LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the extensive efforts and the outpour-
ing of compassion expressed by both the government and the people of
Taiwan to the Haitian community in the tragic aftermath of the devastat-
ing earthquake of January 12, 2010

WHEREAS, The New York State Haitian community in recognition of the
giving nature and benevolent humanity of the Taiwanese government and
its people has been made apparent by the outpouring of sympathy and
contributions bestowed upon the citizens of Haiti; their prompt response
and aid have been a blessing in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake
that left thousands dead, nearly three million homeless, countless
orphaned, and untold thousands still missing; and
WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Taiwan came to the aid of Haiti in many
ways; the Taiwan government immediately launched the emergency response
mechanism for disaster rescue, and set up a special task force to assist
with relief work; and
WHEREAS, The President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Ma Ying-
jeou, expressed his condolences and concerns to Haitian President Rene
Preval and his wife, immediately following the earthquake, and offered
$5 million for relief aid; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan also dispatched five rescue and medical teams to Port-
au-Prince, Haiti, and successfully rescued two United Nations officials
and five Haitian citizens from collapsed buildings; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan then joined forces with the private sector to provide
humanitarian assistance to the people of Haiti; $16 million in relief
funds were raised which made available 200 tons of rice and over 100
tons of emergency medical supplies, food, potable water, clothing,
tents, and lighting equipment to help begin to restore hope in the lives
of so many; and
WHEREAS, A three-party meeting between President Ma Ying-jeou, Haitian
Prime Minister Bellerive and Dominican Republic President Fernandez took
place in the Dominican Republic on January 28, 2010, to discuss the
reconstruction and resettlement plans for Haiti; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, President Ma Ying-jeou announced a comprehensive
aid package which included: the sponsorship of 8,000 to 10,000 Haitian
orphans and children from low-income families; the building of a Taiwa-
nese healthcare center in Haiti to train local medical and healthcare
staff; the construction of 1,200 permanent homes to accommodate 6,000
people; and the establishment of vocational training centers for the
benefit of 3,500 job seekers; and
WHEREAS, The Taiwanese community residing in the State of New York has
generously supported this worthy endeavor undertaken by President Ma
Ying-jeou by donating over $100,000 to the people of Haiti through the
American Red Cross; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those Nations
who enhance the well-being and vitality of other Nations, and have shown
a long and sustained commitment to humanity certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the extensive efforts and the outpouring of compassion expressed
by both the government and the people of Taiwan to the Haitian community
in the tragic aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit on Janu-
ary 12, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to President Ma Ying-jeou through the Taipei Economic and
Cultural Office in New York.