Guernsey donates £25,000 to help Haiti after Sandy

Deputy O'Hara said he was sure islanders would support the decision to donate the money to Haiti

Guernsey has donated £25,000 to help people affected by Hurricane Sandy in the Caribbean island of Haiti.

The Guernsey Overseas Aid Commission will give the money to ActionAid UK's Haiti appeal.

The UN said at least 54 people died when the hurricane hit the island between 24 and 26 October.

A spokesman from ActionAid UK said Haiti was the poorest country in the Americas and still one of the poorest countries in the world.

Deputy Mike O'Hara, commission chairman, said: "The commissioners were very conscious that the impact of Hurricane Sandy on Haiti had been felt all the more because the country was already very vulnerable and struggling to rebuild its infrastructure and housing following the massive earthquake in 2010.

"I am sure islanders will support the commission's decision to make this donation to assist ActionAid UK's work in Haiti."

The States of Guernsey gives the Overseas Aid Commission an annual budget of £200,000 of taxpayers money to give to disaster emergency relief.