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Ports Authority helping to raise funds for victims of Typhoon Haiyan

-Death toll in the Philippines said to be around 5, 500
Houses on a coastal community after Typhoon Haiyan hit Iloilo province. Photo: Washington Post
Only recently, the Filipino Association of the BVI did a fund raising walk and it is said that the BVI Red Cross is also planning to host a telethon to raise funds. Photo: Provided
Only recently, the Filipino Association of the BVI did a fund raising walk and it is said that the BVI Red Cross is also planning to host a telethon to raise funds. Photo: Provided
The suggestion to help raise funds for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan was reportedly made by Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, Mr Claude Skelton-Cline and adopted by staff members. Photo: VINO/File
The suggestion to help raise funds for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan was reportedly made by Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, Mr Claude Skelton-Cline and adopted by staff members. Photo: VINO/File
According to President of the Association, Enda Ruffell Smith, this is the strongest typhoon that has ever hit not only the Philippines, but also the entire world, with sustained winds of 315 kph (195 mph) and gusts as strong as 380 kph (235 mph). Photo: VINO/File
According to President of the Association, Enda Ruffell Smith, this is the strongest typhoon that has ever hit not only the Philippines, but also the entire world, with sustained winds of 315 kph (195 mph) and gusts as strong as 380 kph (235 mph). Photo: VINO/File
Legazpi City residents stand along a sea wall, as high waves and strong winds hit. Photo: Charism Sayat/AFP/Getty Images
Legazpi City residents stand along a sea wall, as high waves and strong winds hit. Photo: Charism Sayat/AFP/Getty Images
Leyte - one of the worst areas hit by category five storm Typhoon Haiyan. Photo: Daily Mail
Leyte - one of the worst areas hit by category five storm Typhoon Haiyan. Photo: Daily Mail
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) has joined other organisations across the world by pledging its support to raise funds for the Philippines after the devastating impact of Typhoon Haiyan on November 8, 2013.

Public Relations Officer of the BVI Ports Authority, Ms April Glasgow, told Virgin Islands News Online that the Managing Director of the BVIPA Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline had made the suggestion during the BVIPA’s recent general staff meeting where a moment of silence was also observed for those who perished when the typhoon hit.

“He asked us, all the staff members present, if we would be willing to also donate to the cause and of course everyone said yes we would like to,” Ms Glasgow related.

She noted that the BVI Red Cross was then contacted and it was decided that the monies raised would be handed over to the entity who would then present it to the Philippines Red Cross. Ms Glasgow also said the BVI Red Cross advised that monetary donations would be best suited as food items and other non-perishables may take too long to get to those really in need.

The Public Relations Officer further stated that the public can also get involved by making their donations to the BVIPA who would then hand it over to the BVI Red Cross. Persons have until Friday, November 29 to make their donations.

Meanwhile, in a previous press release issued by the BVIPA, Mr Skelton-Cline had called on the VI community to also assist in the fundraising effort. “We are raising funds within the Authority but are also calling on persons in the BVI community to join with us.”

Persons interested in donating can contact Ms. Cupid at the BVI Ports Authority via telephone 494-3435.

Premier of the Virgin Islands Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE has also called on residents to help the people of the Philippines. According to a UK Government website, Premier Smith said “Thousands of people in remote communities have lost their homes and everything they own. They are in the open and completely exposed to the elements.”

Only recently, the Filipino Association of the BVI did a fund raising walk and it is said that the BVI Red Cross is also planning to host a telethon to raise funds.

According to President of the Association, Enda Ruffell Smith, this is the strongest typhoon that has ever hit not only the Philippines, but also the entire world, with sustained winds of 315 kph (195 mph) and gusts as strong as 380 kph (235 mph).

“Nothing could have prepared the people in these areas especially in the remote and small localities. It was a massive disaster consisting of overwhelming storm surges and flooding, which has displaced nearly 700,000 families," Ms Smith disclosed to Virgin Islands News Online previously.

According to the Sun Star, the death toll from Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) reached 5,500 on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 based on reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

NDRMMC spokesperson Major Rey Balido said that based on the disaster bureau's 6 p.m. report, more than 200 were added to the official list of casualties, which came mostly from Tacloban City.

