ARTICLE - LAMOTHE APPEALS FOR SOLIDARITY

LAURENT LAMOTHE APPEALS TO NATIONAL SOLIDARITY
(Haiti Libre) -

Friday, at a press conference, the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe expressed his condolences, appealed for national solidarity, announced a support from Venezuela and an addition of 130 million Gourdes to help the population "[...] I begin by presenting my condolences to the families and friends of the 29 people who lost their lives during the passage of Sandy, as well as for the 25 of Cuba, I also extend my condolences to the Cuban Government [...]

These last two days have brought much sadness and desolation throughout the country. With the passing of Sandy, there was a lot of rain, a lot of damage, several towns were flooded; houses, bridges and roads destroyed, gardens and livestock lost. We estimate at more than 200,000, the number of people affected in 5 departments, according to a preliminary assessment. Sandy has spilled more than 500 millimeters of rain on Haiti, which has caused flooding in almost the entire country [...]"

Appeal to national solidarity

"[...] I ask the Haitian people to remain mobilized, to stay alert, because the rain can still continue [...] the National Meteorological Centre, the DPC and the SPGRD, are asking all people to continueto be vigilant, to protect your life. I ask you more particularly, to pay close attention to the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and children. We appeal to national solidarity, for each other [...] we must continue to walk hand in hand to cross these difficult times. The Government will be at your side, whatever the weather [...]"

Assistance of Venezuela

After having thanked all the individuals, organizations, institutions, embassies and foreign governments who have been involved during the passage of Sandy, Laurent Lamothe announced "[...] We talked with several foreign governments, Venezuela has sent a ship containing 240 tons of food and water, which will arrive in Haiti in 3 days. In addition, Venezuela will send Monday, a plane with several tons of food and water to support the population."

351 million Gourdes

The Prime Minister has announced an increase of 130 million gourdes (± 3 million U.S. dollars) to the budgetary envelope of support to the population"[...] Given the extent of damage and with the means at our disposal, the Government has added 130 million Gourdes to the 221 million Gourdes ($ 5 million) that it has already made ​​available to the various government agencies that provide assistance to the population; therefore the new amount is 351 million gourdes (± 8 million) [...] we will continue to mobilize ourselves in the 4 corners of the country, especially in the departments affected [...] we have heard the SOS from Tiburon to Léogâne, and the Government will take all measures to help these populations."