JEREMIE, HAITI –
In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton embarked the Republic of Haiti’s president, Jocelerme Privert, transporting him to the waters adjacent to the Haitian city of Jeremie.
Hurricane Matthew directly impacted Jeremie rendering roads impassable and severely damaging the infrastructure.
President Privert, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, Peter Mulrean and the President of the Provisional Electoral Council, Leopold Berlanger, traveled to the remote part of the island to assess the damage. The U.S. Coast Guard & Joint Task Force Matthew provided helicopter and boat transportation allowing Privert, Mulrean and Berlanger to meet directly with the citizens of Jeremie who were otherwise inaccessible.
While visiting with survivors, the leaders offered words of hope and encouragement and expressed gratitude for the support of the U.S. Coast Guard and JTF Matthew.
The 418-foot Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton, commanded by U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Scott Clendenin and homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, is currently positioned off the coast of Haiti to coordinate and provide logistical and command support to relief operations.