He said a total of 1,757 individuals are still missing but Balido noted that the figures can change since some of the missing can be accounted to the several unidentified casualties.

Balido also said that more than 26,000 persons were injured during the height of the super typhoon.

Total damage to properties remained at P24,539,251,407.26, including P13.18 billion in infrastructure and P11.36 billion in the agriculture industry.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said that more than P547 million worth of relief assistance has already been provided to the affected residents living in Eastern Visayas.

More than 1.9 million food packs have also been distributed to the survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda, the DSWD said.

16 Responses to “Ports Authority helping to raise funds for victims of Typhoon Haiyan”

  • Get Real (27/11/2013, 15:19) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
    The gesture is all good but we need to GET REAL people. Right next to us is Haiti who witnessed a disaster over 2 years now and still trying to recover. Also people continue to flee the country because of poor situations and millions was raised to assist them. The Philippines are on the other side of the earth and here we go again with our good efforts to help but don't know when this help is going to arrive.

    THIS COUNTRY NEEDS HELP WITH WHAT THIS DAMN GOVERNMENT DOING TO IT AND NO ONE IS COMING TO THE RESCUE.
    • @ Get Real (27/11/2013, 20:06) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      You are a waste of time looking for attention and engagement.
      • Get Real (27/11/2013, 22:27) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
        I got your attention, didn't I? Continue to support the white collar thieves of this country but it will come to an end eventually. You can't thief for ever.
    • @Get Real (28/11/2013, 13:57) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      I with you get real,the country need help nobody helping us,people in our country need help nobody helping them,but them quick to raise funds and help outsiders smh
  • xxxxxxxx (27/11/2013, 19:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is not something we will like to see happen at all,
  • @Get Real (27/11/2013, 19:15) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Perhaps we can show greater empathy for the Phillipine victims. Their plight is as a result of a natural disaster. Is ours of our own making?

    I do not believe that assisting the Haitian victims or even ameliorating our own situation at home precludes us from assisting disaster victims elsewhere, where feasible. We must be careful how we act toward others in need. We would appreciate the kindheartedness of others should similar tragedy befall us.
  • believer (27/11/2013, 19:35) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI shall continue to prosper as we continue to give - it doesnt matter where they came from. Now think about it-" Get Real-put yourself in the position of the Philipinoes how would you feel if you see someone from the other side of the world trying to extend their hand and help. Now that for your to ponder. I pray that God will enlightened your clouded mind. We HAVE beacause We GIVE. To GOD be the Glory! Bless those who give.
    • shelia (27/11/2013, 23:32) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
      The crowing of the right-wingers, or so called christians here on this comment board, is sickening to behold.
  • in ward bond (27/11/2013, 19:48) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    So why do we care about their economy, let us build ours
  • Huh? (27/11/2013, 21:06) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Well ayo keep giving and give to our own people also cause I I agree with get real. Our economy was caused by our own natural disasters which are these Ministers of Government that continue to hold this country hostage in order to full their pockets. I say down with the government and up with our people. Get rid of all of those scumbags!
  • DON Q (27/11/2013, 23:39) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    seems like CSC wants us to forget about the lies, incompetence, missed deadlines, and the likes so we do not press the aditor general report
  • thank you (28/11/2013, 13:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    For all the help, big or small, even just a prayer or a tap on our shoulder to show your care, means a lot to us. We sought help and we were granted more than we expected. Thank you all so very much, the BVI Community as a whole. This gesture will always be cherished.
  • Binocs (28/11/2013, 13:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The phillipinos have contributed to this economy and this is the thanks they receive from the BVI community. You are a selfish set of people. God will reward you accordingly look out for your reward it is coming soon.
  • Arnel Soller (29/11/2013, 22:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thank you BVI Ports Authority for your help thru Philippine Red Cross! Your help will definitely reach those who are really affected. May God Bless You All!
  • my two cents (03/12/2013, 11:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What difference will it make ?Will it provide jobs,cleanse our society of corruption and remove all the daily evils we practice on each other?I guess the answer is no,and so this article and the argument of helping is a grand waste of time.


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