Qatar’s VT24M worth of donations to Vanuatu Red Cross Society

January 30, 2024 10:33 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

The Government of Qatar, through the Qatar Red Crescent (QRC), has made a significant donation to the Vanuatu Red Cross Society (VRCS).

The generous contribution, valued at around VT24 million, includes four trucks, water tanks, generators, and water pumps.

Dickinson Tevi, Secretary General (SG) of the VRCS, expressed gratitude for Qatar’s ongoing support.

He highlighted that this assistance builds on previous collaborations, including help with a satellite disk during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the recent tropical cyclones, Qatar’s commitment extended beyond financial aid, with representatives personally delivering the donations to Vanuatu.

Tevi acknowledged the challenges faced by Vanuatu, emphasising the nation’s small economy and limited resources. He recounted Qatar’s interest in providing assistance during the early stages of the twin cyclones. However, due to logistical constraints and the need for specific skills and certifications, some proposed solutions were deemed impractical. After extensive communications and assessments, an agreement was reached, prioritising the critical issue of water scarcity identified post-cyclones Judy and Kevin.

The QRC’s donation of trucks, water tanks, generators, and water pumps is strategically positioned to address the immediate need for water supply during emergencies.

SG Tevi highlighted that after numerous discussions, QRC have decided to donate four trucks, water tanks, water pumps, and a generator to equip volunteers in responding to community needs during disasters.

President of VRCS, Moses Steven, expressed gratitude to the Qatar representatives for their in-person visit and the valuable donations provided to assist the people of Vanuatu.

In acknowledging the assistance, Steven emphasised a shared faith in one God, recognising that divine help extends beyond specific nations like Australia, New Zealand, England, and France.

He characterised Vanuatu as a developing country still learning to establish itself as an independent nation, echoing the principle that “Vanuatu is a friend to all and enemy to none,” as articulated by the country’s leaders.

Steven expressed gratitude for the establishment of the VRCS after independence, emphasising its partnership with countries worldwide through the international federation.

He appreciated Qatar’s commitment to extending assistance to the other side of the world, emphasising the importance of learning from the Middle East’s culture of giving.

SG Tevi outlined the distribution plan for the four trucks, specifying that one will be allocated to the SHEFA branch, another to TAFEA, specifically Tanna, and the third to Malekula in MALAMPA, with the fourth designated for PENAMA on Pentecost.

He emphasised the importance of immediate response, highlighting the readiness of the VRCS to deploy resources without waiting for formal declarations from the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).

Steven elaborated on the challenges faced by Vanuatu volunteers, expressing their eagerness to respond promptly to emergencies.

He commended Qatar for making a difference, fostering awareness of Vanuatu’s independence and the authenticity of its cultural identity.

Acknowledging the humanitarian assistance provided by Qatar, Steven contrasted it with common perceptions of the Middle East marked by war and problems.

He emphasised the humanity and compassion demonstrated by Qatar through substantial donations, challenging preconceived notions and affirming the global community’s shared commitment to making a positive impact.

Following the official handover, a practical demonstration was conducted to showcase how water trucking operations would be executed.

The VRCS team travelled to Teouma on Chiko farm area to provide assistance to families in need of water, underscoring the immediate application and impact of Qatar’s generous donation in addressing crucial needs within local communities.

Disaster Management Coordinator of VRCS, Augustine Garae, highlighted the significance of having the necessary facilities for water tracking, emphasising that it marks the first time the Red Cross has access to such resources.

He explained that the recent demonstration served a dual purpose – showcasing the capabilities to the community and providing donors with insight into how water trucking operations would be conducted.

With the new equipment at their disposal, the VRCS can now collaborate with other organisations, governmental bodies, including the NDMO and the Department of Water Resources.

This collaborative effort aims to address water scarcity in provinces across Vanuatu, specifically in Efate, Tanna, Malekula, and Pentecost.

In response to the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin, Qatar’s representatives expressed sympathy and conveyed that their assistance was a modest contribution to providing essential equipment for affected families to access water.

Tevi expressed hope that this collaboration with Qatar would continue, noting the importance of an extended and expanded Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries.

VRCS President Steven reinforced the desire for a strong partnership, emphasising a commitment to limitless collaboration without boundaries. He viewed Qatar’s involvement as a pledge that, during disasters, assistance would always be forthcoming.

The trucks, along with associated equipment – four trucks, eight water tanks, and four water pumps – will be deployed to Red Cross branches in four provinces mentioned.

The official handover and the water trucking trial occurred last weekend.

The partnership between Qatar and Vanuatu has proven to be more than just financial aid, emphasising the importance of direct engagement and collaboration between nations.