The help being provided by Winair to the Haitians has been described as appropriate and very timely by Chairman of the Board of Directors, Fernando William who commented on the January 12th disaster following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake.
Chairman William noted that while Winair has its current challenges and difficulties it cannot just put a blind eye to the enormous and continued suffering of the people of Haiti which he noted has been dominating the media houses covering the disaster. He stressed that his company will continue to seek ways and avenues in providing further assistance stressing the need for more companies, organizations and institutions to come on board so as to lend whatever help that they can.
In a message to employees at the company's year end dinner, Managing Director, Edwin Hodge said that the needs in Haiti are proving to be immense, requiring a massive response from the international community. As such, he announced that his company will be making a donation of $7,000.00USD.
He noted that he hopes that the monies being donated by his company will aid in assisting with meeting the needs of the people there. Hodge declared that his company while not in Haiti is ready and willing to help those affected in any way possible.
The Winair MD pointed out that his company saw the need to lend a helping hand noting that disasters requires the significant assistance and support of all so as to rebuild after such a devastating earthquake. He urged his employees to remember the Haitian people on a daily basic stressing the need to continue recognizing that whenever disaster strikes one place it affects all others directly and indirectly.
Meanwhile, according to media reports the critical focus at this stage continues to be to address relief needs, including the provision of emergency medical assistance, clean water and the distribution of basic relief items. However, assessments with a view to long-term recovery planning are already taking place to ensure that livelihoods and infrastructure issues are addressed appropriately and in a timely manner.
Further reports coming out of Haiti indicated that the Haitian Government estimates that 75 percent of the city of Port-au-Prince needs to be rebuilt. Population movements to areas outside the capital are being monitored and assessments are ongoing.
