The European Union will be asked to donate $25 million to assist the Bahamas in its relief programmes after the devastation of Hurricane Frances.
In the meantime Prime Minister Perry Christie has declared a “state exigency”.
Minister of Trade and industry leslie Miller announced yesterday that the Bahamas government has made an initial request to the European Union(EU) for financial assistance.
Speaking at a press conference held at the National Emergency Management Agency’s media headquarters, Mr. Miller reported that the EU has granted the first request and will be sending the Bahamas $724,358 approximately 600,000 euro for the restoration and rebuilding of the islands.
Mr. Miller said he will on behalf of the Bahamas government, request $10.5 million from the EU development fund for the Family Islands.
He plans to leave for the head office of the Delegation of the European Commission in Kingston, Jamaica on Monday to negotiate the financial assistance.
The Trade and Industry minister said he will also go to the EU headquarters in Brussels to meet with the European Commission to request an additional $10-$25 million.
“This will bring the total sum up to $25 million,” he said.
Mr. Christie said that it had been decided yesterday in Cabinet to take all steps necessary to activate the Bahamas Disaster Relief Fund account.
He explained theat the fund, which was established in August 1992 at the Royal Bank of Canada, in the aftermath Hurricane Andrew, is “operated exclusively for emergency relief and reconstruction programmes following upon a disaster.”
The prime minister encouraged the general public, investors, friends of the Bahamas and persons abroad to contribute liberally to this account.”
Mr. Christie also noted that “countries all over the world, and as far as China” had offered their assistance. He said the Bahamas will fall back on these offers “when needed”.
Source: Karin Herig, The Tribune
