World Bank Pledges $50 Million for Water and Sanitation in Haiti

  • Posted on: 10 October 2014
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

The World Bank recently pledged $50 million for water and sanitation programs in Haiti.  The funding will cover all clinics and schools in rural areas that are considered hot-spots for cholera.  Haiti is one of a small number of countries in which sanitation deteriorated over the last twenty-five years. Investing in water and sanitation is essential for promoting public health.  More information follows:

Carnival Cruise Lines Plans to Build Cruise Port at Ile de la Tortue

  • Posted on: 6 August 2014
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Below is an article by David McFadden (Associated Press) concerning the planned development of a port on the Ile de la Tortue north of Port de Paix.  The island, poorer than most other parts of Haiti, would certainly benefit from the jobs that could potentially come with the port.  The main livelihood opportunities at present involve drug smuggling and construction of boats for fishing and/or smuggling.  This, along with international flights, opens up new possibilities for tourism in northern Haiti.

American Airlines to Offer Daily, Direct Flights to Cap Haïtien

  • Posted on: 1 August 2014
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

American Airlines will become the first major carrier to offer daily, direct flights to Cap Haitian.  The combination of historic sites and beaches might prove a draw for both the Haitian Diaspora and those interested in visiting Haiti without having to transfer through Port-au-Prince. Growing the tourism industry in Haiti will take time - but having the option of flighting in through the north certainly helps.    

U.S. State Department Releases 2014 Trafficking in Persons Report

  • Posted on: 7 July 2014
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Last month, the U.S. State Department released the 2014 Trafficking in Persons Report.  As in previous years, the report noted serious shortcomings in the Haitian government's efforts to prevent and respond to human trafficking.  There is some good news, though - in 2014 the Haitian government enacted a law to criminalize human trafficking which is a welcome and much-needed step.  The country narrative for Haiti follows below.  

IOM Reports 92 Percent Decrease in Number of Households Living in Camps

  • Posted on: 6 July 2014
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Solutions to displacement take time, coordination and resources.  According to a recent update by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the total number of households living in camps has decreased by 92 percent compared to four and a half years ago. The government-led rental subsidy program, supported by IOM and donors, has been instrumental in helping households transition.  For more information, view the full report.  

New Dominican Nationality Law Will Aid Some of the DR's Stateless

  • Posted on: 23 May 2014
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

The government of the Dominican Republic recently passed a nationality law which, by no means perfect, represents a step forward in addresssing statelessness.  The main difficulty now lies in its full implementation across the country.  Below is an article by Associated Press writers Ezequiel Abiu Lopez and Danica Coto that notes both positive and negative reactions to the nationality law.   

"Papa Machete": Short Film on Haitian Machete Fighting

  • Posted on: 21 May 2014
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

In Haiti, machetes are ubiquitous and versatile.  As Arielle Castro notes below, they are also the "Excalibur of the Caribbean".  In the case of Haiti, machetes were common weapons in the struggle for independence.  The short film, "Papa Machete", revolves around a Haitian machete-fighting instructor who lives and practices outside of Jacmel. The film producers have also launched a Kickstarter campaign to construct a new training facility.  More information on the history of Haitian machete fighting is available here.

Haiti Moves Towards Adoption of Counter-Trafficking Law

  • Posted on: 16 May 2014
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

The FY 2013 Department of State Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report notes Haiti is a source, transit and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking including 150,000 - 500,000 children (restaveks) in domestic servitude.  Given that, it is highly signficant that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) helped draft an anti-trafficking bill approved by the Haitian parliament.  It establishes a National Counter-Trafficking Committee and intends to improve prevention, prosecution, protection, and partnerships.

Drought in the Northeast Exacerbates Food Insecurity

  • Posted on: 20 March 2014
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

The Haitian Government and the Famine Early Warning System (FEWS-NET) report that a drought is causing food insecurity in northeast Haiti due to the loss of crops and livestock.  The National Coordination of Food Security Office and the World Food Program (WFP) are planning a response which will involve seed distribution to farmers and food distribution more broadly.  Below is a Miami Herald article with more information.   

Maire Chery, Haitian Nurse and Humanitarian, Dies at 59

  • Posted on: 13 March 2014
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Below is a Miami Herald article by Patrick Riley concerning the recent passing of Marie Chery.  I was fortunate to be able to work with her as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thomonde.  Marie was a good nurse, a model humanitarian, a strong community leader, and an excellent human being.  She died too early but, thanks to her, many more people have access to health care than they would otherwise.  Marie will be missed.  A good way to remember her would be through donations to organizations that support health care in Haiti.     

Pages