September 13, 2004 No. 104 Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew and Minister of International Cooperation Aileen Carroll today emphasized Canada’s concern for those affected by Hurricane Ivan and outlined Canada’s initial humanitarian response. “I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the victims of Hurricane Ivan’s devastation of the Caribbean,” stated Minister Pettigrew. “As for Canadians in the region, our missions are working closely with U.S., British and local authorities to coordinate consular assistance.” “We have already directed assistance to help meet the immediate needs of people in the area, and will continue to extend our support as the full impact of the hurricane becomes clearer,” said Minister Carroll. Through the Canadian International Development Agency, Canada quickly approved a contribution of $500,000 in relief aid to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for assistance to the areas affected by the hurricane. This is in addition to the initial contribution of $50,000 Canada provided within the first 24 hours to support the mobilization of assessment teams. Emergency stocks including generators, accessories for water supplies, plastic sheeting, prefabricated warehousing structures and shovels are also being sent by Canada to help in Grenada. Canadian experts have been deployed to Grenada to participate in the international team of experts coordinated by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency to assess damage cause by Hurricane Ivan. Further Canadian aid is being considered based on identified needs. On September 10, two chartered flights were organized by Foreign Affairs Canada to assist Canadians wishing to depart the Cayman Islands, following the mandatory evacuation order for foreigners issued by the government. Another two chartered flights were organized over the weekend to evacuate Canadians from Grenada. Arrangements are being made for evacuees to contact their families and assist with accommodations. Canada’s High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados, is currently working with Air Canada to find return seats to Canada for evacuees. Hurricane Ivan is the most powerful storm to hit the Caribbean in the last decade. The storm devastated Grenada and damaged homes in Barbados, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, before it continued its rampage on Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Canada continues to monitor Ivan’s path as it makes its way toward Cuba and the United States. - 30 - For further information, media representatives may contact: Sébastien Théberge Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (613) 995-1851 Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada (613) 995-1874 http://www.international.gc.ca Andrew Graham Director of Communications Office of the Minister of International Cooperation (819) 953-6238 Media Relations Office Canadian International Development Agency (819) 953-6534 info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
