The psychological effects of Hurricane Irma on residents in the Caribbean were discussed at an emergency meeting of Caricom.

David Burt, the Premier, participated in the videoconference on Saturday for the first time, alongside Cabinet Secretary Derrick Binns and Kimberley Durrant, UK Representative for the Government of Bermuda.

The meeting was convened by the Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, to debate the impact of Irma on Caricom nations and neighbouring islands.

A press release from the Bermuda Government stated: “Concern was expressed about the long-term psychological effects of the situation, particularly the serious dislocation and sense of loss of the people of those countries that were impacted.

“It was also stressed that these disasters emphasised the economic vulnerability of the region given the cost of recovery and the impact on economic activity of the affected countries.”

Mr Burt stated: “I was pleased to engage in this, my first dialogue with fellow Caricom heads of Government. It was an appropriate opportunity to demonstrate the Bermuda Government’s commitment to renew its participation in Caricom.”