Canadian investment in Haiti inspires new sense of business for Guelph company.
THOMONDE, HAITI, June 9 /CNW/ - GMA Cover Corp., a Canadian based global leader in the design and delivery of high-technology concealment covers, is at the forefront of relief efforts in Haiti as today marked the inauguration of the 'Thomonde Tent City'.
At a point where the world's attention on Haiti is starting to dissipate, where the rainy season is about to begin as many continue to live in dilapidated shelters, and where questions on the flow of international aid are beginning to arise, this partnership with Dominican company Tiburon Ltd. proves magnitudes for the private sectors' involvement in the fragile country.
"After 35 years of experience in designing and fitting shelters and vehicles for national governments, involving our Canadian workers in such important work as rebuilding Haiti has inspired a new sense of purpose at GMA," said Nicole Verkindt, Director Sales & Marketing of GMA, President of Tiburon Ltd. "We're showing that helping Haiti is not just up to governments and not-for-profits. This project is an immediate approach that's letting Canadians help Haitians find better homes and empower them through job creation. All of GMAs contracts for shelter manufacturing will be produced in Tiburon's Dominican facility. 70% of the employees on these projects will be Haitian. Haitians will be working in the Dominican, transporting to our warehouse across the border and then training other Haitians in the assembly, set up and maintenance of these shelters."
Situated in the Thomonde area of Haiti, Verkindt and dignitaries attended the opening ceremony, which recognized GMA's donation of 50 structures.
"I've been on the ground in Haiti and have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for this type of tent city - a place that people can call theirs, with public spaces and the opportunity to gather safely as they begin to reestablish themselves," added Verkindt. "By leading this project, GMA and Tiburon are privileged to help build a better Haiti and show its people that we are behind them."
The effectiveness and cost-competitiveness of GMA and Tiburon's partnership is providing a sense of enthusiasm and relief to Haitians in need of more permanent homes following last January's devastating earthquake. The two companies have kept their attention on the recovering nation, and have illustrated that this type of economic activity may provide larger benefits such as decreasing crime through locally created employment opportunities.
For further information: Kevin Dias, GMA Cover Corp., (519) 766-4583, [email protected]
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