World Bank President visits Haiti
By Melissa Bryant
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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World Bank President Robert Zoellick
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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - WORLD BANK President Robert Zoellick begins a three-day trip to Haiti today (Oct. 20) to emphasise the Bank’s strong support for the country, raising awareness of its current situation and discussing recovery efforts for the storm-battered nation.
According to Caribbean 360, Zoellick joins top United Nations officials Hedi Annabi and Joël Boutroue in appealing to the international community for more Haitian support.
“Haiti must be given a chance. The international community needs to step up to the challenge and support the efforts of the Haitian government and its people,” he said.
Zoellick will hold meetings with President René Prèval, other government officials, donors, civil society, the private sector and members of the Haitian Cabinet. He is also scheduled to visit the areas affected by the recent storms, including the worst-hit city of Gonaives and several World Bank-sponsored projects.
Topics slated for discussion include Haiti’s disaster coordination and response, and food security and agriculture. There will also be analysis of the country’s economic perspective and its medium and long-term development plans.
Last week, Zoellick announced $25M in additional emergency grants to Haiti to support recovery and rebuilding and to strengthen its ability to cope with natural disasters, following the passage of tropical storm Fay and hurricanes Ike, Hanna and Gustav between mid-August and September. ~~Adz:Right~~
Since 2005 the World Bank has approved US$240M in assistance for Haiti, including a recent US$10M emergency grant to help the government respond to the food crisis that occurred earlier this year.
Haiti News