BDA Red Cross Receives $72,000 For Japan
The Bermuda Red Cross reported today [Mar.24] that they have received close to $72,000 in donations for the Japanese Quake and Tsunami Appeal.
The 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami struck Japan on March 11, 2011, leaving thousands dead, with the official death toll from the disaster close to 10,000 and expected to continue to climb.
Premier and Minister of Finance Paula Cox said, “Government is encouraged by our community’s response to the Japan Quake Tsunami Disaster Appeal launched by the Bermuda Red Cross. We understand that in the first week of the Appeal that close to $72,000 has been raised, thereby reaching the matching target of $50,000 committed by the Government of Bermuda. The generosity is in character with the values of our community and is greatly appreciated.”
If people want to still contribute they can donate as follows:
- HSBC Bank of Bermuda: 010-187417-012
- Butterfield Bank: 20-006-060-365472-200
- Call the Red Cross at 236-8253 with debit/credit card details
- By mail to the Bermuda Red Cross, Japan Quake/Tsunami Disaster Appeal, Charleswood, 9 Berry Hill Road, Paget DV 03
The Japanese Red Cross has said the extent of the damage is still not clear, saying “At the moment, travel and communications have been affected by the disaster, and it is hard to know exact figures of those affected.”
Well, it was said best by the quote “the most consistent thing about the PLP Government is it’s inconsistency”. I am absolutely NOT begrudging this fantastic support, but when I approached the Gvmnt. about some form of financial support for Sichuan, China when the earthquake struck in 2009 and 70,000+ were killed, I was advised by the then 2 relevant Ministers that China “fell out of “our” jurisdiction” of common interest and they declined committing any Gvmnt. funds in the way of relief. (I did cite too that it might go a long way in repairing the damage in the relationship between our Countries post Uighurs…….) But now we see funds for Japan – which is clearly a jurisdiction much FURTHER afield, and as a disaster, there has been a great deal less loss of life/infrastructural impacts on them in a society that is affluent (vs. impoverished as a whole, as was the case in China) so I am curious as to the decision making process; prerequisites and definitions as to such relief and whether it is as wildly discretionary as indeed appears to be the case….
Begrudge (transitive verb): to give, admit, or allow unwillingly or with a bad grace
Resent (transitive verb): to feel bitter, indignant, or aggrieved at
5boro – sigh – if you are attempting to imply those definitions as being relevant to me and my perspective you have COMPLETELY missed the point. I was expecting someone to do that – hence my disclaimer at the outset….
And to Fed-up – the Bda. Government. has been and continues to heavily court China in Tourism & business (most recently signing the TIEA in December, 2010 with a delegation coming here from the PRC!), so the issue of communism and repression being a potential disqualifying explanation is another inconsistency….
I still maintain that this Government should have a clearly defined policy relevant to this – esp. in light of the current public purse…..
There are a few factors here- one of which is that China is still a Communist country, and so politically I see the reason not to give aid. In terms of humanitarian reasoning, I agree with what you’re saying, but there are so many other issues at play. And- having called the beautiful country of Japan my home for some time, it is not further afield than China. About the same, really- but without getting overly complex, it suits us better to cement ties with Japan, hence the willingness to pledge some support. China would not have changed any part of their stance on the Uigurs. Their goverment represses minorities and forbids free speech, and though my heart surely goes out to the people who needed assistance after that earthquake, it’s like comparing an apple and an orange in terms of global politics. Yes it stinks that politics play a role in who gets help and who doesn’t, but there is reason on both sides of the issue.
It is good to see that Bermuda and her people have dug deep once again to help others. My only hope it that the funds will reach where they are most needed and not get caught up in the current red tape that is affecting other groups that are trying to help in Japan. Numerous stories abound all over the internet on this Japan Earthquake red tape topic.
Google topics like BBC News: Japan earthquake: UK rescue team ‘foiled by red tape
‘is-red-tape-slowing-japans-quake-recovery