WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Organization of American States (OAS) has made a contribution of $25,000 to The Bahamas to assist with recovery efforts from the massive damages caused by Hurricane Matthew early in October.
His Excellency Dr. Elliston Rahming, Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations and Permanent Representative to the OAS, was presented with a cheque by OAS Assistant Secretary General Nestor Mendez on Thursday, December 1, 2016, in the Assistant Secretary General’s office at OAS main building at 17th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Declaring that the OAS is committed to responding to the needs of member states as they arise, Mr. Mendez noted that “these needs are particularly evident after a natural disaster.”
“Unfortunately, over the last few years we have seen an increase in frequency and intensity of these disasters, in particular those associated with climate change,” the OAS Assistant Secretary General said. “In fact, the 2016 Hurricane Season ended yesterday, November 30, and it has been documented as the most active in four years, having accumulated a total of 15 named storms, which included seven Hurricanes. It is clear that we will continue to face these challenges, and that our organization will need to prepare to respond in more substantive ways than hitherto.”
Mr. Mendez said he was pleased to present Ambassador Rahming with “a small contribution from the OAS Emergency Fund (FONDEM) to assist in the recovery efforts following the passage of Hurricane Matthew through the Caribbean region, where it impacted several OAS member states, including The Bahamas.”
“Although the contribution is small, it is nonetheless a clear reaffirmation of our commitment to respond to member states even in the face of our emaciated resources,” Mr. Mendez said.
In accepting the cheque, Ambassador Rahming, who initiated the request for assistance following the passage of Hurricane Matthew through The Bahamas, thanked the OAS “for this great donation” and assured Mr. Mendez that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in The Bahamas will put it to good use.
The cheque presentation was followed by a special meeting of the OAS Permanent Council in the Simon Bolívar Hall, during which Ambassadors paid tribute to the late Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez, Permanent Representative of Venezuela, who died on November 24, 2016.
At a regular meeting held following the special meeting, Ambassador Rahming was presented with ceremonial gavel in commemoration of his tenure as Chair of the Permanent Council for a three-month period from July 1 to September 30.
CAPTION
His Excellency Dr. Elliston Rahming (left), Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations and Permanent Representative to the OAS, being presented with a cheque by OAS Assistant Secretary General Nestor Mendez on Thursday, December 1, 2016.
