US President George Bush has submitted a request to the US Congress for $50 million in international disaster and famine assistance funds for Grenada, Jamaica, Haiti and other nations affected by recent hurricanes. According to a statement from the US Embassy in Port of Spain, the funds for the Caribbean are part of a $7.1 billion supplemental budget request to assist American and international regions that have been heavily damaged this hurricane season. Most of the money is expected to go towards storm relief in US states such as Florida. The US pointed out that it has provided $3.8 million worth of assistance to Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas to alleviate the human suffering caused by Hurricanes Ivan and Frances and tropical storm Jeanne. In a press statement, the Embassy said $2 million has already been provided to Haiti for the humanitarian response. The US has given Grenada more than $900,000 so far, while Jamaica has gotten almost $700,000. Grenada and Jamaica were both hit by Hurricane Ivan more than three weeks ago. In Grenada, Ivan claimed the lives of 38 people and 90% of homes and businesses were destroyed. The Bahamas was granted more than $284,000 after being hit by Hurricane Frances in late August. On September 25, Hurricane Jeanne caused extensive damage on Abaco and Grand Bahama islands. The Dominican Republic has also been given $50,000 to assist with emergency supplies in the wake of tropical storm Jeanne. Most of the US funds for the Caribbean are disbursed through USAID - the American agency for international development or via its embassies. According to the statement once a declaration is made, USAID can immediately provide up to $50,000 to the US Embassy or USAID Mission to purchase relief supplies locally, or give a contribution to a relief organization in the affected country. SOURCE: BBCCARIBBEAN.COM