Local, world leaders pledge support for quake victims

Leaders in Jamaica have all come out to express shock and sadness about the plight in which Haiti now finds itself.

Office of the Prime Minister

The people of Jamaica extend deep sympathy to the people of our neighbour Haiti who are currently suffering from the effects of the earthquake and aftershocks of January 12. I have been in contact with President Rene Preval and assured him that all Jamaica is offering prayers that God's mercy will take the Haitian people through this tragedy, even as we begin to organise a practical response to their plight.

People's National Party

President of the People's National Party (PNP), Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller, expresses her personal shock and grief at the scale of the devastation in Haiti.

"I ask all Jamaicans to remember the people of Haiti in our prayers and to ask God's continued protection for those who survived as we pray for those who have died.

"I am urging the Government to quickly establish a national coordinating mechanism to assist Jamaicans who want to help Haiti.

"The PNP stands ready to support and participate in any national effort to provide assistance to the Haitian people."

Jamaica Chamber of Commerce

"Like all Jamaicans, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce is deeply saddened by the effects of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti at this time and we urge the Government and people of Jamaica to respond with a level of human concern which will encourage them to urgently help the government and people of Haiti."

Anglican Diocese

Anglican Bishop of Kingston, the Reverend Robert Thompson, is extending sympathies to the church and people of Haiti on behalf of the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

The Jamaican church has launched a relief fund to assist the Haitian people. Persons who wish to contribute can call Church House at 920-2714.

He also extended condolences to the Roman Catholic Church on the death of the Archbishop of Haiti in the earthquake, and urged the congregation to support the initiatives being set up to assist the relief efforts.

Governor General of Canada, Michealle Jean

My family and I are all thinking about the victims, the countless families who have been affected and are in mourning, and all those who, like us, are so worried about their loved ones and friends in Haiti.

Britain

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he was deeply saddened and worried about the reported catastrophe caused by the earthquake in Haiti.

He announced yesterday that a British team would be sent there to see how best the United Kingdom could help with humanitarian assistance.