Thursday, June 18, 2015
L'Union Fait la Force : Flag Day
______________________________________________________________________-
Flag Day- May 18th
My posts have been long overdue. It is Flag Day here in Haiti. Part of the reason for this is the election
process. I’m a bit fascinated by it. And
it seems there is news about it every day. These
elections are long overdue. It is not
even a sure thing that they will happen on schedule – the first round is set
for August 28th. There are
about 140 positions for senators and deputies and mayors in many cities
throughout the 10 departments add more. There are about 2000 plus candidates
for these few positions. This is also
the final year of President Michelle Martelly’s
reign. Since January, and with a
‘temporary government’ in place, he has ruled by decree- like a king. The number of candidates for president has
been trimmed from 50-something to about 24 now. The number of political parties
reduced to 125.
In the US, although we do have more than 2 parties, the
Republicans and the Democrats have held the power for the last century. We may not always agree with our party of
choice, and we have the right to change our choice, the strength of one party
over the other often causes change to go into effect. In the US, the president can also run for
second term back to back- often when the incumbent wins, the second term is
much more productive. The President has
nothing to lose by fighting for what he has wanted since his first
election. In Haiti, the president cannot
run for a second consecutive term, so he is going to fight for his choice for
his party- with the hope of back to back to back of victories. Aristide-Preval-Aristide-Preval had their
opportunity although Aristide couldn’t hold up his end of the bargain, Preval
was the only president to complete 2 full terms in office- in over 200 years. Until
Martelly, the King of Kompas turned King, err President of Haiti. The first round of Presidential elections is
set for October 25, with the run-off election of top 2 vote getters scheduled
for late December.
The motto on the Haitian flag is L’Union Fait La Force or
Unity Makes Strength.
Not to be disrespectful but I find great irony in this in so
many ways. With 2000 candidates, it is
obvious that the 125 parties, have more than a few candidates for each
position. So even as those 2000 are
spread out over the 10 departments, there are still a lot of candidates to
learn about. What if you can’t read? And
if you are not aligned to any particular party, say you are able to vote for
the first time- how do you choose which party meets your personal views. And
how are your views formed? In my home,
growing up, I always thought my dad was a democrat and was never sure about my
mom as she never really seemed to care about politics- maybe she was too busy
as a farmer’s wife but it was always a little confusing as my dad kept saying
he voted for Harry S. It wasn’t until
many years later, when Obama was running for president that I saw each of them
differently and probably more honestly.
I had always viewed my dad as the more progressive, more enlightened,
more open if you will UNTIL Sarah came into the scene…but I digress here and
since my dad is no longer here to debate or in fact to defend himself, I shall
have to move on. My mom likes Obama and
after my dad died, she received a letter from him, thanking my father for his
service to his country. She hung it
above the chair he always sat in and thought it quite funny.
Back to Haiti…family history most
likely is first influence in a young person’s political views as is probably
true of everyone. In Haiti, the influence, and reactions, may be a little
stronger in some cases, depending on the family history in politics or because
of politics. Dictatorships, coups, violence, poverty tends to affect people’s
thinking. There seems to be a tendency
here that if people are promised change and then when change is too slow the politician
falls out of favor. The President for change,
the King of Kompas, had a huge task placed in front of him in taking on this crown
after the 2010 earthquake. The election
of 2010 was drawn out nearly 6 months before he took office, the country still
reeling from earthquake, then hurricanes, and cholera, foreign ‘experts’ all over the country with
their own ideas of what this country needs most, and
not to mention the government and the people, themselves. His popularity goes up and down like Obama’s.
As I read about and reflect on the
politics of Haiti on this Flag Day holiday, they are really no different than
politics in the US or probably anywhere. Just as interesting or not, just as corrupt,
dull, confusing, frustrating, and controversial, as anywhere. Difficult to trust who may be honest or who
can get the job done after all the political rhetoric is put to rest and the
wheels need greased. Living here, I feel
a great distance from the politics of the US and have little to do with politics
here in my adopted country.
