Office of Public Affairs

U.S. Embassy, Apia

Media Release

October 30 (Apia), 2009

 

In reaffirming the United States continuing commitment to assist the Government of the Independent State of Samoa’s relief work, one month to the date after the September 29 Tsunami, Chargé d’Affaires Robin L. Yeager presented to the Chairman of Disaster Advisory Committee (DAC) and CEO of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Taulealeausumai Laavasa Malua, a second relief grant.

CEO of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Taulealeausumai Laavasa Malua thanking Charge d'affaire Robin L. Yeager on the latest USA government assistance to assist Samoa tsunami relief efforts. Photo courtesy of U.S Embassy Apia.

 

In making the presentation to Mr. Laavasa, Ms. Yeager stated the grant of WST $629,750 (USD $250,000), the second allotment of funds given so far, is to help meet the operation costs of DAC’s National Coordination Center, transportation of relief supplies and disaster risk reduction programming in affected areas.

“The United States Government is continuing to support the Government of Samoa’s recovery efforts” said Ms. Yeager. The first relief aid grant was presented to the Honorable Prime Minister on Oct. 6, 2009.  That check was for of USD $100,000.

Ms. Yeager further stated that U.S. Government have also awarded two grants of USD $250,000 to Samaritan’s Purse, a U.S. based NGO with an operations office in Apia.  Samaritan’s Purse is a frequent partner in USAID relief and development projects. The grants will allow Samaritan’s Purse to continue its on ground relief efforts by providing hand tools, hygiene kits, water and other supplies to people in tsunami affected areas. Another USD $250,000 is in the process of being transferred to the Samoa Red Cross Society to continue its current relief programs.

“The total USD $1.1 million worth of grants for relief work is only part of our commitment. The U.S. Government have funded transportation of some relief goods by the Samoan community in the U.S. and is in the process of upgrading computer software for tsunami warnings, and purchasing tsunami warning  system of air horns for the people of Samoa” said Ms. Yeager

The grant is an outcome of consultations between USAID and Embassy Apia officials, and members of the DAC and MNRE Disaster Management Office (DMO) on ways to further support current efforts.

Mr. Laavasa expressed on behalf of government and people of Samoa appreciation for the kind donation, stating that the funds will surely go a long way in supporting DAC’s work.

“Not only have you assisted NGO’s and also community based organizations, but also help in particular parts of government” Mr. Laavasa said.

Chargé Yeager stated the latest grant was a reflection on the belief in the work and commitment of DAC members who worked tireless hours to provide aid to those in need.