TTFHA01: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO'S INITIAL RESPONSE ON HAITI

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