Unity Makes Strength. I think whoever has the number #10 next to
his name will have an excellent chance of winning.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Haiti- Rising Above the Rubble- 5 Years Later
Today, like most other Sundays I have off is spent like many Sundays people spend here in Haiti or anywhere really. Watching the whatever big game is on TV, relaxing, washing the car, going to the barber, relaxing....But as if I could forget, google news is reminding me that 5 years ago, life changed for many people. Five years ago today, Haiti had a relatively peaceful, stable and relatively functioning government. But on January 12, 2010 everything changed. The earth rumbled, the earth trembled and the walls fell. The houses fell. The businesses fell and the government fell.
Amongst the rubble, good intentions rose and 'Build Back Better' became the chant that would solve all the problems over the next 5 years. Promotion of jobs for everyone. Promotion of tourism. Improved security with the Politour - a new security police trained to provide security for those tourists that would come pouring in to visit the new and improved version of Haiti. Unfortunately, the good intentions have seemingly faded under the sun.
Anti-Martelly protests have filled the streets regularly these past months. The Prime Minister was asked to resign as part of a deal to soothe someones ruffled feathers in December. International Governments are calling for accountability.
Tomorrow marks 5 years since the earthquake but because elections haven't been held at anytime during the past 4 years, it will also mark the end of a Democratic government- amidst cries of corruption, Martelly will become the president turned dictator until elections are actually held.
The presidential elections are due to be held in November, but elections for Senators, Deputies, Mayors whose terms have expired over the years are supposed to be held in April. or May. or who knows.
As reporters descend upon the country to cover the anniversary, they also have fodder to make negative headlines because its what sells. 'Where's the transparency?", Tens of Thousands Still Living in Tents, Cholera Epidemic Haunts Haiti, 'Effects of Quake still felt by Canadians'.
In short, the world wanted a slight miracle to happen apparently- That Haiti- the same one without much of an infrastructure and not much history for transparency, the same one with poor medical facilities and even worse police department was to turn itself upside down and inside out to be whatever foreign governments wanted it to be.
And yet despite it all, progress has been made. Progress is happening. Despite the governments lack of functionality and transparency
Yes, it is very disturbing to know that there are about 70 thousand families still living in make-shift tent and scraps of found metal and wood. It's sad the a US judge recently dismissed the lawsuit against the UN for its responsibility for bringing cholera to a country that hadn't seen this epidemic and deadly disease in generations.
This Haiti where over 150 new schools have been built; roads have been paved; hospitals and clinics are providing better than ever healthcare and rehabilitation. Tourists are coming. Bike races, marathons, and even polo are competing with the national sport of soccer for attention. Over a million people that lost homes, do have homes. Government buildings are being built.
On this eve, its been reported that a new political accord is about to be signed before the midnight deadline. Perhaps the political impasse will be avoided by this; perhaps not, but the people of Haiti should recognize that the possibilities with Build Back Better are indeed happening. It is up to the people of Haiti to rise above the daily hardships, to let their voices be heard in the solidarity and strength they showed when the earth rumbled and trembled and the walls came down.
I hope the walls stay down and rising in their place is hope that in the coming 5 years we will see a stable government that represents the people will be put into place and those 10's of thousand people will find permanent and safe homes, education and healthcare will reach new standards of excellence, and cholera will once again be history.
Amongst the rubble, good intentions rose and 'Build Back Better' became the chant that would solve all the problems over the next 5 years. Promotion of jobs for everyone. Promotion of tourism. Improved security with the Politour - a new security police trained to provide security for those tourists that would come pouring in to visit the new and improved version of Haiti. Unfortunately, the good intentions have seemingly faded under the sun.
Anti-Martelly protests have filled the streets regularly these past months. The Prime Minister was asked to resign as part of a deal to soothe someones ruffled feathers in December. International Governments are calling for accountability.
Tomorrow marks 5 years since the earthquake but because elections haven't been held at anytime during the past 4 years, it will also mark the end of a Democratic government- amidst cries of corruption, Martelly will become the president turned dictator until elections are actually held.
The presidential elections are due to be held in November, but elections for Senators, Deputies, Mayors whose terms have expired over the years are supposed to be held in April. or May. or who knows.
As reporters descend upon the country to cover the anniversary, they also have fodder to make negative headlines because its what sells. 'Where's the transparency?", Tens of Thousands Still Living in Tents, Cholera Epidemic Haunts Haiti, 'Effects of Quake still felt by Canadians'.
In short, the world wanted a slight miracle to happen apparently- That Haiti- the same one without much of an infrastructure and not much history for transparency, the same one with poor medical facilities and even worse police department was to turn itself upside down and inside out to be whatever foreign governments wanted it to be.
And yet despite it all, progress has been made. Progress is happening. Despite the governments lack of functionality and transparency
Yes, it is very disturbing to know that there are about 70 thousand families still living in make-shift tent and scraps of found metal and wood. It's sad the a US judge recently dismissed the lawsuit against the UN for its responsibility for bringing cholera to a country that hadn't seen this epidemic and deadly disease in generations.
This Haiti where over 150 new schools have been built; roads have been paved; hospitals and clinics are providing better than ever healthcare and rehabilitation. Tourists are coming. Bike races, marathons, and even polo are competing with the national sport of soccer for attention. Over a million people that lost homes, do have homes. Government buildings are being built.
On this eve, its been reported that a new political accord is about to be signed before the midnight deadline. Perhaps the political impasse will be avoided by this; perhaps not, but the people of Haiti should recognize that the possibilities with Build Back Better are indeed happening. It is up to the people of Haiti to rise above the daily hardships, to let their voices be heard in the solidarity and strength they showed when the earth rumbled and trembled and the walls came down.
I hope the walls stay down and rising in their place is hope that in the coming 5 years we will see a stable government that represents the people will be put into place and those 10's of thousand people will find permanent and safe homes, education and healthcare will reach new standards of excellence, and cholera will once again be history.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Turning Back Time- In Haiti
Daylight Savings Time started this morning- as I was reminded in a 6 am text message. My opportunity to take advantage of the extra hour of lost to the chime on my phone. The darkness that was there yesterday morning suddenly replaced by light making further slumber impossible.
I laid in bed thinking about the passage of time, turning back time.
Passage of time- Jean Claude Duvalier, mostly better known as Baby Doc died recently and as a private funeral was held, the passage of an era known only to those of age before 1986 and by those since in the stories of their families.
Turning back time this morning, would I change anything other than to get that extra hour of sleep? Its a tough question that indicates regrets. Having regrets is non-productive. Certainly, I have traded some precious time with my family and friends, but in knowing they were developing and living their own lives, its not necessarily quantity of time spent but he quality- the time you do have with those you love and miss you give your full attention.
We choose the road we take (or its chosen for us) in life based on many factors. Our experiences in life, our growth through those experiences, our sense of adventure, the people we meet and those that have influenced us in some way through their lifes' experiences.
I remember my dad's aunt once telling me that I should seek to travel and that working for the United Nations was a way to do that. As a 12 year old farm girl, I had no idea what that meant. but I never forgot it. She herself was passionate about travel and did so often, even well into her 80's.
Did that have any influence in the direction I've taken years later? May there is some parallel universe that nudges us to veer off the 'normal' path or take that right turn at the crossroads.
However I got here, it has taken me on another path. I have a new job and am 6 weeks into managing the HHH Klinik. My title is Coordinator of Programs for Education. A change and a challenge and a way to use the 20 plus years of working in rehab and along side of some pretty awesome people in Portland and now 5 years in Port au Prince. I don't have time to turn back more than an hour on this road from 'Port au Port'.
I laid in bed thinking about the passage of time, turning back time.
Passage of time- Jean Claude Duvalier, mostly better known as Baby Doc died recently and as a private funeral was held, the passage of an era known only to those of age before 1986 and by those since in the stories of their families.
Turning back time this morning, would I change anything other than to get that extra hour of sleep? Its a tough question that indicates regrets. Having regrets is non-productive. Certainly, I have traded some precious time with my family and friends, but in knowing they were developing and living their own lives, its not necessarily quantity of time spent but he quality- the time you do have with those you love and miss you give your full attention.
We choose the road we take (or its chosen for us) in life based on many factors. Our experiences in life, our growth through those experiences, our sense of adventure, the people we meet and those that have influenced us in some way through their lifes' experiences.
