Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10PORTOFSPAIN30
2010-01-14 19:43:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Port Of Spain
Cable title:
TTFHA01: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO'S INITIAL RESPONSE ON HAITI
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHSP #0030 0141945 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O R 141943Z JAN 10 FM AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0117 INFO EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE RHMFIUU/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL RUEHSJ/AMEMBASSY SAN JOSE
UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000030
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR ASEC CASC EAID HA PREL TD
SUBJECT: TTFHA01: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO'S INITIAL RESPONSE ON HAITI
ASSISTANCE
UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000030
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR ASEC CASC EAID HA PREL TD
SUBJECT: TTFHA01: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO'S INITIAL RESPONSE ON HAITI
ASSISTANCE
1. (SBU) PM Manning announced January 13 that the GOTT will send
USD 1 million to Haiti. In making the announcement, the PM stated
that the fiscal situation in T&T remains tight, but the country
still needed to assist its CARICOM colleague. When the money will
be sent, to whom, and for what purpose has not yet been decided.
The MFA Director of Bilateral Relations told us that the GOTT is
"in consultations with CARICOM" to determine next steps. Sources
also tell us that Manning initially considered sending some troops
but decided not to pending a determination of whether this would be
helpful to Haiti or makes sense from the Trinidad and Tobago and
CARICOM perspective. At a post Cabinet press conference January 14,
Manning stated that findings of the Regional Security System (RSS)
team of 24 departing for Haiti today could impact this decision.
Additionally, Manning stated that the Secretary General of the
CARICOM Secretariat will travel to Haiti on January 15.
2. (U) Foreign Minister Gopee-Scoon told the press January 13 that
the number of Trinbagonians in Haiti is unknown. Trinidad's
Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority was in Haiti for
meetings during the earthquake but is reportedly safe.
3. (U) The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross has activated a disaster
relief fund and is asking for donations to reach their goal of USD
5 million. A representative told us that the funds will go to the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to
send two mobile hospitals and 200 medical professionals to Haiti.
4. (U) The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce told us that
they are coordinating with the United Way to set up a relief fund.
The AmCham also is considering action.
KUSNITZ
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR ASEC CASC EAID HA PREL TD
SUBJECT: TTFHA01: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO'S INITIAL RESPONSE ON HAITI
ASSISTANCE
1. (SBU) PM Manning announced January 13 that the GOTT will send
USD 1 million to Haiti. In making the announcement, the PM stated
that the fiscal situation in T&T remains tight, but the country
still needed to assist its CARICOM colleague. When the money will
be sent, to whom, and for what purpose has not yet been decided.
The MFA Director of Bilateral Relations told us that the GOTT is
"in consultations with CARICOM" to determine next steps. Sources
also tell us that Manning initially considered sending some troops
but decided not to pending a determination of whether this would be
helpful to Haiti or makes sense from the Trinidad and Tobago and
CARICOM perspective. At a post Cabinet press conference January 14,
Manning stated that findings of the Regional Security System (RSS)
team of 24 departing for Haiti today could impact this decision.
Additionally, Manning stated that the Secretary General of the
CARICOM Secretariat will travel to Haiti on January 15.
2. (U) Foreign Minister Gopee-Scoon told the press January 13 that
the number of Trinbagonians in Haiti is unknown. Trinidad's
Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority was in Haiti for
meetings during the earthquake but is reportedly safe.
3. (U) The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross has activated a disaster
relief fund and is asking for donations to reach their goal of USD
5 million. A representative told us that the funds will go to the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to
send two mobile hospitals and 200 medical professionals to Haiti.
4. (U) The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce told us that
they are coordinating with the United Way to set up a relief fund.
The AmCham also is considering action.
KUSNITZ