Government doubled its contribution towards the tsunami relief efforts yesterday by donating $100,000 to the Bermuda Red Cross. It brings the Red Cross total to $970,000.

Premier Alex Scott said Government at first thought $50,000 was a fair amount considering the amount of damage to countries in South Asia. But he said as time progressed it became clear that the situation was far worse and Government needed to adjust its contribution.

"I asked each ministry to see where we could make adjustments to enable us to increase our contribution," he said.

He added that no local programmes had been compromised in any way and Government had proven over the past two weeks that charity did begin at home by helping to provide a St. David's family with a new home following the freak weekend storm. Others were also given assistance to cope with storm losses.

The Premier went on to praise local schools for their contribution towards the tsunami relief effort, saying that Bermudians had once again proven their generosity.

Bermuda Red Cross director Ann Spencer Arscott thanked Government for its contribution, adding that it brought the Red Cross a little closer to its $1 million target.