Bishop Pierre-André Dumas of Anse-a-Veau et Miragoane affirmed this in a statement from Caritas Internationalis today, which noted the 2.3 million Haitians aided by the agency since the Jan. 12 disaster.
Bishop Dumas also contended that “Haiti’s terrible tragedy can be put to good use if it shows why we need to end poverty and injustice around the world. This misfortune could at least turn into a great school of apprenticeship for humanity and become a cradle for the new civilization of love and integral development.”
The earthquake killed more than 230,000 people.
“We are grateful for the generous outpouring of aid to Haiti in the first phase of operations,» the 47-year-old bishop said. «On July 12, 2010, we remember those who rushed to the spot like heroes to save lives, relieve pain, give food and drink, welcome, house and express their solidarity.»
Nevertheless, there are still more than 1 million people living in makeshift settlements, despite some $46.8 million in aid from Caritas and assistance from other international organizations.
Caritas’ plan is a five-year rehabilitation and reconstruction project, focused on shelter, education, disaster risk reduction, health and livelihood recovery.
