Rains have drenched people in makeshift tents and homes have slid down hills with mudslides. Makeshift toilets were destroyed by the flooding, spilling sewage into the streets. The temporary schools were also washed away with the torrential rains. The rainy season will last until the end of May. The hurricane season is from June to November. (Haiti Star)
The government needs land for massive relocation. Approximately 1,500 acres have already been identified on the perimeters of the capital. But the government only own 50 acres and is currently in negotiations with private landowners. Commissioner Gerald Brun hopes that at least 80% of the cost of acquiring the land will be carried by the international community and lending organizations and that the U.S. would cover the rest.
The land has to be prepared and services provided. This could take weeks, months, even years. "Our biggest challenge has been lack of clarity about who are the decision makers". (Haiti Press)
Haitian President Rene Preval is calling for food aid to be stopped in favor of agricultural investment. For Haitians, near total dependence on imported food has been a disaster. Today Haiti depends on the outside world for nearly all of its sustenance. About 80% of all rice is imported. The country is unable to feed itself after years of relying on others for sustenance. "A combination of food aid, but also cheap imports have resulted in a lack of investment in Haitian farming and that has to be reversed", John Holmes, UN Humanitarian Chief.
Haiti's government is asking for $722 million to invest in agriculture. (Haiti Star)
The Dominican Republic has said it will donate 1,500 tons for seeds for Haiti to restart the farming industry. Ecuador has also donated 20,000 seeds for trees to be planted in the DR and Haiti in the following months. (Listin)
U. S. troops are withdrawing from Port au Prince, from 20,000 down to 8,000. Haitians are anxious that the most visible part of international aid is ending. U. S troops see their mission as completed: they provided emergency medical care, security, distributed emergency food and water rations, helped reopen the airport and seaport. The USNS Comfort has left after treating 8,600 patients. (Haiti Globe)
The Canadian army withdraws from Haiti with 2000 military personnel. As of today, there are less than 500 left in the country. They are handing security over to Non-governmental organizations. The last ones will be out by April 1. (Le Nouvelliste)
March 26, 2010
March 19, 2010
Haiti Herald, March 19, 2010
It's raining!! And the people are not prepared. First rain - then mud. The hard rain fell during the night. People tried to stay warm in their tents and in the morning had to deal with rivers of mud. It is estimated that another 200,000 tents are needed for the earthquake victims. The participants of the Conference held in Santo Domingo this past week pledged 70,000 more tents. They are hopeful that the summit in New York on March 31 will be able to find the remaining 130,000. (Le Nouvelliste)
Five areas have been approved by the government as lodging camps for earthquake victims and 8 other lots have been designated for rubble areas. The first camp would be located 15 km outside of Port au Prince with room for 10,000 people. These new cities would be equipped with police, parks, clinics and bathrooms. The government has also initiated a program to inspect housing that was not damaged in the quake to allow people and businesses to move back into their buildings. (Haiti en Marche)
Still no formal date for the reopening of school. Some classes are being given in tents. It is not officially called "school" but academic activities. This is seen as a method to help children adapt to a routine of school-like activities. Students are grouped by their level of academic ability and not by age. The goal is to get them involved in mental activities to keep their minds active. (Haiti Press)
Marie Brutus wrote an article in Le Nouvelliste in which she described the dilemma of the Haitian doctors. "It is urgent and important to help the wounded, but we also need to think about the doctors from here. The foreign doctors came in great numbers and with a great amount of free medicine so that now a Haitian surgeon or orthopedist cannot find anyplace to work or practice. Nevertheless, these doctors have family responsibilities but they don't have international aid to pay them long-term. And even as we recognize the need for the international aid, you must admit that long term - since the aid will only continue a few more months, maybe a year- this situation will be disadvantageous for Haitian professionals. This aid will have a negative effect on our medical students and young doctors who, not seeing any future in their field, will leave the country at a time when the country needs them the most.
Whereas the foreign medical aid is abundant and on one hand is necessary for the population, on the other hand Haitian doctors are worried about the future. The personnel from some hospitals is already disposable since these hospitals, not generating any profit, cannot pay the doctors. What will happen to these doctors once the fever of the earthquake has passed? What will happen when the foreign meds smother the local health sector? What will happen to the Haitian doctors, once the international medical aid has totally absorbed (or almost) all of our clientele?" (Le Nouvelliste)
Five areas have been approved by the government as lodging camps for earthquake victims and 8 other lots have been designated for rubble areas. The first camp would be located 15 km outside of Port au Prince with room for 10,000 people. These new cities would be equipped with police, parks, clinics and bathrooms. The government has also initiated a program to inspect housing that was not damaged in the quake to allow people and businesses to move back into their buildings. (Haiti en Marche)
Still no formal date for the reopening of school. Some classes are being given in tents. It is not officially called "school" but academic activities. This is seen as a method to help children adapt to a routine of school-like activities. Students are grouped by their level of academic ability and not by age. The goal is to get them involved in mental activities to keep their minds active. (Haiti Press)
Marie Brutus wrote an article in Le Nouvelliste in which she described the dilemma of the Haitian doctors. "It is urgent and important to help the wounded, but we also need to think about the doctors from here. The foreign doctors came in great numbers and with a great amount of free medicine so that now a Haitian surgeon or orthopedist cannot find anyplace to work or practice. Nevertheless, these doctors have family responsibilities but they don't have international aid to pay them long-term. And even as we recognize the need for the international aid, you must admit that long term - since the aid will only continue a few more months, maybe a year- this situation will be disadvantageous for Haitian professionals. This aid will have a negative effect on our medical students and young doctors who, not seeing any future in their field, will leave the country at a time when the country needs them the most.
