Landing in Haiti

DAY ONE:
Touching down in Haiti, of course, I did not know what to expect when I entered the airport. I had met a young lady at the Miami airport on the layover from San Francisco to Haiti. She was friendly. I wondered was she representative of the people.

Finishing up at the window where the clerk stamped my fresh Passport, I entered an area to pick up my bags that was not as organized as SFO, LAX or Oakland. A man speaking creole, inquired if he could help me find me bag – for money. A young man I guess say the look on my face and realized I did not know what he was saying and translated. How nice I thought. Returning quickly, the Haitian man who picked up my luggage was ready for his money. I thought to myself — hmmm I could have done that. Welcome to Haiti. A young lady Geraldine referred to me by Valerie, confirmed she would have a driver pick me up. Between the time I walked out the door to the pick up area, about four men approached me to help take my bags showing me their badges to validate they were offical to drive me to my desired location. I explained I was okay and had a ride. About one hour past the pick up time, I realized my cell phone battery was low and was not able to connect with Geraldine. This one cab driver lady saw that I was trying to figure out what was going on and was trying to communicate with me. She waved over one of her English speaking cab driver colleagues. For the next two hours, he was kind to call Geraldine and wait with me among about 70 mostly young men selling a little bit of everything in high humid weather. Yes the people are very nice and caring.

Moving thru the streets to my hotel — Le Plaza Hotel, I could not believe all the people out walking the ungraveled paths. If not walking they were riding three on a motorcycle, in a Tap Tap (local van transportation) or on the side of the road selling something — soda, fruit, clothes, tires – you name it. Most striking, was to see the high mounds of trash. In several instances I saw images of what our local recycle professionals could learn a lesson or two – people were picking through and separating the orange peels from the plastic from the clothes and black coal blocks, and on and on. I was impressed to see how they had it down like a science. Industrious people I thought. When I finally arrived at my hotel, a little dusty, I was shocked because the hotel in right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Like across the street from tent city – the Champ Mars Plaza. Several people had told me the hotel was safe and the likes of Sanjiv Gupta and Anderson Cooper stay here regular when visiting Haiti. Noting this hotel is not cheap by any means so I was expecting more of something. As soon as I jumped out the car and before I could hit the door, people swarmed over to ask for money until I got to the hotel door. The guard escorted me in. This was a culture shock. Inside was very calm and cool. I checked into my room which faced the front of the hotel, although I could not see anything I could hear the energy outside. I changed rooms later than evening. I needed to get acclimated.
Geraldine was nice to stay to help with the language barrier until I got checked in. In my new room I slept until the morning.

DAY TWO:
I met up with co-founder of WE ADVANCE and Cite Soleil Mayoral Candidate mid-morning Barbara Guilliume.
Today, I was able to see more of the Port Au Prince and even PetionVille. I could see the devastation of the earthquake, but moreover it was obvious of the wide disparities too. The city of Port Au Prince had been neglected for some time. I did get a glimpse of Petionville, which is noted to be where the wealthier people work and reside. Although due to the earthquake and displacement of thousands of people, the tent cities had formed in this area.

Today I met the executive director of Femme En Democratie Marie xxx, she was in the throes of a research project to have ready by the end of February to take to the government. The report findings will include focus group data from Haiti women she retrieved from over 10 regions throughout Haiti. She had just returned from driving late into the wee hours of the morning, to jump back into the car for another five hour drive to another region. This organization empowers women to be elected officials and entreprenuers and is in partnership with We Advance. Their strategic funding partner is the international Vitale Voices which they started a Haiti chapter in 20xx lead by Danielle Saint Lot. Danielle is someone I will met on Monday in the city of Okii about three hours from Port Au Prince, and is running for Senate this year. She is in Okii doing empowerment workshops.

Barbara also introduced me the Judie Roy, 2006 and 2015 Presidental candidate. Judie was warm and interested in politics in Oakland and the US. Interestingly, in conversation talking about my background and what I do, she recognized my organization BWOPA and recalled reaching out to us in 2006 for financial support of her Presidental campaign. Since I am the one who answers the emails, I thought on my goodness – how did I miss that one and what a super coincidence. I apologized for the organization not getting back to her and she replied ‘It just was not the right time.”

I plan to catch up on my energy tomorrow Sunday, and be ready for the departure Monday morning at 5am to go to Okii with Barbara Guilliume.