The President of Haiti, Rene Preval yesterday held Monday, two councils of the ministers concerning the assistance to be brought to the victims of the Tomas hurricane. In the morning, the first Council of Ministers has met together, the head of State, Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive, ministers and representatives of other state agencies including the Department of Civil Protection (DPC). Following the presentation of the situation and the latest assessment of the hurricane, the government decided to engage 50 million gourds (1), to supervise and assist victims in the various activities and relief efforts. This money will be managed by the DPC.

By late afternoon, the Head of State held a second Council of Ministers where Edmond Mulet, the Representative of the Secretary General of the UN, chaired a delegation from the international community, which included among others representatives of the Red Cross, UNICEF and other foreign sectors.

Edmond Mulet congratulated Civil protection for work completed front, during and after the passage of Tomas. He reiterated the commitment of the international community to contribute to strengthening the Civil Protection which has "demonstrated effectiveness" according to its remarks.

(1) 1 dollars US = ± 40 gourdes

S/ HaitiLibre