The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) has launched an appeal for Haiti and the Dominican Republic among its member Governments.
Neither of the affected countries are members of CEDRA, however, the Governments of CARICOM have expressed a desire to provide humanitarian relief and CDERA has been asked to coordinate their response. CDERA has been in contact with key partners in the affected countries and up to May 31, 2004 has received no official information on needs requirements.

Based on these consultations and information provided by the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Society, CDERA has ascertained that the priority need is airlift for relief supplies to remote areas. OCHA has reported that the Multinational Interim Force has decided to discontinue military flights to affected areas as it has determined that this is not longer a priority for the military forces.

CDERA has therefore recommended cash donations as the most efficient may of delivering support. The CDERA Coordinating Unit in Barbados has contacted all member governments requesting cash donations for the affected countries.

Members of the public who also wish to make a cash donation can make a deposit to the CDERA Emergency Assistance Fund, Account Number 10 3666562, First Caribbean International Bank, Rendezvous, Christ Church, Barbados.
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