Haitian government reiterates its gratitude to the Cuban people. Esteban Lazo concludes visit to Haiti. “I have to thank you for the help provided by Cuba since long before the earthquake. It is fantastic, free, unconditional, and it is in the heart of every Haitian man and woman,” Bellerive said. He went on to note two fundamental aspects: “first that that the Cuban cooperation is going to continue. It is important for Haiti to know that the programs will continue and moreover, outside of the capital, outside of the area where the earthquake occurred.” “The second issue is that you didn’t come to talk about building a hospital or a healthcare center. You are talking about helping us to build a healthcare system and that is more important. A system that is going to allow us to improve Haitians’ health has never been within the framework of cooperation. Because many people come and say that they want to build a hospital but not an integral system that will help attain more health, greater levels of hygiene. With that cooperation we can raise the level of health of our people, which they deserve.” The prime minister acknowledged the attitude assumed by the Haitians after the tragedy, when many of them rushed into the streets to help save thousands of people. “Up until now, I think that they have dealt with the situation very calmly and intelligently and have not let themselves get caught up in violence, a situation which can occur after a disaster like this.” For his part Lazo informed him of the Cuban delegation’s activities in Haiti, which included visits to the Croix des Bouquets and Leoganne field hospitals, the Mirebalais Comprehensive Diagnostics Center, the La Paz and La Renaissance hospitals, and the Venezuelan Simón Bolívar Camp. Lazo told Bellerive that the Commander in Chief Fidel Castro had called him several times out of concern for the situation in Haiti. “It has been an intense working visit. It was not possible to come immediately after the earthquake but our hearts have always been here.” Laze reiterated that the idea was to concentrate aid on recovery and the creation of a national healthcare system in Haiti. “At this point, it has to be at that level, above all in something as significant as the population’s health. We would like everyone who wants to do so, to help, without exception. But Haiti will be the principal player in the development of the program,” Lazo stated. (Cubaminrex- Granma Internacional) |