WHAT'S NEW
October 2004
Haiti continues to be unstable. The most recent
disaster in Gonaives from Hurricane Jeanne has brought desperation
to hundreds of thousands of people. In Haiti's third largest
city of approximately 200,000 people, there wasn't anyone who
was not affected by the disaster. Most people lost their homes
and any possessions they had leaving those who survived with
only the clothes on their backs. Nearly 2000 lives have been
lost with close to another 1000 missing. With little government
help and limited supplies of food and water the people have
raided whatever supply trucks have come in to deliver food.
Thugs have held up and rob supply trucks as well. A small UN
peace keeping force has been able to escort supply trucks to
help distribute food and water. Unfortunately there is not enough.
Now rioting in Port au Prince has slowed down the relief efforts.
The ports are being blocked and people are afraid to leave their
homes which is disrupting businesses, schools and slowing down
getting much needed supplies to the people of Gonaives. Any
delay of a day or two will be disastrous for the people that
desperately need the supplies.
There have been reports of murders and beheadings
in Port au Prince and now they are saying they will target Americans.
Road blocks and violence are becoming daily occurrences.
Our recent visit in late September to our work
in St. Marc and Deschappelles, which is only about 25 miles
south of Gonaives, allowed us to see what effect the situation
had on our projects. The orphanage did not receive any flooding
and St. Marc did not have any effect of the flooding as well.
We are hoping to get a team on the ground in late
October but the situation will need to subside drastically if
we are to accomplish this. Our plan is to get medical clinics
open in rural areas and get some work accomplished at the orphanage.
For up to date information and news please visit
the links provided.
http://www.haitinews.net/
http://search.news.yahoo.com/search/news/?c=news_photos&p=haiti
