THE Overseas Aid Commission has doubled its grant for the Sudan. Initially it made an approach to the Treasury and Resources Department to make a £25,000 donation to help in the region where more than a million have been displaced from their homes.

The decision to give a further £25,000 was made as the commission met for the first time yesterday.

‘Initially I had been tempted to give a larger amount, but I was very aware of the unusual position constitutionally of being on my own on the committee and I didn’t want to be accused of abusing that,’ said chairman Peter Roffey.

The membership of the commission was agreed at a States meeting in July: Mike Dene, Jose Day, Glyn Allen, Paul Chambers, Ian MacRae and Richard Cox make up the committee.

‘I’m delighted they agreed with me that it should be more.’

Trouble in the western region of Darfur has led to the death of up 50,000 people since conflict erupted last year.

More are now at risk from disease and starvation as they cram into unsanitary refugee camps.

‘We will continue to monitor it and still do have some finances in the emergency aid budget, but we have to be aware of other situations, such as the flooding in Bangladesh.’

The money will go to the UK Disasters Emergency Committee due to the continuing need for the provision of essential, basic needs.

He added that it was impossible to say if more money would be made available for the Sudan appeal.

The commission’s first meeting, which mainly dealt with policy matters, was a chance for members to ‘get to know each other’.

‘It was very much setting the ground work and from that point of view it was very useful,’ said Deputy Roffey.

Newly elected vice-chairman Mrs Day said the commission had supported Sudan in the past, but the public should be made aware that the situation had been getting worse in recent years.

Previous projects had given money to peaceful areas, she added.

‘Now it’s very important the £50,000 is directed through local agencies that can put the aid to best use.’

Mrs Day said the country was coping with the ongoing devastation of 14 years at war.

‘The commission wishes to encourage the public and the business community to respond, as they are able, through the various channels available, and in particular through the Final Hour Appeal,’ said Deputy Roffey.

*Donations may be made directly to the Bailiff’s Emergency Disaster Relief Fund, either through the Bailiff’s Office, Royal Court House, St Peter Port, GY1 2PB, or direct into the fund at NatWest Bank, St Peter Port, account number 34588051, sort code 60-09-20.