'Fate once again turned against' Haiti

OTTAWA, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Michaelle Jean, the Haitian-born governor general of Canada, said "fate once again turned against" her homeland with the devastating earthquake.

Delivering a prepared statement to reporters in Ottawa, she grew tearful as she spoke of the toll of the quake, which is reported to have killed at least 100,000 people in the impoverished Caribbean country.

"Now more than ever, it is time for us to show our solidarity with the most vulnerable people in the Americas, our brothers and sisters in Haiti, whose courage is once again being so harshly tested," Jean said.

She recalled visiting the nation of 9 million a year ago to assess damaged caused by 2008 hurricanes and to support reconstruction efforts.

"Yesterday, fate once again turned against the people of Haiti, who had only just begun to see a glimmer of hope," she said.

"Like me, Haitian communities across Canada are heartbroken and overwhelmed by the magnitude of this catastrophe. The images and news reports are unbearable to watch -- so much distress, suffering and loss.

"I salute the friendship and solidarity being demonstrated all across Canada and throughout the international community."

Jean told the Toronto Star she remains unsure of the fate of some of her loved ones in Haiti but knows one uncle is safe. "It's not about me today," she added. "I am only one of many."