2009.03.16: March 16, 2009: Headlines: COS - Madagascar: Safety: Peace Corps Press Release: Peace Corps Madagascar Program Suspended

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Madagascar: Peace Corps Madagascar : Peace Corps Madagascar: Newest Stories: 2009.03.16: March 16, 2009: Headlines: COS - Madagascar: Safety: Peace Corps Press Release: Peace Corps Madagascar Program Suspended

By Admin1 (admin) (151.196.166.61) on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 - 12:34 pm: Edit Post

Peace Corps Madagascar Program Suspended

Peace Corps Madagascar Program Suspended

Due to ongoing security concerns in Madagascar, Peace Corps acting Director Jody K. Olsen has approved an evacuation and temporary suspension of the Peace Corps program in Madagascar. Peace Corps/Madagascar staff is now in the process of evacuating Volunteers. These actions were precipitated by the anti-government protests and looting that have been taking place on and off since late January, primarily in Antananarivo, and some regional cities. Peace Corps staff has been in daily communication with Volunteers, and all 112 Volunteers in Madagascar are accounted for and safe. Peace Corps staff in Madagascar continues to work closely with the U.S. Embassy to carefully monitor the situation, and appropriate actions have been taken under the Peace Corps/Madagascar Emergency Action Plan.

Peace Corps Madagascar Program Suspended

Peace Corps/Madagascar Program Suspended

Caption: Madagascan soldiers separate supporters of opposition leader Andry Rajoelina and President Marc Ravalomanana in the capital Antananarivo February 14, 2009. Photo: Reuters/Carl Hocquart/Files

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 16, 2009 - Due to ongoing security concerns in Madagascar, Peace Corps acting Director Jody K. Olsen has approved an evacuation and temporary suspension of the Peace Corps program in Madagascar. Peace Corps/Madagascar staff is now in the process of evacuating Volunteers.

These actions were precipitated by the anti-government protests and looting that have been taking place on and off since late January, primarily in Antananarivo, and some regional cities.

Peace Corps staff has been in daily communication with Volunteers, and all 112 Volunteers in Madagascar are accounted for and safe.

Peace Corps staff in Madagascar continues to work closely with the U.S. Embassy to carefully monitor the situation, and appropriate actions have been taken under the Peace Corps/Madagascar Emergency Action Plan.

The safety and security of Volunteers is the number one priority of the Peace Corps.

The invitee group that was scheduled to travel to Madagascar on March 10 has unfortunately been cancelled. Every effort is being made to ensure that those scheduled to go to Madagascar have the opportunity to carry out volunteer service in another country.

Each Peace Corps program has an Emergency Action Plan specific to that country and developed in cooperation with Peace Corps Washington and the local U.S. Embassy. The plans are evaluated and tested frequently and information is updated constantly. Volunteers are thoroughly trained in their roles and responsibilities, and posts are prepared for all emergencies.

Families may contact the Peace Corps/Madagascar Desk with any questions or concerns they may have at 202-692-2324 during business hours, and the Office of Special Services after hours. The Office of Special Services maintains a 24-hour, 7 days a week duty system. The telephone number during standard office hours is 1-800-424-8580, Extension 1470; the after hours number is 202-692-1470. The Office of Special Services can also be contacted via e-mail at ossdutyofficer@peacecorps.gov.

Over 811 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in Madagascar since the program was established in 1993. Volunteers on this Indian Ocean island work in the areas of education, environmental and agricultural conservation, health and HIV/AIDS awareness, hygiene promotion, animal and wildlife preservation, and business development.




Links to Related Topics (Tags):

Headlines: March, 2009; Peace Corps Madagascar; Directory of Madagascar RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Madagascar RPCVs; Safety and Security of Volunteers





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Story Source: Peace Corps Press Release

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Madagascar; Safety

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