UN, Haiti seeks $2 billion in aid in aftermath of earthquake

Amina Mohamed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, called the $2 billion figure “appalling,” but said Haiti needed international support.

The story continues below the ad

We are aware that aid budgets are under pressure around the world. We also know that there is donor fatigue. And we heard, loud and clear, concerns about the results of aid in Haiti. “But this is not the time to give up,” she said.

Shortly after she spoke at the conference, which was held in a hotel in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince and also broadcast online, USAID pledged an additional $50 million in grants, the European Union more than $30 million in grants and Canada nearly 20 million. dollars, among other things.

Ariel Henry, Prime Minister of Haiti, thanked the international community for the solidarity it showed immediately after the earthquake, but said there was a lot of need to rebuild, especially in rural communities.

The story continues below the ad

“The government is doing everything it can with the means at its disposal,” he said, adding that about $350 million is needed to start the reconstruction process.

Thousands of Haitians who lost their homes in the earthquake are still in makeshift camps in the southern port city of Les Cayes, still living in cramped shelters made of plastic, sheeting made of fabric and corrugated metal.

“We don’t live like humans,” said Joost Joseph Joslin, a 39-year-old electrician who runs a camp for more than 150 people. “Can you imagine people waking up without water to drink? Even food.”

He said the local authorities did not visit or assist them even though the camp is only a 10-minute drive from a main road. He noted that people have to walk miles to get a bucket of water.

The story continues below the ad

“We’re alone,” Jocelyn said.

The Ariel administration estimates that more than $1 billion is needed for the social sector, including housing, $400 million for education, $55 million for food security, and $32 million for health needs. Additionally, officials say $142 million is needed for transportation infrastructure, $41 million for agriculture and $11 million for water and sanitation.

Officials say 70% of schools in the area have been destroyed, affecting 320,000 students.

Henry sought to allay any concerns about the mismanagement of previous aid flowing in the wake of the devastating 7.2-magnitude earthquake in 2010 that the government estimates killed between 200,000 and 300,000 people.

The story continues below the ad

“My government has taken all measures to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past,” he said.

Henry’s administration is faced not only with trying to help Haiti rebuild after the recent earthquake, but also with recovering from the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July, which deepened political instability. Haiti is also grappling with a surge in gang-related violence and kidnappings, as well as soaring inflation.

Just hours before international officials meet on Wednesday, thousands of factory workers took to the streets once again to demand higher wages. Currently, they make 500 gourdes ($5) for nine hours of work and are looking for at least 1,500 gourdes ($15) per day.

The story continues below the ad

Protesters threw stones and tried to set a government building on fire when they clashed with police who fired bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

“I don’t know how I’m going to go on living on the salary I get,” said Jean-Robert Jean-Louis.

The 36-year-old factory worker said he could hardly afford to work because of inflation. He said he had to walk several miles to catch the public bus, which was no longer near his home due to gang clashes on the ground.

Officials said the same violence made it extremely difficult for aid and volunteers to reach southern Haiti.

Mohamed, the UN official, noted that “Haiti is once again standing at a crossroads. … We have an immediate opportunity to break out of the cycle of crises that have hampered Haiti’s development for so long.”

Associated Press writer Evins Sanon published this story in Port-au-Prince and Associated Press writer Danica Couto wrote from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Pierre-Richard Loksama in Les Cayes, Haiti contributed to this report.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos