PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI — The private owners of Les Moulins d’Haiti, Haiti’s only flour mill, on Jan. 14 declared their commitment to “repairing its facilities and restoring all operational capabilities.”

The statement was the first by the group since the Jan. 12 earthquake that devastated the poor Caribbean nation. Known as Haiti Agro Processors Holdings Ltd. (HAP), the group is a joint partnership of Continental Grain Co., Seaboard Corp. and a group of investors led by Unifiance. HAP holds a 70% ownership stake in Les Moulins d’Haiti S.E.M.

In their statement the group clarified the damage sustained at the mill and confirmed that fatalities were suffered at the mill.

“The mill building has been severely damaged,” the company said. “However, certain warehouse space, the office block, the grain silos and the port berth remain largely intact.” HAP said a final damage assessment has not yet been completed.

In addition to pledging its commitment to rebuild and restore the mill, HAP said it is “exploring all options to import and distribute donated and commercial flour until the mill resumes operations.”

The company said it would make its berthing facilities at the private port of Laffiteau available to “support logistics activity for imported bulk and bagged products after a full assessment of the marine facilities has been completed.”