Haiti Herald, March 26, 2010

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)