In a press statement released on Saturday, 14 August 2021 following the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti this morning, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) disclosed that the Chairman, the Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda has contacted the Prime Minister of Haiti, the Honourable Ariel Henry and has expressed his sympathy and assured him that CARICOM stands ready to assist.
The western side of Haiti was rocked by a catastrophic 7.2 magnitude Saturday morning which have caused hundreds of deaths and destruction of many buildings.
“The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is deeply saddened at reports of loss of life and significant damage in Haiti following a major earthquake on Saturday, 14 August,” the statement said.
“Prime Minister Browne extended his sympathy to Prime Minister Henry and to the people of Haiti on the loss of life, and expressed his wishes for a full and speedy recovery of the injured.”
“Homes, other buildings and infrastructure have been destroyed, particularly in the southwestern cities of Les Cayes and Jeremie.
CARICOM has also disclosed that the “Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is in contact with Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency which is assessing the damage.”
The death toll is now at 227, according to Haiti’s Office of Civil Protection.
