Our
Central American 'Family' in a
Time of Need
Hurricane Mitch Fundraiser
Remarks by Hon. David Kilgour, Secretary
of State (Latin America & Africa)
National Press Club, Ottawa, November 20,
1998
Ladies and gentlemen, mesdames et messieurs,
y amigos.
On behalf of the government of Canada and
the Canadian people, I bring our deepest
sympathy for those who lost their lives,
their families, their homes and their livelihoods
in this terrible tragedy. I also bring hope
that we can work together to rebuild what
nature has destroyed.
The natural disaster that Hurricane Mitch
recently brought to Central America has
caused devastation as serious as any war.
It has set back by years the efforts to
rebuild the countries of the region. It
is a tragedy of historic proportions.
Aiding "Family"
in time of need
This time, I hope the recent catastrophe
will bring the peoples of the Americas together
in cooperation. When Prime Minister Chrétien
met with other leaders of the hemisphere
in Santiago last spring, he declared that
we are no longer simply amigos. As he said,
"We are becoming una gran familia."
One of the great strengths of families is
that their members pull together in a time
of crisis, and lend each other support.
Families stick together not only in times
of prosperity, but in times of need.
I have been encouraged by the warm outpouring
of generosity from Canadians. Canada was
quick to announce the establishment of humanitarian
relief operations based at La Ceiba in northern
Honduras. This operation involves Canadian
Forces personnel, as well as assistance
from CIDA in cooperation with government
and non-governmental organizations. But
also, the Canadian public at large has pulled
together to organize fundraising events
and to donate generously. We are taking
our commitment to family seriously.
Before talking about the efforts of private
Canadians to bring relief to the people
of Central America, I’d like to note
some of the actions taken by the federal
government.
Canadian assistance to Central America
is being spearheaded through CIDA and Department
of National Defence. CIDA is providing $9.15
million in immediate international relief.
Minister of International Cooperation Diane
Marleau, who recently returned from the
region, has also announced $100 million
over four years for reconstruction. This
larger contribution recognizes that the
impact of the devastation will be long-term,
and there are no quick fixes.
Armed Forces deployed
Our Armed Forces began deploying a Disaster
Assistance Response Team to La Ceiba, Honduras
on November 6th. DART was fully deployed
by November 15th. Our Armed Forces have
also sent four Griffon helicopters to Honduras
for the delivery of humanitarian assistance
and emergency medical transport. Airbuses
are also being used to deliver aid and aid
workers.
Ministers Marleau, Martin and Marchi announced
on November 13 that Canada is suspending
repayments of principal and interest on
$29.5 million in official debt owed by Honduras.
This will provide relief on debt servicing
until a new multilateral repayment schedule
can be put in place. Debts owed to CIDA
for previous loans under Official Development
Assistance by Honduras and Nicaragua have
already been converted to local currency
and were being applied to environmental
and social initiatives before the disaster.
Unfortunately, thousands of landmines left
in the ground during the fighting of the
1970s and ’80s were dislodged by the
storm. These deadly weapons have floated
to the surface, and been moved by floodwaters,
posing a serious danger to civilians and
relief workers. That is why Canada remains
firmly committed to demining efforts in
this region and elsewhere in the world,
as well as other actions to address the
problems caused by landmines.
Generosity of Canadians
Official assistance is only part of the
picture. The other part – many would
argue the more important one – is the
commitment by individual Canadians and organizations
to helping Central America in this time
of need. Your event tonight captures that
spirit of generosity that has gripped so
many Canadians. I commend the National Press
Club and everyone else who has made this
event possible, including of course the
artists and musicians. Please bid generously
on the wonderful paintings that will be
auctioned here tonight.
Of course Ottawa’s diplomatic community
has also been very active and generous and
deserves special thanks.
My own office on the Hill was visited just
yesterday by two women, Stephanie Dawes-Watt
and Leanne Bérard who were collecting money
for the Canadian Red Cross relief efforts.
Stephanie and Leanne are only two of a number
of dedicated Hill employees who have given
their own time to raise funds. Similar efforts
are being carried out by unselfish individuals
across this country. One friend of mine,
who is over 80 and has only a small pension,
told me this week that he and his wife are
giving $1,000 through the Mennonite Central
Committee. Stephanie and Leanne said that
almost everyone they approached responded
generously to their campaign.
Canadians have watched with horror the
news reports of mudslides, floods, washed
out roads and the destruction left in the
storm’s wake. They have heard the cries
of the survivors, and listened to the anguish
of those who have lost family and friends.
Years of rebuilding
It must be understood, however, that the
rebuilding job will take years. It is a
major effort that will continue long after
the images of Hurricane Mitch have faded
from television screens. The affected countries
have also lost vital crops they need both
for exports and to feed their own people.
The suffering will continue, and so must
our generosity.
Here today, we Canadians join hands with
our Central American sisters and brothers,
and we pay our respects to those lost in
this tragic disaster. Our prayers are with
all of you, fellow family members.
Thank you.
|
