Monday, January 18 –The Government of the Virgin Islands will contribute $80,000 to relief efforts in Haiti following the massive earthquake there on January 12, which left tens of thousands dead and similar numbers displaced.
Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE made the announcement today at his first Ministerial Press Conference for 2010. “On behalf of the Government and people of this Territory, I am pleased to announce that Government is making a financial contribution of $80,000 to the people of Haiti,” Premier O’Neal disclosed to members of the media present.
The Premier also appealed for a “coordinated Territorial approach” to the Haiti relief effort, encouraging those wanting to help to do so under the umbrella of established organizations such as the BVI Red Cross. Government has already taken steps to initiate this collaborative approach by meeting with the BVI Red Cross, Rotary Club and the Department of Disaster Management to determine the Territory’s response.
“The Government is following the lead of the Red Cross as they have been reliably informed by their international headquarters that currently monetary donations are the best aid for Haiti at this time,” Honourable O’Neal stated. He added, “That is why we would like to discourage multiple groups, associations and individuals initiating their own fund-raising drives but instead link locally with the Red Cross, Rotary Clubs and Lions.”
The Premier also noted, “When you have crises like this, it is not a matter of trying to outdo one another; it is a matter of everybody working together to help and give aid as quickly as possible and as long as it is needed, so it is better that we all work together.”
Persons wishing to contribute to the BVI Red Cross can do so at the agency’s headquarters or to the account established at First Caribbean International Bank for the Haitian Relief Fund. “We should be encouraged to raise as much funds as we could and we are asking for people to give generously to this cause,” the Premier encouraged.
He also endorsed the work of the Rotary Club and encouraged persons residing in the Territory to “make financial pledges and contributions during the Telethon from 7-9pm, which will be aired live on all radio and television stations today.” Honourable O’Neal also expressed thanks to the “many churches, businesses and individuals who have already made financial pledges.”
Although the BVI’s contribution to relief efforts in Haiti was the focal point of the press conference, the Premier also entertained questions on other subjects from the journalists present. These questions included issues such as the proper equipping of police officers, the appointment of a Director of Public Prosecution and Deputy Commissioner of Police, penalties for gun crimes, reduction in recurrent expenditure and the selection of a company to provide water in the Territory.
British Virgin Islands News