4th Jan 2005 16:13
CABLE AND WIRELESS DONATES US$1 MILLION TO TSUNAMI RELIEFCable and Wireless today announced it is making a one million US dollar (‚£520,751) donation to tsunami disaster relief in the Maldives.The donation will be in addition to on-going support from Cable and Wirelessengineers in restoring the communications networks to the devastated islandssince the disaster.Cable and Wireless chief executive Francesco Caio said: "We hope our donationcan make a difference to those whose lives have been devastated by thisdisaster. Our prayers are with them.""Much of the international aid effort has understandably been focused on SriLanka, Thailand and Indonesia, but the damage to Maldives infrastructure hasalso been catastrophic and the country needs urgent support."Having worked in partnership with the government and people of The Maldivessince the 1970s, we are well placed to ensure our donation will make asignificant contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of theislands."The donation will be used to support the agencies currently working in TheMaldives as well as providing direct aid where it can provide maximum benefit.January 3, 2005Notes to editors: * The donation from Cable and Wireless plc is in addition to US$1 million pledged by The Maldives' national telecommunications company Dhiraagu, which is owned 55 per cent by Maldives government and 45 per cent by Cable and Wireless. * Communication facilities were lost in 15 of The Maldives' 20 atolls when the disaster struck on December 26. However, communications were restored on all the atolls (island groups) by December 29. * In September 2004, Cable and Wireless also donated US$1 million to the Hurricane Ivan relief fund in the Caribbean. Media contact:Steve Double, group head of media communications, 07917 067580.ENDRelated Shares:
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