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Two weeks after Dominica was hit by Hurricane Maria, the Caribbean nation's President, Roosevelt Skerrit, has been outlining a 12 point recovery plan for the island.
In an address broadcast online ahead of his visit to Washington next week, Skerrit said the aim is to rebuild a better and more resilient country.
Dominica's population of 72,000 was forced to leave following the devastation caused by the category 5 storm on September 19.
At least 27 people were killed and 50 are still missing.
Over 90 percent of the island was left without food, power or shelter.
Hurricane Maria also destroyed the country’s agricultural sector.
Skerrit said it was the greatest disaster to ever hit the nation but he viewed the task of rebuilding with optimism because it will "make us invincible".
He said the first set of measures would take the country from relief to recovery and the national supply of food and water is now said to be "satisfactory".
But the damage to the country's infrastructure is still hampering access to some communities, although power is slowly returning.
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In the 12 point economic plan, the Dominican President said the government will stabilise and support demand in the economy and will try to maintain the previous year's level of procurement, employment, wages and routine operations.
Skerrit said insurance of property exceeds 100 percent of the nation's annual GDP and substantial payments are expected. The government will work with local and international insurance companies to expediate payouts.
The reopening of all ports and courts will be excelerated and work with development partners will move up to the next level in the recovery operation.
Taxes and duties on all food and construction material for 6 months will be waived for six months.
The government will also set up a consumer watchdog to avoid attempts to exploit or profit from the crisis.
Businesses, banks and credit unions are being urged to expand their services as soon as possible and discussions will start with lending institutions on how to help borrowers.
New construction codes will be enforced and compliance will be mandatory.
To ease the housing situation, roofing and temporary shelter will be provided by the government.
It will help to endemnify social security fund voluntary advances of up to US$1,000 on non contributory pension payment methods.
In addition, voluntary advances on government salaries of up to US$2,000 will go towards helping to rehouse the homeless.
After surveying the scale of the damage, Skerrit said he felt the incredible deep defiant spirit of the people and thanked everyone involved in the relief effort.
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