2003 Media Release

January 22, 2003 U. S. GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS OF CYCLONE AMI

The United States has pledged US$25,000 to the Fiji Red Cross for humanitarian relief to communities devastated by Cyclone Ami. Mr. Hugh Neighbour, Chargé d'Affaires of the U. S. Embassy in Suva, announced the pledge today to Ms. Alison Cupit, Director General of the Fiji Red Cross.

The majority of the funds will be used to purchase three portable water filtration and purification units to provide fresh water to communities currently without clean drinking water.

The balance of the pledge will provide tarpaulins for temporary roofing for victims whose homes were damaged, and 20-liter water containers for holding drinking water. Part of the pledge will also be used to purchase humanitarian relief packs containing clothing, blankets, towels, hygienic supplies and polythene sheeting.

Mr. Neighbour relayed to Ms. Cupit the United States Government's sympathy over the loss of life and the suffering of the residents of the affected areas, and its appreciation for the heroic efforts of the Fiji Red Cross in getting immediate humanitarian assistance to the hardest hit areas.