Yesterday, Thursday, the Republic of China donated US$300,000 to the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) under the Organization of American States (OAS) Thursday to support the foundation's work in Haiti.

The donation was delivered by Jason C. Yuan, Republic of China's representative to the United States, to foundation President Frank Gomez in a ceremony held at OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Yuan said the fund will be used to finance PADF's post-earthquake reconstruction and cholera control and prevention in Haiti.

With more than 30 years of experience in carrying out relevant projects in Haiti, the PADF is the best partner for Taiwan to help with the Caribbean nation's reconstruction and epidemic prevention and control, Yuan said.

The Republic of China has maintained diplomatic ties with Haiti for half a century. When Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake last year, Taiwan was the first Asian country to send a search and rescue team to help with its post-disaster relief operations. Taiwan's government and private sector also donated US$16 million in cash and relief supplies to the country's long-term diplomatic ally, he added.

For his part, Gomez said the PADF has cooperated with Taiwan on many occasions, and that both sides share a common goal of extending key aid to the most fragile communities and helping improve the quality of life for people in Latin America and the Caribbean.

PADF CEO John Sanbrailo assured Yuan that the foundation will use the funds to create new opportunities for Haitians who are most in need.

Marie Laurence Pean-Mevs, Haiti's ambassador to OAS, thanked Taiwan for its generous donation. She said Haitians will feel lucky to have a friend like Taiwan.

Learn more about PADF

The PADF was founded in 1962 to help Latin American and Caribbean citizens improve their living conditions, cope with natural disasters, support human rights, and protect environment.

HL/ HaitiLibre