Cayman Islands Red Cross launches
“Dollar for the D.R. and Haiti” Campaign

The impact of the floods and landslides that have devastated large parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti will be felt for some considerable time to come, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) declared on June 1, 2004 as it announced a significant increase in its appeal for the victims of the disaster.

On 28 May, the Federation launched an appeal for US$ 717,000. Given the severity of the situation, this has now been revised to US$ 1.9 million. The operation aims to help 25,000 people by supplying them with food, kitchen equipment and stoves, plastic sheeting, jerry cans, tents, treated mosquito nets and first aid kits. The Federation will also supply two water treatment plants and truck safe water to affected communities

The floods and landslides have claimed an estimated 2,000 lives and left thousands more stranded and homeless. The death toll is certain to rise as more bodies are found in the floodwaters. Many areas, such as the Haitian town of Mapou, are still inaccessible except by helicopter, severely hampering the relief effort.

“To call what has happened a tragedy is an understatement,” stated Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) director Jondo Obi. “Our hearts go out to the people of these countries and those who are working tirelessly to bring some relief to them during such incredible hardship,” she added.

The Cayman Islands Red Cross is answering the Federation’s appeal by launching a “Dollar for the D.R. and Haiti” campaign. “When events of this magnitude take place it is not uncommon for people to feel very helpless and overwhelmed,” explains Programmes Manager Carolina Ferreira. “The ‘Dollar for the D.R and Haiti’ campaign is a simple way to remind people that every little bit helps, even one dollar. The population of the Cayman Islands was estimated at 43,600 in 2003. If every man, woman and child in the Cayman Islands donates one dollar to this cause we will be able to raise upwards of CI $40,000!”

Within the next couple of days the CIRC will be distributing letters to local churches, businesses, government and other organizations to urge people to contribute. “We need everyone’s help,” added Mrs. Obi, “not just from the Dominican and Haitian nationals in our community, but from everyone. Hurricane season has just begun; wouldn’t we want someone else to do the same for us if we were to find ourselves in this situation?”

For more information on how you can help, please contact the Red Cross at 949-6785 extension 27.