E-099/00
May 5, 2000

CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA TO BENEFIT FROM ALLIANCE BETWEEN
PAN AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION AND CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

 

Under a partnership formalized with the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA) on May 4, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) will open a special disaster assistance account to receive cash and in-kind contributions towards natural disaster recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This forms part of a Memorandum of Understanding that the Foundation signed with AACCLA at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington. The strategic alliance will also boost disaster reduction, preparedness and response systems. Under the arrangement, AACCLA will help raise funds and PADF will implement and supervise programs through its network of non-governmental organization and municipal partners, in coordination with local civil defense agencies.

In his remarks prior to the signing that coincided with AACCLA's 33^rd annual general assembly, Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General C�sar Gaviria welcomed the initiative as a perfect example of partnership with the private sector, providing "a fertile ground for new, creative and innovative solutions to old problems." Mr. Gaviria chairs PADF's Board of Trustees.

PADF First Vice President Alexander Watson cited the memorandum as a historic partnership "to help the people of Latin America and the Caribbean better address the devastating effects of natural disasters." He said it will help PADF and AACLA "to expand our support to your Chambers and member companies and benefit the least advantaged citizens… usually the most heavily impacted by natural disasters."

Ambassador Watson signed the Memorandum of Understanding along with PADF Executive Director John Sanbrailo, AACCLA President Maston N. Cunningham and AACCLA Executive Vice President Michael Magan, with U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President Craig Johnstone signing as witness.

Established in 1962, the Pan American Development Foundation coordinates with the OAS on disaster relief and on development programs.

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