I remember my dad's aunt once telling me that I should seek to travel and that working for the United Nations was a way to do that. As a 12 year old farm girl, I had no idea what that meant. but I never forgot it. She herself was passionate about travel and did so often, even well into her 80's.
Did that have any influence in the direction I've taken years later? May there is some parallel universe that nudges us to veer off the 'normal' path or take that right turn at the crossroads.
However I got here, it has taken me on another path. I have a new job and am 6 weeks into managing the HHH Klinik. My title is Coordinator of Programs for Education. A change and a challenge and a way to use the 20 plus years of working in rehab and along side of some pretty awesome people in Portland and now 5 years in Port au Prince. I don't have time to turn back more than an hour on this road from 'Port au Port'.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Politics and Play
Egads! Its been ages since I've updated my blog...A lot has happened since that last post. What inspires me to write is pretty random at best. It is usually something unexpected or a situation I am grappling with that leads a million different thoughts floating in my head in those hours of dark that I should be sleeping. Concrete solutions don't necessarily follow however- at least not last night.
The big news this week has been the prison break with 329 prisoners escaping, the most notorious, an alleged and confessed kidnapper was caught along with about 19 others over the past few days. The Haiti National Police force are said to be working hard searching for the rest while questions swirl about how this could happen in the newest and most secure prison in Haiti. I think it is all about politics. This is supposed to be the year of elections- which were scheduled for October 26 but have been postponed...
Politics in US, especially in a major election year is mostly annoying to me. Campaign sound bites, constant ads, negative speechifying and the amounts of money spent are ridiculous. For some reason, here in Haiti, I find it fascinating. Of course, what I understand is that I will never understand it. There are so many levels - not the least of them is the history. I read a list of the parties that have registered- well over a hundred and those don't include some of the major parties. Campaign speeches are limited to a few months before the actual election is to take place. I've been told that a candidate must have $300,000 to register and campaign. That means a candidate must be rich to fund his own or more likely someone funding his campaign. If however, if you are not in a majority, where do you get the funds? So I will follow, listen and try to understand all of the complexities knowing as I do so, I never will. Everyone has an opinion, everyone has a story- or memory, of past elections or the dictatorship of Papa Doc and his son that pretty much dictates how they feel about voting. I think only one President (Preval) has full-filled his full term of election, twice. Although many did not vote in the last election, most all were quite happy that Martelly was elected as he promised people that change would come, that the country was open for business (his campaign slogan). However, as this year progresses, there are usual signs of discontent- manifestations being just one indicator. If you ask people if they are satisfied with the progress made- and there has been progress over the last 4 years, unless it directly impact their life, they aren't really satisfied. Itswa or tripotai- stories and gossip- are more readily spread and believed. On a personal level they don't believe their vote matters. But this is no different anywhere else, is it?
On a more fun note, last Sunday a group of us went to Jacmel for the day- a walk along the board walk, a little shopping and lunch on the beach, mostly just a relaxing getaway from the big city. Returning to Port au Prince- and home, was not as relaxing as once we reached the outskirts of the city, we got into traffic. Literally, 2 and 1/2 hours of sitting or inching was spent people watching, speculating about the traffic problem- and solving the countries problems. Once we got moving, it took no time at all to get to the guesthouse with the driver finding streets and short cuts to avoid anymore traffic. As patient as he was, he was definitely tired of it.
Tomorrow is a holiday, so we have a 3 day weekend to fill with activities or not. Maybe some time at the pool, maybe a day trip to the beach. It will be a topic of discussion at the dinner table tonight.
Variety of photos from Jacmel
The big news this week has been the prison break with 329 prisoners escaping, the most notorious, an alleged and confessed kidnapper was caught along with about 19 others over the past few days. The Haiti National Police force are said to be working hard searching for the rest while questions swirl about how this could happen in the newest and most secure prison in Haiti. I think it is all about politics. This is supposed to be the year of elections- which were scheduled for October 26 but have been postponed...
