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United States Pledges $230 Million to Rebuild Haiti
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810
2004-065
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2004
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Secretary of State Collin L. Powell announced a $230 million pledge the United States will provide during fiscal years 2004 and 2005 to Haiti. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator Frederick W. Schieck, delivered the announcement at the International Donor's Conference on Haiti at the World Bank in Washington, D.C.
The $230 million will assist the people of Haiti with job creation and economic growth; budget support and technical assistance to the Ministries of Government; security improvements and judicial reform; health, nutrition, and education activities and elections. These funds are in addition to the current U.S. contribution to international peacekeeping efforts.
"If the interventions planned today are going to be successful, the Interim Government of Haiti must take the lead in coordinating donor activities with the needs of its citizens and include the private sector and civil society in the decision making process" said Deputy Administrator Schieck. "The international community must match that commitment with resources and parallel expectations. As donors we must ensure that results are achieved and that the people of Haiti see a measurable difference in their daily lives because of our efforts and our resources."
The pledge breaks down as follows:
Job Creation and Economic Growth ($22 million): Several job creation programs have begun to help repair the country's infrastructure. Initially activities will create jobs through community development activities, such as, cleaning streets, canals, and gullies; improving sanitation; providing potable water; rehabilitating schools and public buildings; and rehabilitating roads. Longer-term efforts will focus on expanding access to credit, advancing agricultural technology, improving the climate for trade and investment, and increased job training.
Budget Support and Technical Assistance to Haitian Government Ministries ($45 million): Haiti's government lacks sufficient funds to meet its immediate needs. Funds will be used for educational needs for the upcoming school year, fuel for electricity generation and waste collection, rehabilitation of port security and customs, rehabilitation of key ministries, and anti-corruption support. These payments will help to reduce projected Interim Government of Haiti budget deficits. We expect that other donors will also provide budget support to meet short-term rehabilitation and operational needs.
Security Improvements and Judicial Reform ($26 million): A team of U.S. advisors is currently in Haiti working to improve the Haitian National Police, to institute prison reform, and to develop training for judges and prosecutors. The goal is to provide security by improving overall administration of justice in Haiti. Law and order throughout the entire country is one of Haiti's most critical needs. The United States recognizes the critical role of the UN Stabilization Force, MINUSTAH, in providing security while Haiti develops independent and professional law enforcement and justice institutions. The U.S. Government is contributing to the MINUSTAH and also providing civilian police personnel to the UN's international civilian policing mission. The re-establishment of security is necessary to restore democracy and rule of law.
Health, Nutrition, and Education Activities ($122 million): Assistance is being provided to avert a humanitarian crisis by addressing urgent needs in health, nutrition, and education. Improving food security, preventing increases in disease and avoiding displacements of people are important now. Haiti is one of the targeted countries under President Bush's Emergency plan for HIV/AIDS relief. Approximately $22 million in HIV/AIDS funds are currently being programmed. For the longer term, improved health and education are essential ingredients for the development of the country.
Elections ($15 million): Broad participation in free and fair elections is critical, but it will require time for Haiti to organize its basic electoral apparatus and for political parties to prepare for elections. The Provisional Electoral Council will receive assistance from the international community to organize, conduct, and observe future elections. The US Government will participate in this process. Haiti needs a secure environment, not only for elections, but also for economic development and the growth of democratic institutions.
For more information on USAID's ongoing efforts in Haiti, please visit our website at www.usaid.gov
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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