6EME AF STATE EXAMS

Yven, Manu and 9 of the other children in our Grade 5/6 class wrote the 6eme AF state exams for the last 2 days. They had to write exams in French, Creole, Science, Social Science and Math. They are glad to be done. Now it is vacation time! Yvens and Manu looked good in their new exam clothes. Across the country 274,451 students took part in this end of elementary school exams. The West department of which Port-au-Prince is part accounts for 112,099 candidates. Now the children will have to wait about a month for the results. They all think that they passed :)

ARTICLE - CUBA - RECONSTRUCTION IS A DEBT

HAITI'S RECONSTRUCTION IS AN OUTSTANDING DEBT, SAYS CUBA
(Prensa Latina) -

Geneva - The reconstruction of Haiti is a debt to those people who, after three centuries of colonialism, staged the first social revolution in the American continent, expressed the Cuban delegate Yumirka Fernandez here on Wednesday. During the interactive debate on the Human Rights Council with the independent expert on Haiti, Fernandez pointed out the responsibility of the international community on the situation faced by that country, which in 2010 was affected by a devastating earthquake.

Unfortunately the amounts of financial and material support involved have not been provided. The wishes of the Haitian government were not respected nor has paid attention to its priorities, she emphasized.

Fernandez recalled that Cuba, despite the U.S. blockade, provides solidarity with that nation, together with the countries of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of Our Americas (ALBA).

Prioritazing the creation of a comprehensive health system that shows tangible results and whose essence lies in meeting the needs of the poorest populations.

Cuban cooperation in Haiti is also in the sectors of education, agriculture, iron and steel industry, culture and sports, she said.

Cuba has also received support from several Latin American countries and the world to implement tripartite programs and projects of great importance for the reconstruction of the Caribbean nation.

Unfortunately", she said, the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba has hindered on several occasions money transfers to accounts of the Greater Antilles, even in the case of humanitarian aid to Haiti.

The Cuban delegate stated that governments and international actors should honor the commitment made in 2010 for the recovery and reconstruction of that country.

Haiti does not need an occupying force, nor can it become a United Nations protectorate. The UN's role is to support the government and the Haitian people in strengthening its sovereignty and self-determination, expressed the Cuban representative.

ARTICLE - END OF CAMPS IN JACMEL

END OF CAMPS IN JACMEL
(Haiti Libre) -

In an effort to restore the luster to Jacmel, the cultural capital of Haiti, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Sean Penn, Ambassador-at-Large for Haiti and founder of J/P Haitian Relief Organization (J/P HRO), are working on a project to re-house the last families made homeless in Jacmel by the 2010 earthquake.

The project aims to close the last two of 36 displacement camps, and relocate families still living in them to safe homes. Each family will be provided with a year’s rental allowance and receive additional financial support, which includes transport assistance to help move their belongings from the camps to their new housing.

The Haitian Government and local authorities in Jacmel anticipate immediate benefits from relocating the residents from camps. "What is happening in Jacmel demonstrates our intention for the whole country. We’re working to help every family, close every camp, and move on [...] by giving our cultural capital a fresh start," said Harry Adam, Executive Director of Haiti’s Government Housing Unit (UCLBP).

"J/P HRO has collaborated with IOM since January 2010," said J/P HRO founder and CEO Sean Penn. "When the Senators and Deputies of Jacmel said closing the last remaining camps was a priority need for their community and asked J/P HRO’s assistance, we turned to IOM to help these families leave the mud floors and leaky tarps of the camps and find secure housing quickly and effectively [...]"

The relocation process began with IOM staff informing the camp residents about the project. Heads of households were provided with special ID cards (Last Mile Mobile Solutions - LMMS) developed by World Vision International, and all beneficiaries’ information and relocation intentions were registered through J/P HRO’s high-tech iPod based system, designed to streamline future relocation projects and reduce operating costs.

The relocation process is scheduled to continue through July, with monitoring visits to follow in August and September, after which all remaining families will have been re-housed and camps in Jacmel will then close.

The government of Haiti is investing USD $40 million to make the city more accessible and to improve its infrastructure in order to turn Jacmel into one of the pre-eminent tourist destinations in the country.

ARTICLE - JACMEL - CLOSING OF CAMPS

HAITIAN CITY OF JACMEL TO CLOSE LAST QUAKE CAMPS - IOM
(Reuters) - By Anastasia Moloney


BOGOTA - Efforts are underway to move the last homeless quake survivors from camps in the Haitian city of Jacmel into rented accommodations over the next three months, marking the closure of all the city’s camps, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has said.

A month ago, 2,891 Haitians were still living in the last four of 36 makeshift camps set up in the southern port city of Jacmel following the devastating earthquake that hit the Caribbean nation in January 2010, according to the latest IOM figures.

It is hoped that relocating the displaced families will help relaunch the city’s ailing tourism industry and arts and crafts sector, which are important sources of income for many of its 41,000 residents.

