Governor Andrew Cuomo and Consul General
Peter Helder Bernard, Esq. of the Consulate General of Haiti in New York today
announced food, water, medical supplies and other donations from New Yorkers
will be delivered to assist those devastated by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti. The
more than 30,000 pounds of donations on 60 pallets include food, water, hygiene
products, medical supplies and clothing. New York, the Consulate, elected
officials and local leaders worked together to gather items for those in need and
provide support services for family members in New York following the hurricane
earlier this year. Items will be transferred from the New York State Office of
General Services warehouse in Brentwood by truck and rail to Florida, and then
shipped to Haiti by the Consulate.
“Haiti is still struggling in the
aftermath of Hurricane Matthew and I am proud New Yorkers opened their hearts
and donated these much needed supplies to support this nation’s recovery
efforts,” Governor Cuomo said. “New Yorkers always help their neighbors in
need, whether they are next door or around the globe.”
Consul General Peter Helder Bernard,
Esq. said, “Hurricane Matthew caused much devastation in so many areas of the
country and the outpouring of aid from the people of New York is so great, it
is an honor to personally thank you all for your generosity and support for our
brothers and sisters in Haiti. Haiti loves New York…and New York loves Haiti.”
Hurricane Matthew was a Category 4 storm
when it hit the southwestern portion of Haiti on October 4, 2016. The effects
of heavy rain, high winds and damaging tides took their toll on the country,
its people and its land. Information provided by the Consulate General of Haiti
in New York indicates the storm left nearly 500 people dead, approximately
150,000 homeless, and more than a million severely struggling for the means to
survive. Six years after suffering a catastrophic earthquake claiming the lives
of over 300,000 Haitians, the people of Haiti were yet again dealt a
devastating blow as the storm ravaged farms and livestock, eliminating a prime
source of food and destroyed communities including Jeremie, Grand Anse, Les
Cayes, Nippes.
Ongoing challenges for the Haitian
people include addressing the Cholera epidemic and supplying those affected by
Hurricane Matthew with the basic amenities of life. In response, the Consulate
General of the Republic of Haiti in NY, the office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo,
community organizations including the National Action Network, local and state
government officials, and many others joined forces to help the people of
Haiti.
The Haitian Consulate worked with the
Governor’s office to help manage logistics for community donations and the New
York National Guard picked up the collected items at more than 25 state office
locations throughout the State and delivered them to State warehouse locations
in Albany and Brentwood. The Office of General Services packaged the items and
readied the donations for shipment. Photos of the donation packaging are available
here.
Office of General Services Commissioner
RoAnn Destito said, “As we know from our own experiences with hurricanes here
in New York State, we understand that recovery efforts will go on for a long
time. We hope that the supplies donated by our citizens will offer some relief
to the people devastated by Hurricane Matthew.”
Major General Anthony German, the
Adjutant General of New York, said, "The men and women of the New York
National Guard are proud to do their part in helping to get these supplies
donated by New Yorkers to people as they recover from Hurricane Matthew.”
The following elected officials and
local leaders assisted with the recovery effort led by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
and Consul General Peter Helder Bernard Esq.:
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke
Senator Kevin Parker
Senator James Sanders Jr.
Assemblyman N. Nick Perry
Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages
Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte
Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre
Assembly-elect Clyde Vanel
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams
Council Member Mathieu Eugene
Council Member Jumaane D. Williams
Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages
Joseph Makhandal Champagne, former Mayor
of South Toms River, New Jersey
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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