Politics in US, especially in a major election year is mostly annoying to me. Campaign sound bites, constant ads, negative speechifying and the amounts of money spent are ridiculous. For some reason, here in Haiti, I find it fascinating. Of course, what I understand is that I will never understand it. There are so many levels - not the least of them is the history. I read a list of the parties that have registered- well over a hundred and those don't include some of the major parties. Campaign speeches are limited to a few months before the actual election is to take place. I've been told that a candidate must have $300,000 to register and campaign. That means a candidate must be rich to fund his own or more likely someone funding his campaign. If however, if you are not in a majority, where do you get the funds? So I will follow, listen and try to understand all of the complexities knowing as I do so, I never will. Everyone has an opinion, everyone has a story- or memory, of past elections or the dictatorship of Papa Doc and his son that pretty much dictates how they feel about voting. I think only one President (Preval) has full-filled his full term of election, twice. Although many did not vote in the last election, most all were quite happy that Martelly was elected as he promised people that change would come, that the country was open for business (his campaign slogan). However, as this year progresses, there are usual signs of discontent- manifestations being just one indicator. If you ask people if they are satisfied with the progress made- and there has been progress over the last 4 years, unless it directly impact their life, they aren't really satisfied. Itswa or tripotai- stories and gossip- are more readily spread and believed. On a personal level they don't believe their vote matters. But this is no different anywhere else, is it?
On a more fun note, last Sunday a group of us went to Jacmel for the day- a walk along the board walk, a little shopping and lunch on the beach, mostly just a relaxing getaway from the big city. Returning to Port au Prince- and home, was not as relaxing as once we reached the outskirts of the city, we got into traffic. Literally, 2 and 1/2 hours of sitting or inching was spent people watching, speculating about the traffic problem- and solving the countries problems. Once we got moving, it took no time at all to get to the guesthouse with the driver finding streets and short cuts to avoid anymore traffic. As patient as he was, he was definitely tired of it.
Tomorrow is a holiday, so we have a 3 day weekend to fill with activities or not. Maybe some time at the pool, maybe a day trip to the beach. It will be a topic of discussion at the dinner table tonight.
Variety of photos from Jacmel
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Stained Glass Windows
Sitting on the hard bench, watching the sun shine through the blue, red, yellow, green and white plastic roofing that resembles stained glass for the congregation I reflected on all that I am thankful for...it was my first visit to attend a church service in a number of years. My staff have all but given up asking me. To be honest the first church service I’ve attended in Haiti many years ago left me feeling less than reverent.
I did not grow up in a family that was religious. Maybe my folks fulfilled their spiritual needs living in the country through hard work on the family farm. This I don’t know as it was never discussed. Through friends and neighbors, I did attend Bible studies, Sunday school, summer bible school and even summer Bible camp. Whether this was my mom’s attempt at offering me the choice or to get me out of her hair so she could do her work (more likely) really makes no difference at this point.
The service this morning was mainly in Kreyol, and while I could catch a few words, I didn’t have enough comprehension to follow the sermon. The peacefulness - spiritualness I felt was no different than when I sit gazing at the trees and birds, listening to the little river rippling below. Its simply a different setting.
Whatever setting, it is good to have that time to reflect on the wonders of our lives...who knew that little country girl would end up at the other end of life in a far and away different life as lived by my mother.
I guess I should thank Jill, Kate and Nancy for asking me if I ever thought of taking a mission trip and Matt too for that matter. They took this country bumpkin into a bigger world. It’s been my life adventure. I know many people that have traveled to many parts of the world and have seen and experienced much more than I - even my kids have seen far more places. I’m grateful for their bravery and sense of adventure and hope they will continue to explore outside their boundaries. For me, it seems Haiti suits me. Maybe I am just looking through stained glass windows this morning, but am content and happy.
I’m sure its given me much more, taught me much more than I have given in return.
Its all about learning and living each day isn’t it? Good to have a weekend such as this one to remind me.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
The array of photos are not exactly in order of story that follows but I hope you will enjoy seeing them.
New Jerry art
New Jerry art
Happy Flag Day, celebration 211 years of Haitian Flag, May 18th 
I passed on this veve, and kind of regret it. 
