Editor,

A reader of this publication recently wrote on this letters page that the people of Rwanda should pray for those that are suffering because of the earthquake in Haiti. I’m very happy that prayers aren’t the only thing that the Rwandan people are sending to the suffering in Haiti. 

I read in the Saturday edition of The New Times that following the devastating earthquake which struck on Tuesday, the Government of Rwanda has committed a donation of US$ 100,000 to victims.

While several countries have donating millions of dollars, these are nations like the US, Britain and other world powers.

I’m proud that although several countries have responded to the appeal for international aid to Haiti, after South Africa, Rwanda is among the first few African countries to give aid to the country.

As a nation that has faced catastrophe as well, although in no way am I comparing this earthquake and the events of 1994, I feel that Rwanda is in position to understand just how important international goodwill and help is.

Things like this make me proud to be Rwandan. The mere fact that we can, with our little resources, do something to help the Haitian people is something worthwhile. It’s a proper use of my taxes.

Sam Rwego
Kimihurura