The Organisation of American States (OAS) yesterday made an official contribution of US$125 000 from the Inter-American Emergency Aid Fund (FONDEM) to five countries of the region (Belize, Costa Rica, Haiti, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines) that were affected by hurricanes Tomas and Richard over the last few weeks.
During an official ceremony at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, each country received $25 000.
Secretary General José Miguel Insulza said the “impact caused by these disasters remind us of the need to deal with this matter in a comprehensive way, not only from the point of view of relief, but from that of the whole strategy we have in our region.
“I would not say this is a warning, because we’ve had many warnings, but we must consider that there are more phenomena of this kind every year, that they are stronger and their effects are longer lasting, and that the damages are worse.”
Insulza witnessed the damages caused by rains and mudslides during a visit to Costa Rica last weekend.
“The FONDEM contribution is symbolic because it is certainly not enough to cover the damages caused by these disasters or fulfill the needs of those affected by them, but it is evidence of the commitment of the organisation to help its member states at the time of greatest need.”
The permanent representatives of the beneficiary countries expressed their appreciation to the OAS and the Pan American Development Foundation for their support and quick response, which is an expression of solidarity. (AB)