Montana pool 
Playing Casino at the Iron Market
at the beach
Mini manifestation
Driving to Jacmel
Welcome to Jacmel
Refreshment
Boardwalk
Our guides and security- The Brothers Dade
Frandy, Jean Jean, Ti Wes
a little birthday celebration..
The top of the National Museum- no photos allowed inside.
arriving at Basin Bleu
Car wash and spa
My friend Beth whom I will miss very much and Karol
my mom
my brother
my baby boy
Be safe, I love you!
Five months into 2014- time to write an update to my blog site. I just returned from vacation in Portland where I celebrated the birthdays of 2 of my now grown up kids, celebrated the life of my mother in law, visited my mom, caught up with friends (though not enough of them- sorry Jody and Linda) and said see you in a year to my son being deployed to the middle east as security for cargo ships ala Captain Phillips-style. A bitter sweet time to say the least.
Back now for a few days, I’ve nearly caught up with work missed while away which sort of takes away from the fun of vacation doesn’t it? Upon arrival I found that Chikungunya fever has turned into an epidemic - many of our staff have had or are coming down with this nasty viral mosquito borne disease causing headache and joint pain lasting 2-3 days generally. I’ll try to protect myself and hope that I don’t get bit but I’m guessing they aren’t very discriminate as to who those stealth buggers bite.
In the past 5 months since writing an update to my blog, I’ve had the good fortune to have many old friends / teams visit and made some new friends from far away places. I’ve said good bye to others as they have left, knowing their presence will be missed. One of my favorite things to do is show people the ‘other’ side of Haiti, to experience the cultural side of Haiti. The National Museum is interesting and beautiful, the Iron Market is a crazy fun place to find ‘bargain’ artisan crafts if you are a strong barterer and Champ Mas is full of statues that represent the country’s history. And of course there are the beaches!
We had a four day Easter holiday weekend and decided to head out of the city. We first visited one of my favorite places, Jacmel, a southern coastal city about a 2 hours drive on wind-y roads through a couple of mountain ranges. Jacmel is the sleepy, but charming little sister to Port au Prince. But she is waking up- the new ‘boardwalk’ along the sea is beautiful with its wide mosaic path beautiful in the glow of street lamps. The town square is being renovated to provide a hang out for friends. My friends and I stayed with the family of my driver and also visited their home in the mountains of Jacmel. Our gracious host, Lucienne fed us spaghetti for breakfast and kreyol chicken for dinner; we received fruit fresh off the trees to more than satisfy our thirst- the sweet tang of grapefruit called chadduk, juicy little mandarins, the creamy white flesh of corosol and coconut milk- after the hike up the mountain trail.
To wash off the heat of the hike, we bathed in the cooling waters of Basin Bleu. Basin Bleu is actually a series of 3 fresh water ponds reflecting a true aqua from the sky. A guide takes you along the 15 minute trail to the final pond filled by the rushing waterfall cascading over the rock walls surrounding the grotto. My first visit to Bassin Bleu years ago, I was too afraid to jump from the rocks; apparently, I’ve become more adventurous because I jumped (not from the top of course) but it seemed high enough.
The next day we went to the river to wash the van and bathe in the river- a totally Haitian experience. The river thought relatively small was just warm enough and fast enough to lay in and feel as if you were receiving a relaxing massage. We did block out the fact that there were probably more cars being cleaned, laundry and bodies being washed up river from us and just reveled in the moment. The afternoon was spent at a beach with the local crowd, sellers of jewelry, and wooden carvings wanting us to bargain for a good price as we dined on the fresh fish, piklis and banane washed down with Prestige and Barbincourt. Later we shopped downtown for some of the paper mache masks that Jacmel is famous for.
The third day of our road trip took us to Aquin for the annual Jazz Music Festival. We rented a couple of tents, relaxed on the beach before exploring the city square in search of dinner and then spent the evening enjoying some great music including Boukman Eksperyans. Although the tents were not on the beach as they were the first time I came to Aquin, the sleeping mats were much better, a slightly more comfortable but less romantic than sleeping on the beach 20 feet from the sea.
The next day we returned to Port au Prince, early enough to avoid the Rara bands in Leogane and to spend the late afternoon relaxing and reminiscing about our fun experience.
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