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Groups Condemn Threats Against Gay Society in Haiti

  • Posted on: 18 July 2013
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Tolerance for minorities - religious, political, sexual, and otherwise - is an important measure of a democracy.  It has never been easy for Haitians to be out but watchdog groups are particularly concerned by a series of threats against Haiti's gay community.  More information from the Associated Press follows.  If you are interested in local organizations promoting gay rights, the best known are Kouraj and Serovie

USAID Launches Five Year Initiative to Promote Agriculture in Northern Haiti

  • Posted on: 25 June 2013
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Below is an announcement concerning the launch of a five year project, as part of USAID's Feed the Future Initiative, to bolster agriculture in northern Haiti.  In addition to nuts and bolts such as preventing erosion and promoting irrigation, the project will also expand the access of farmers to new(er) technologies such as mobile money.  The $87.8 million project will be led by Development Alternatives Inc (DAI) with Haitian firms Agridey and AgroConsult sub-contracting.  

Haiti and the DR Launch Joint Reforestation Project

  • Posted on: 6 June 2013
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Below is a brief Caribbean Journal article concerning yesterday's joint launch by Haitian President Michel Martelly and Dominican President Danilo Medina of a reforestation project in NE Haiti.  The project is entitled "Regreening Haiti-DR" and is based on Dominican experience in forest recovery.  2013 has been designated "The Year of the Environment" in Haiti and, by expanding environmental partnerships, both countries stand to benefit.

Jalousie Gets a Makeover

  • Posted on: 25 March 2013
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Below is an article by Trenton Daniel (AP) concerning a beautification project, inspired by Haitian artist Prefete Duffaut, in the neighborhood of Jalousie.  Plans are underway to include additional neighborhoods.  The initiative is not without controversy - slums in Port au Prince have many other needs including water, security, and jobs.  Still, Haiti is a colorful country with a vibrant artistic tradition that Jalousie increasingly reflects. 

MINUSTAH Releases Semi-Annual Report (August 31 - March 15)

  • Posted on: 14 March 2013
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Below is the latest semi-annual report from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) covering the period from August 31st - March 15th. The report provides an overview of key developments during this time, especially police capacity, rule of law, and human rights promotion - all of which need to be strengthened significantly before MINUSTAH can fully transition its responsibilities to the Haitian government.    

The Legacy of Jean-Baptiste Point du Sable

  • Posted on: 8 March 2013
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

I grew up in the midwest and Chicago, being our largest city, was the promised land.  Only well after living in Haiti did I learn that the first non-native resident of Chicago was Jean-Baptiste Point du Sable, a Haitian who made the long voyage from Saint Marc.  A Haitian Times article about the "Founder of Chicago" follows and you can learn more through the Du Sable Heritage Association.  The Haitian-American population there may not be large, but Chicago's history is forever connect to Haiti's.

Haiti Moves to Tighten Laws on Sexual Violence

  • Posted on: 8 March 2013
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Below is an article by the International Press Service's Ansel Herz describing upcoming legislative changes that would make it easier for survivors of rape to prosecute their attackers. The reforms have high-level support and could pass within a year.  While much more remains to be done, these reforms would represent significant progress.

Haitian Schools Expand Use of Kreyol

  • Posted on: 7 February 2013
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Below is an article by Trenton Daniel concerning the increasing use of Haitian Kreyol in schools - which is a good thing.  In a hemisphere dominated by Spanish and English, French remains the language of the Haitian elite.  While true that Haiti has produced artists of note who worked in French, countless children didn't have a chance at a good education because they were instructed in a language neither they nor their teachers were comfortable with.  Learning multiple languages makes sense - but so does being tought in (and proud of) your first language. 

Governing Haiti: Time for National Consensus

  • Posted on: 5 February 2013
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

The International Crisis Group's (ICG) latest report "Governing Haiti: Time for National Consensus" examines the Haitian government's efforts to convince its own people, donors and potential investors that progress and stability are achievable.  The report emphasizes the need for good governance, consensus building among the elites, effectively implemented poverty reduction strategies and strengthened rule of law. Getting there will require a shift from highly confrontational politics to one of compromise and consensus. The executive summary is below and you can read the full report on the ICG website

"Haiti From Below" Released

  • Posted on: 1 February 2013
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Nick Hobgood, a regional consultant for DAI, learned how to scuba dive off Haiti's northern coast.  He has since produced a high quality photography book of over 100 colorful pictures of fish, other marine life and landscapes taken between 2007-2010 in the Baie de l’Acul, Cachal Beach, Caracol, Cormier, Fort Labouque, Fort Liberté, Isla Amiga, and Labadie.  Proceeds from the first 250 books will support the expansion of Reef Check's EcoDiver program in Haiti.  More information follows.   

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