US$63M aid for hurricane hit nations

The United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID,) is assisting Caribbean countries with reconstruction efforts after the recent destruction by Hurricanes Ivan and Jeanne. According to Adolfo Franco, administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean at USAID, the reconstruction package would boost the US total contribution to US$63.3 million. In a release from the US Embassy, Franco stated the monies would be in addition to the US$230 million that the US pledged in July to finance the reconstruction of Haiti.

The US had already provided US$5 million in assistance to the Caribbean and redirected an additional US$8.6 million, to support relief efforts in the region. US President George W Bush has also requested an additional US$50 million, to fund a reconstruction aid package for the Caribbean. USAID personnel will be focussing on food assistance, shelter materials to cover damaged homes, water and sanitation equipment, and health care by mobile medical teams.