Whereas the foreign medical aid is abundant and on one hand is necessary for the population, on the other hand Haitian doctors are worried about the future. The personnel from some hospitals is already disposable since these hospitals, not generating any profit, cannot pay the doctors. What will happen to these doctors once the fever of the earthquake has passed? What will happen when the foreign meds smother the local health sector? What will happen to the Haitian doctors, once the international medical aid has totally absorbed (or almost) all of our clientele?" (Le Nouvelliste)
March 15, 2010
"I will bless them"
Sundays are al
ways the highlight of the week as it gives us the opportunity to hear God's Word with the whole community of believers and to enjoy the fellowship of other Christians. The public worship service also gives each of us the privilege of serving others through words of encouragement and the joy of giving an offering for the work of extending the gospel.
This past Sun
day was especially exciting in two ways. In the morning service at Moca, a new member was received through the sacrament of baptism. Pastor Alex gave a beautiful message reminding all of us of our need for baptism because of our sinful nature, and of the blessings of the water connected with the Word. What joy for every member to be reassured of their forgiveness, but especially for our newest member, received into the family of God and made an heir of heaven.
In the a
fternoon service at Pueblo Nuevo, Pastor Juan received a new member into the congregation through the rite of confirmation. Patricia confessed her faith publicly before the congregation and was received as a new member of "Soldados de Cristo". The Lord constantly pours out His blessings on us and on his people and moments like these remind us of His work among the people, creating faith in hearts and drawing more souls to him to be his forever.
ways the highlight of the week as it gives us the opportunity to hear God's Word with the whole community of believers and to enjoy the fellowship of other Christians. The public worship service also gives each of us the privilege of serving others through words of encouragement and the joy of giving an offering for the work of extending the gospel.This past Sun
day was especially exciting in two ways. In the morning service at Moca, a new member was received through the sacrament of baptism. Pastor Alex gave a beautiful message reminding all of us of our need for baptism because of our sinful nature, and of the blessings of the water connected with the Word. What joy for every member to be reassured of their forgiveness, but especially for our newest member, received into the family of God and made an heir of heaven.In the a
fternoon service at Pueblo Nuevo, Pastor Juan received a new member into the congregation through the rite of confirmation. Patricia confessed her faith publicly before the congregation and was received as a new member of "Soldados de Cristo". The Lord constantly pours out His blessings on us and on his people and moments like these remind us of His work among the people, creating faith in hearts and drawing more souls to him to be his forever.
March 11, 2010
Exploratory Work
Rona returned from his first two-week exploratory trip to Haiti. He had found his family members and visited with them both in Cap Haitian and Port au Prince. They are all doing fine and are waiting to see how the government will remedy their housing situation. Finding food is still a difficulty and most people spend many hours waiting in lines for coupons and for groceries.
Rona's objective
on these trips into Haiti is to make contacts to see about the viability of starting a group in one of the cities. He handed out many copies of "The Promise" in Creole and in French. When he goes back on future trips, he will see if he is able to locate these people again (besides his family). The people in Port au Prince may be relocated by the government into smaller and more manageable "tent cities" so finding them again may be difficult. Cell phone service is still unreliable and electricity is also frequently out.In other news, we made a trip down to Santo Domingo this past week to renew some of our legal papers. To b
e legal, we need to maintain an ID card and also a residence card. The residence card is a must for entering or leaving the country. The ID card is usually needed for banking or credit card transactions. The whole process, including the two hour trip (one way) to the capital, took eight hours and cost about $100 each. This is really quite smooth in comparison to other countries where we have lived and we were thankful there were no complications. These cards are valid for another two years.
March 5, 2010
Haiti Herald, March 5, 2010
Madame Kim Bolduc, a representative of the UN, said "People expect Haiti to be better this time around. With the amount of solidarity Haiti has received from all over the world, we will do better this time". (Haiti Globe)
This is a partial list of the solidarity that is coming to Haiti:(from Financial Edge)
U.S. $100 million, rescue teams, Coast Guard assistance, port assistance, medical ships
Guyana $1 million
Norway $17.5 million, also set up a Red Cross hospital
Trinidad and Tobago $1 million
Australia $10 million
Britain $10 million, 71 rescue specialists
South Korea $1 million
Finland $1.8 million
The European Union will donate $135 million for government buildings and schools (this is only a third of what they will be donating).
