anthony expressed gratitude to those who aided in the post-trough recovery efforts.

“It has a taken a great deal of hard work, but we have put our shoulders to the wheel and approached the effort of recovery in a systematic manner, and that has made all the difference.”

The 2013 trough resulted in incessant rainfall during the 24-hour period between Dec. 24 and Dec. 25, totaling 171.1 millimeters.

The island suffered massive damage to infrastructure, including nine bridges and several roads, which remained impassable for weeks after the disaster. The agricultural sector was severely compromised, schools were damaged, and Hewanorra International Airport was temporarily inaccessible. Central Castries, Anse-La-Raye, Canaries, Bexon, Dennery, Micoud, Vieux Fort and Soufriere were among the areas hardest hit.

Saint Lucia is estimated to have suffered total losses of US$99 million as a result of the trough.