OECS Authority issues statement on the earthquake in Haiti

THE AUTHORITY of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Haiti following the devastating earthquake which has left hundreds dead, hundreds more injured and many buried under rubble.

Awakening to news this morning [Sunday August 15] of continued aftershocks overnight and into this morning, we are saddened by the magnitude of this unfolding disaster. The OECS Authority extends deepest sympathy to the people of Haiti at this time, particularly to those in the affected area who have experienced the loss and devastation firsthand.

The OECS Authority assures the Government and people of Haiti, of our full and unwavering support.

We recognise that the scope of Haiti’s needs at this time is quite extensive, and we therefore call for concerted humanitarian action at the international level to bring much-needed and immediate relief to the people of Haiti.

An obvious urgent need is that of disaster resilient housing that will provide a more secure option for those most in need, improving their chances of escaping the devastation caused by hurricanes and earthquakes. It is our hope that given the availability of technology to enable such, the provision of disaster resilient housing will be one of the longterm response mechanisms launched in the aftermath of this disaster.