Brazil will help Haiti develop a hydro-electric power project.
Costa Rica and Dominican Republic have offered to help reforest Haiti. (El Nacional)
Irish telecommunication company Digicel will donate $5 million to repair the phone network.
On the health front, there have been 11 confirmed cases of malaria among emergency medical personnel (Haiti Star). There are more cases expected with the rains that are coming regularly since last week. There have also been several cases of leptospirosos, a rare and severe bacterial infection. (Haiti Globe) This disease is generally thought to be caused by rat urine or feces in food. The rains will also facilitate the spread of this disease.
Now that it is raining, the rains will run through the rubble still remaining throughout the city. In this rubble there are still many decomposing bodies. The flow of rain will carry this contaminated water through the streets of the camps. The sanitary and health problems seem insurmountable. Rains weren't expected to begin this soon, the heavy showers of last weekend soaked many and caused 13 deaths.
Tents were purchased this week from China. People need tents but Charles Clermont, Presidential Counsel for Housing Commission says there isn't enough free room to set up another 200,000 tents in Port au Prince. Many are also saying that the tents are too expensive for a temporary solution: too hot when the sun shines and not enough protection when it rains, and only a temporary solution. Most of the families currently using tents will need housing for 3-5 years. At $100 - $150 per tent, Clermont suggests using these funds to purchase shelter kits instead. Each kit comes with sheets of tin, posts and other building materials.
Another complication caused by the tents is the fire hazard they pose. Since there is no electricity, people are cooking on open fires outside their tents and using wax candles for light at night. (Le Nouvelliste)
Homes that are still standing are being inspected to insure that they are safe for people to move back in. But with the earthquake of last week (4.7), people are more afraid than ever to live under any kind of cement or brick roof. Many who were inside their homes have decided to sleep outside because of safety concerns.
This is a partial list of the solidarity that is coming to Haiti:(from Financial Edge)
U.S. $100 million, rescue teams, Coast Guard assistance, port assistance, medical ships
Guyana $1 million
Norway $17.5 million, also set up a Red Cross hospital
Trinidad and Tobago $1 million
Australia $10 million
Britain $10 million, 71 rescue specialists
South Korea $1 million
Finland $1.8 million
The European Union will donate $135 million for government buildings and schools (this is only a third of what they will be donating).
Brazil will help Haiti develop a hydro-electric power project.
Costa Rica and Dominican Republic have offered to help reforest Haiti. (El Nacional)
Irish telecommunication company Digicel will donate $5 million to repair the phone network.
On the health front, there have been 11 confirmed cases of malaria among emergency medical personnel (Haiti Star). There are more cases expected with the rains that are coming regularly since last week. There have also been several cases of leptospirosos, a rare and severe bacterial infection. (Haiti Globe) This disease is generally thought to be caused by rat urine or feces in food. The rains will also facilitate the spread of this disease.
Now that it is raining, the rains will run through the rubble still remaining throughout the city. In this rubble there are still many decomposing bodies. The flow of rain will carry this contaminated water through the streets of the camps. The sanitary and health problems seem insurmountable. Rains weren't expected to begin this soon, the heavy showers of last weekend soaked many and caused 13 deaths.
Tents were purchased this week from China. People need tents but Charles Clermont, Presidential Counsel for Housing Commission says there isn't enough free room to set up another 200,000 tents in Port au Prince. Many are also saying that the tents are too expensive for a temporary solution: too hot when the sun shines and not enough protection when it rains, and only a temporary solution. Most of the families currently using tents will need housing for 3-5 years. At $100 - $150 per tent, Clermont suggests using these funds to purchase shelter kits instead. Each kit comes with sheets of tin, posts and other building materials.
Another complication caused by the tents is the fire hazard they pose. Since there is no electricity, people are cooking on open fires outside their tents and using wax candles for light at night. (Le Nouvelliste)
Homes that are still standing are being inspected to insure that they are safe for people to move back in. But with the earthquake of last week (4.7), people are more afraid than ever to live under any kind of cement or brick roof. Many who were inside their homes have decided to sleep outside because of safety concerns.
March 1, 2010
San Pedro Celebrates 5 Years
This Feb. the congregation, "El Amor de Jesucristo Lo Vence Todo", celebrated their fifth year anniversary of the dedication of their building. In a joyful worship service, Pastor Julio Corporan emphasized their thankfulness for being brought to know the truth and he encouraged the members to continue living lives of gratitude to their Savior.
San Pedro is on the southeast end of the island. By far, the poorest of the Lutheran con
gregations in the Dominican Republic, they are rich in witnessing. This small group, though it has meager offerings, does a great deal of outreach. They have contacts and small groups in such cities as La Romana, Quisqueya, and Higuey and are also working in several barrios within the city of San Pedro itself: Barrio Lindo, Honduras and in several outlying bateys (where the cane workers live).What a joy to
hear them speak of their witnessing opportunities and what an even greater joy for them to share the Savior with others. May the Holy Spirit help us to do the same.
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