An old friend of mine, based in the Dominican Republic, has just come back from a week-long assessment to design post-emergency recovery/development projects in Haiti. I thought you might find his insights of interest. He says: “…[we] spent a few days in Port-au-Prince …We saw the damage and talked to the Haitian people and I must say it was one of the loveliest experiences of my life. It was amazing to see so many people doing so much great work and with such energy and spirit, always with a smile, respect and hospitality; it really made me feel good to be back on Haitian soil, despite all the tragedy that has happened.
Haitians inside their new make-shift home
“The Haitian people are adorable, and they get on with life despite all the their hardships. We spoke with people who had lost their houses, family, friends in the earthquake and were living on the streets, but were always greeted with a smile and a sense of tranquillity and gratitude for our interest in their country and people.
Clearing up the rubble in Haiti
He continues: “From what I hear (I haven’t watched the TV for weeks), this is a very different impression than what the global media has been portraying; it’s very sad to hear that. I think the Haitians must be some of the most remarkable people on Earth, having gone through what they have gone through, yet 3 weeks later they are up and running and getting on with their lives. Not at any time did we feel threatened, and we went to some of the poorest and most run down neighbourhoods in the city. In fact, the most uncomfortable I felt was when seeing these ridiculous tanks and army vehicles with UN or US soldiers – absolutely absurd – amongst the poor people walking past them on foot. I remember feeling the same 5 years ago when I was living there.”
If you would like to make a donation to help the relief effort I suggest you contact Avaaz or the Disasters Emergency Committee.