MIAMI – In solidarity with the Haitian Diasporic community, members of the Caribbean Consular Corp in South Florida have pledged support and continue to mobilize the wider Caribbean community for assistance.
In a meeting with several Consuls General and key members of the South Florida Caribbean Diaspora last night (Jan. 14) held at the Consulate of Barbados, Haitian Consul General to Florida, Hon. Ralph Latortue made an emotional appeal to the community emphasizing “everything is needed”.
Meanwhile, the initial appeal is for monetary contributions to the relief efforts. The Haitian Consulate has established the “Haiti Quick Relief Fund” at Citibank. Other contributions can be can be made through already designated and approved channels – local, regional and international. Emergency items needed include drinking water, medical and hygiene supplies, and diapers and formula for infant care.
In an effort to synchronize activities, the group of ten Consuls General unanimously agreed that persons making donations use those already existing and designated agencies for a smoother and effective emergency support. While mobilization efforts could commence, donations of other supplies should await the guidance of the proper authorities as logistics in Haiti were extremely difficult.
Consul General LaTortue gave his audience an update on the situation in Haiti after a massive earthquake devastated the island last Tuesday (Jan. 12). Other participants in attendance included members of private sector interests, leaders of individual community associations, churches and the media.
While the international community eagerly awaited a formal assessment of the extent of the damage, individual Consuls General agreed to immediately target community leaders from their respective Diasporic communities sensitizing them to the pressing needs in Haiti and encouraging appropriate responses.
In support of the emergency relief effort, several collection initiatives have been launched by local and federal agencies, here in the United States and persons are being encouraged to contact those offices for additional information regarding needs, resources and volunteers.
Jamaica’s Consul General Sandra Grant Griffiths gave an update of that Government’s immediate response to emergency relief, which had already begun and encouraged Caribbean nationals to liaise with their individual Consulates, or the Haitian Consulate and monitor related media reports for updated information.
Those in attendance included Consuls General, Ian Sweeney (Antigua and Barbuda), Ms. Gladys Johnson-Sands (Bahamas), Colin Mayers ( Barbados) and Deputy, Mr. Philip St. Hill, Rahil Khudabux (Suriname), Consuls for Guyana and the Netherlands, Ramzan Roshanali and Xavier Prens, respectively, and Mr. Marlon Hill, Jamaica Diaspora USA, as well as representatives from the faith community, Jamaica United Relief Association, Moneygram, LaParkan Shipping, and the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce.
