The Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Mr. Edwin Carrington, despatched messages of condolence and support to Honduras and Nicaragua last week, on behalf of the Community and the Secretariat, following the passage of Hurricane Mitch through Central America.

The Secretary-General also extended condolences to the Government and people of Honduras on the untimely death of the Mayor of Tegucigalpa, His Excellency Cesar Castellanos, whose helicopter crashed while he was viewing the devastation wrought by the hurricane.

Hurricane Mitch caused massive loss of life and widespread destruction of property during its rampage across Central America. Official reports indicate that more than nine thousand persons were killed and approximately one million left homeless in Honduras and Nicaragua alone.

Secretary-General Carrington has assured Honduras and Nicaragua of CARICOM's concern for the victims of the hurricane and of the Community's hopes for a speedy return to normal in their Region. He noted that CARICOM's experiences as a past and continuing victim of these powerful forces of nature, meant that it was able to understand and sympathise with the difficulties and grief of the Honduran and Nicaraguan peoples.

Member States of CARICOM have not been tardy in responding to the overwhelming need of the Honduran and Nicaraguan populations. According to reports received by the Secretary-General, Belize to date has provided assistance to the countries by deploying a platoon of Belize Defense Force specialists, including engineers, and food and medical supplies, clothing and building materials.

The Bahamas has also pledged substantial financial aid to the Region , with cash donations of US$75,000 each to Honduras and Nicaragua, and a further US$ 50,000 to El Salvador. It has also advised that it is likely to establish a Hurricane Relief Fund to provide further support to the affected countries.

The regional Disaster Mechanism, CDERA stands ready to deploy personnel, if required, to assist with damage assessment and shelter management. CDERA has also undertaken to act as a coordinating mechanism, should CARICOM Member States wish to provide coodinated regional financial support to the hurricane devastated countries.

The Secretariat will continue to monitor the unfolding events in Central America on a regular basis and participate in discussions on the most effective means of providing aid to this stricken Region.