Washington, DC - Congressman Howard L. Berman, Ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti causing widespread destruction, and killing or injuring hundreds of thousands of residents.
“Tomorrow, Jan. 12, 2011, we mark the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The response from the global community has been unprecedented. I want to take this moment to commend every country, organization, and individual who has contributed to the recovery effort.
“Much progress has been made since those first days after the earthquake hit, yet the sheer scale of devastation has presented many challenges in delivering the assistance the Haitian people so desperately need. Add to these obstacles the cholera epidemic that has claimed 3,600 lives since the disaster hit and a contested, and still unresolved, presidential election consuming precious time and energy, and it is clear the challenges facing Haiti have not yet diminished.
“Despite these great challenges, the Haitian people deserve the continued unwavering support of the global community. We have a moral responsibility to alleviate the human suffering still taking place in Haiti. As such, I will continue to work with the Administration and the new Republican leadership in the House to ensure that the U.S. continues to provide robust levels of support for reconstruction and development assistance to Haiti. We simply cannot break our promises to the Haitian people to help them rebuild their shattered country."
Permalink: https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/2011/1/congressman-howard-berman-s-statement-one-year-anniversary-devastating-haiti.
