Cap Haitien

Over 766 Haitians who had been living in the United States with Temporary Protected Status have been deported to Cap Haitien.  They were working, educating their children, going to church and contributing to American communities before being sent back to a country that is even more insecure than when they left.  Cap Haitien is saturated with deportees - many do not want to stay but they remain as the routes to and beyond Port-au-Prince are unsafe, especially for women and girls.  Some of them will be hurt, even killed trying to reconnect with friends and family members who may be able to host them.  This is a cruel policy even for this Administration.  Please talk to your elected officials about ending the deportation of Haitians as soon as possible.  

Spirit Airlines has announced a new routing to Cap Haitien, Haiti's second largest city. Haiti was once, and could be yet again, a significant tourism destination - but this would be unlikely if tourists coudl only enter the country through a congested and unpedictable Port-au-Prince.  In Jamaica, most tourists fly into Montego Bay and bypass Kingston altogether.  Cap Haitien, with its history, beaches, and relative stability, may eventually become Haiti's Montego Bay.  Managed properly, increased tourism could be good for Cap Haitien and the north.  A full article on Spirit AIrline's recent announcement by Jacqueline Charles of the is linked and follows. 

Haiti can be a rewarding but challenging tourism destination.  Having an organization to help with logistics and orientation during the first visit can be helpful. The Kiskeya Guest House in Leogane, in addition to offering a nice place to stay outside of Port au Prince, now offers tours that celebrate Haiti's cultural traditions with an emphasis on Port au Prince, Jacmel and Cap Haitien.  Haitian anthropologist Jean-Yves Blot an Professor Erold Saint-Louis will lead the various trips and Haitian Creole immersion programs.  The agenda for their "Cultural and Mystical Haiti" tour follows.  Note:  The Kiskeya Guest House is associated with Kiskeya Aqua Ferme, a community initiative devoted to raising tilapia and growing cassava, hot peppers, and sweet potatos.