Folks,
Last week I returned to Haiti for the first time since last August. Words almost fail me.
I am safe, but it was an expensive trip. To avoid the gangs in Port-au-Prince, I flew directly into Cap-Haïtien and then on to Les Cayes. From there, it was a road trip to Léogâne, including a police escort for safety.
Flying over Port-au-Prince, I was stunned by what I saw. The city below looked like images of Gaza—buildings reduced to rubble, streets gouged out, neighborhoods blown to bits.
Yesterday I learned that mercenaries have been hired and are now waging a drone war against the gangs. It’s been reported that gang members have been killed.
However, the most deeply shocking part of my return was seeing the despair in people’s eyes. They are despondent. When I first came here after the devastating earthquake 15 years ago, I stayed in no small part because of the people’s unbelievable spirit and resilience. They were unshakable. They inspired me. They smiled, chatted, and carried on. Not anymore.
I will be meeting with the CODEP leadership in a few days, and I expect we’ll discuss nurseries, community gardens, the mentorship program, and more. But what I’ll be watching most closely is the tone and energy of those discussions.
I took this picture of one of our mountains and trees. Scenes like this remind me to stand fast. Our friends here in Haiti are hurting. We must stand alongside them now more than ever.
Michael Anello
Executive Director