In late 2023 when the Board approved the new position of Forest Inventory Specialist, I already had a candidate in mind. I have known Wisterley Kingzer Cerant for a dozen years and watched him mature into a quiet and thoughtful young man. Kingzer was spot on for the position because of his technical information skills from college.
The offer was made, and Kingzer was delighted to accept. One small problem. Kingzer was in PAP doing a security job because jobs in his major weren’t forthcoming in the midst of the current political upheaval. How could we get him from PAP back to Leogane?
It took over a month to figure it out. I was delayed in returning to Haiti from my winter trip to the States. I had held on to my ticket into PAP and finally was able to use it. Once there, I organized a small plane to fly Kingzer and me over the mountains to Jacmel. There we were met by friends who drove us to Leogane. It’s a crazy route but it is safe and works.
Kingzer had never been in an airplane before, much less a “puddle-jumper.” But, he was game. Let’s just say it was a bumpy flight. But, we made it.
Now Kingzer can settle into improving our data systems and establishing the process for documenting plantings and tree growth and survival. Our work with Duke and NASA in 2022 has helped us shape and improve our methods. Now they will be turbocharged with a full time, skilled, and committed person.
Welcome, Kingzer!
Michael Anello
Executive Director