Dear Folks,
For some time now we have been sharing news with you embedded in our concern for the troubles in Haiti. But now, we have to be blunt. Haiti is closing in on anarchy, perhaps even civil war. I have left the country along with the other two remaining “Blancs” (white people from the US) in Leogane. I do not believe I will be able to return. As I write, it is expected that the National Palace will be overrun by the gangs, and that will symbolize the collapse of the government and chaos.
You can learn much of this from the national news. What you can’t know is the story of what is happening with our CODEP community.
The people of CODEP are living a compromised life now. Food is meager, and the shelves in the market stands are largely bare. People don’t go out on the main roads if they can avoid it as gangs form blockades and extort payment to pass. What they can do is walk along the mountain paths in relative safety. They are doing so to convey seedlings from the nurseries to the mountains where they plan to start planting on the first day of spring!
I am fielding calls from other NGO’s in Haiti. People are calling for advice. “How do we escape if we have to?” “Where can I send the staff if we are overrun?” We anticipate that we will be opening the doors of the CODEP compound and guest house so that some might be able to stay there.
There are two things we can do for CODEP in this moment of societal disintegration. They need financial support and they need to know they are not alone. The banks are closed but we can send money in through Western Union. Carlos, the Animator with the business responsibilities, can find his way into Leogane to receive it. And, with the wonders of What’s App and technology, I can still talk to people every day, field questions, listen carefully, make suggestions, and tell them we still have their backs. Both are important.
Therefore, I have a request. I am here in the States now. I have the CODEP story to tell, and it is important. CODEP is hoping that I am sharing it broadly. Please, if you have an idea of a venue, audience, organization, or service club that would welcome me as a speaker, let me know.
Michael Anello
Executive Director