September 18, 2008 No. 22/08-G HAITI RESPONDS TO CDB OFFER OF POST-HURRICANE ASSISTANCE The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has offered emergency relief grants to the Republic of Haiti totalling USD400,000, in response to the damage which the country sustained from Hurricanes Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike. CDB President, Dr. Compton Bourne, wrote to Haiti's Minister of Finance, Mr. Daniel Dorsainvil, offering the financial assistance. In his letter, Dr. Bourne said "We are saddened by the loss of life and very much regret the extensive damage done to social and economic infrastructure." He also stated that, in accordance with the Bank's Natural Disaster Management Policy, CDB can assist the Government of Haiti in other ways, and assured the minister that "CDB stands ready to travel to Haiti at your earliest convenience and provide assistance in achieving an effective recovery strategy." An official in Haiti's Ministry of the Economy and Finance has responded to the offer saying, "This reaction by the Caribbean Development Bank touches us deeply and we are grateful for this gesture of solidarity." Haiti became a member of CDB in January 2007.