We were very fortunate in Antigua. The first report coming out of Barbuda – because we lost communication last night – the first report came from the prime minister today when he took his first trip.

[He] indicated about 90% of the property was either damaged or destroyed.

We had the release of the first set of images this evening and the devastation is not like we’ve ever seen before – we’re talking about the whole country … of Barbuda being significantly destroyed.

The first thing that we need to do is get our damage and needs assessment done … we’ll be going over to Barbuda tomorrow to get a better picture of what immediate, medium- and long-term needs are. From that we will start the relief effort.

From as early as tomorrow, relief aid will start pouring into Barbuda, from tarpaulins – because shelter is a major priority; water is a major priority; as well as some health concerns. These are what the focus is on within the next 24 hours.

What we are seeing in Barbuda is something we never fathomed.