CARICOM saddened by unfolding events in Haiti

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said Wednesday that while the crisis in Haiti caused by the powerful earthquake is still unfolding, the regional integration grouping stands “ready to assist our brothers and sisters” in that impoverished Caribbean country.

“While we are very encouraged by the many expressions of international support that are already pouring in to Haiti, CARICOM as a region also intends to play its part.

“In the coming days and weeks, as the true picture of the destruction is revealed, we will be in a better position to say more on the type of assistance needed and where our resources could best be put to use,” Skerrit said in a statement.

Thousands of people are feared dead after the largest earthquake to hit the Caribbean in the last 200 years rocked Haiti on Tuesday, toppling buildings and burying residents under rubble.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.3 and was centered about 14 miles west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. It was quickly followed by two nearby, strong aftershocks of initial magnitude of 5.9 and 5.5 and residents said that the aftershocks were continuing at eight to 10 minute intervals.

Skerrit, who is the Prime Minister of Dominica, said that the entire Caribbean is saddened by the events in Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere.

“… let me say that our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti at this time, in particular the numerous families who have suffered losses and their loved ones. As a country and a region, we share your pain and intend to help in whatever way necessary to ensure that it goes away as quickly as possible,” said Skerrit, who is due to meet with CARICOM Secretary general Edwin Carrington later on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS) José Miguel Insulza, said that “tragedy has yet again hit the already suffering Haitian people.

“Our thoughts are with the victims. It is at such times that people, governments and leaders across the hemisphere, as neighbors and friends of the people of Haiti, should show solidarity and support in a real, effective and immediate manner, guided by the country’s government, which knows best where the most urgent need lies.

“From the OAS we will do everything within our means to support the victims of this catastrophic phenomenon,” he said.

Assistant Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin is expected to inform the OAS Permanent Council on the matter “and allow member states to contribute to Haiti at this time of need,”  Insulza said.

A destroyed building. Photo credit: www.thaindian.com

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

6 Comments

  1. niceness
    January 13, 2010

    This is not a time to rejoice or to call names, this is a natural disaster and it could happen to any of the caribbean islands including ours, the islands were formed by volcano’s and earthquakes , this is very sad and i pray and wish every one of the haitian people the best in the future, God is always there.

  2. D.S
    January 13, 2010

    My deepest sympathy to all the Haitians in distress. My main concern right now is the Dominican economy. I hope that doesn’t mean more haitians are invited to come to live in Dominica.

  3. Youthermist
    January 13, 2010

    My thoughts goes out to all the victims of that forsaken land of Haiti. This catastrophe should act as catalyst for the future development of that country and others in the western hemisphere. Mother nature at its most ruthless and unforgiving, inflicting death and destruction on the poorer nations in our hemisphere, and who are the least able to defend and protect their citizens. We see billions of dollars being wasted everyday by our richer neighbours on wars in far off lands, billions more given away to bankrupt bankers. All this wasted billions of dollars could have been given to the United nations development fund, who in turn would use such a fund to build, strengthen and protect homes and infrastructure from future disasters in the poorer nations of our world. Nations that are suffering annually from hurricanes,typhoons,earthquakes,volcanoes and all the other destructive powers nature has at it disposal. All we hear from our Bankrupt world leaders nowadays is; “we are sending help and assistance.and our prayers to the victims.” Mother nature has no time for measly words and faith based citations, if you are the poorest of the poor you are doomed, only the richest have a chance of survival when disaster strikes. We are of one world and our common humanity should extend to giving as much help as is humanly possible in making the lives of the poorest of the poor on planet earth just a little bit more bearable. I know its a big ask of our bankrupt leaders but with a little political will and less selfishness we can make it a better world for all.

  4. rassulfur
    January 13, 2010

    Stop working obeah. Jah calling on you Haiti.

  5. C.C. ( concerned citizen)
    January 13, 2010

    Its a very sadening situation in which Haiti is right now and i sympathize with all affected by this devastating disaster. Our PM is in a very important position as he is chairman of the CARICOM, hope he and the members do their part in lending a hand to a fallen member of our community. though this disaster is much greater than the region, i belive whatever little we can do will help a long way. This will be in the history books for years to come, all the more reason y we should do our best to help and show strength in togetherness and compasion.

  6. Seaman
    January 13, 2010

    Jan 13, 7:08 AM (ET)

    By ANNE GEARAN and ANNE FLAHERTY

    WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama will ask Congress for an additional $33 billion to fight unpopular wars in Afghanistan and Iraq on top of a record $708 billion for the Defense Department next year, The Associated Press has learned – a request that could be an especially hard sell to some of the administration’s Democratic allies.

    The extra $33 billion in 2010 would mostly go toward the expansion of the war in Afghanistan. Obama ordered an extra 30,000 troops for that war as part of an overhaul of the war strategy late last year.

    Military officials have suggested that the 2011 request would top $700 billion for the first time, but the precise figure has not been made public.

    The 2010 budget contains about $128 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

    http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100113/D9D6RFGG1.html

    Obama, please send a few billions to Haiti

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available