CubaPLUS Magazine

The relationships between Cuba and the World Foods Program (PMA) are strengthened with specific actions of cooperation, as the contingency assistance which made available different resources to the Island disposal after the whip of Irma hurricane, last September. 

These actions were confirmed by the Executive Director of that UN’s agency, David Beasly, and the Cuba’s Permanent Representative in international organisms located in Rome, ambassador Jose Carlos Rodríguez, during the letters of credence presentation which accredit him as such. 

The ceremony served as context for a smooth dialogue in which the Cuban diplomatic expressed the positive assessment of his Government about the results of the visit carried out by Beasly to Cuba, immediately after the destructive passing of the meteorological phenomenon. 

He also thanked the possibility to have, quickly, of resources for food purchases, as well as to undertake actions to mobilize other additional options. 

During his stay in the Island, where he was received by the first vice-President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other representatives, Beasly went round different areas of Havana affected by the hurricane and he highlighted the people training to face disasters and the government's ability to respond for the protection and to meet the population needs. 

The international representative praised the effectiveness and efficiency of the country in the delivery of the food assistance provided by the entity that manages. 

As a result of the visit, the Executive Director of the PMA announced an operation of 5,7 million dollars to complement, during four months, the food necessities of 664 thousand residents in the territories more whipped by the hurricane. 

The Cuban authorities distributed rice and beans coming from 1 606 tons of foods prepositioned in the country by agreement between the PMA and the Cuban’s government, and a million 500 thousand dollars of the PMA’s Contingency Funds were allocated for the purchase of additional foods. 

The priority groups to receive the assistance were elementary school’s students, children under five years, adults with 65 years or higher, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. 

It also included the strengthening of logistical capacities in affected areas, with the delivery of 10 temporary warehouses, blankets to protect the foods and lights. 

According to the available information, up to last December 30, the operation was to 83,6 percent of fund-collection, among which stand out a million 559 thousand 750 of the United Nations Agencies’ Common Fund and 829 thousand 384 of the European Commission. 

Other donors, until that moment, were the governments of Switzerland, with 400 400 dollars; Italy, 318 471; Canada, 200 481; Portugal, 58 072; and private entities, 172 640.