"Large historical areas of Jacmel were virtually demolished by the quake," Luca Dall'Oglio, IOM’s chief of mission in Haiti, said in a statement this week.

"Helping to get it back to its feet as a thriving cultural centre is one of our objectives in helping the homeless to find alternatives to the camps."

Each family will be given a year's rent subsidy and extra financial and transport assistance to help them move their belongings from the camps into housing, the IOM said.

Elsewhere in Haiti, there are still 390,000 people living in 575 makeshift camps and settlements, about a quarter of the total displaced by the earthquake, according to latest figures from the Geneva-based intergovernmental organisation.

Many of the remaining camps are dotted in and around the capital Port-au-Prince. Here many Haitians struggle to survive in flimsy tents and shacks made from bed sheets, tarpaulin and scrap metal, with limited access to clean water and sanitation.

CHOLERA THREAT

Poor hygiene means Haiti’s homeless face a renewed threat of cholera as the hurricane season gets underway, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) recently warned.

So far, a cholera epidemic has claimed more than 7,000 lives and infected over half a million Haitians since it began in October 2010.

Since the earthquake, 14,000 families have received a $500 subsidy to cover rent payments for up to a year, encouraging them to leave the camps, according to the IOM. In addition, around 13,000 families have received assistance to repair their damaged homes.

But the Haitian government and international aid community have been criticised for the slow pace of resettlement, thousands of forced evictions and high levels of sexual violence in the camps.

Families living in camps want to leave but many have nowhere to go. Most camp residents do not own any land and few new permanent homes are being built in Port-au-Prince.

Efforts to resettle homeless Haitians in new housing or repaired homes have been hampered by political uncertainty, weak coordination and the cholera epidemic, along with longstanding land tenure problems.

A shortfall in funding for activities to improve access to healthcare, clean water and sanitation is also a concern. According to the U.N. humanitarian agency (OCHA), the 2012 appeal for Haiti is the least funded in the world - so far only 19 per cent of the $230 million requested has been received.

ARTICLE - IDEAS FOR UNIVERSITIES

IDEAS FOR OUR UNIVERSITIES
(Haiti Libre) -

Executives of Haitian Universities have recently participated in a seminar in Barcelona, as part of a training program in university management, established by the Catalan Association of Public Universities (ACUP), and the University Consortium Laval, of Ottawa, Moncton and Sherbrooke (LOMS).

This seminar is the fourth of this program, launched in February 2012, with funding from the Spanish foundation Obra Social La Caixa and the Open Society Foundations (OSF), the network of foundations of which Fokal is part.

During this training, participants discussed, inter alia, the influence of the Bologna process on European universities, the importance of the syllabus in academic management, and the regionalization of university resources; such as libraries and research centers... The Universities of the ACUP presented to their Haitian colleagues, their strategy to boost education,research, community service and universal function. These universities have put forward a vision of a University as a development center in the community where it is placed.

In addition to funding provided by the state, these universities go in search of other sources of income, which stimulate not only the advancement of knowledge but also the advancement of communities. For example, universities create research centers that can receive independent funding and be "incubators" for new development of a new product, which can be patented and marketed with the support of teachers. Profits from the sale of these products is shared with the universities.

The vision of the Association of Universities of Catalonia has raised many questions from participants. This visit will certainly be a key step in the future of Haitian universities, because the imagination of rectors, vice rectors and other officials, has been greatly stimulated.

Learn more about the Bologna Process:
The Bologna Process is an agreement between the European Universities on the structure of university education, and the equivalence between programs of different countries that facilitates exchanges between universities.

ARTICLE - NEW DG MINISTRY OF DEFENSE

CAREL ALEXANDER NEW DG OF MINISTRY OF DEFENSE
(Haiti Libre) -

Tuesday, Jean Rodolphe Joazile, the Minister of Defense proceeded to the installation of Mr. Carel Alexandre as the new Director General within the Ministry of Defence. Reputed to be close to President Martelly, Mr. Alexander, a former commander of the Corps of Intervention and Maintenance of Order (CIMO), was the former head of presidential security. Appointed by presidential decree, Mr. Alexander will alongside the Minister play "a coordinating role, of monitoring and as a liaison with all the technical and External Services under the Ministry." During this installation, the Minister and the new Director General presented a speech for the occasion.

Speech of Minister Jean Rodolphe Joazile:"[...] Ladies and Gentlemen;

Dear Carel,

Happiness is elusive!

But at the crossroads of destiny, it can not always be tame. Is it not Carel, that ours is full? Our fates are filled this summer afternoon. We celebrate this reunion in vivifying the trade of Man. Of a Haitien-Man - for a long time we chose to assume this. Of a Citizen-Man as I was, for some time, the privilege to encourage you to be, by bearing you, with the officers of my promotion, towards the profession of arms. Thus guiding your young steps towards honor.

Yes, and I have no doubt of your membership in this option. The first stone of the building will have to fit within the direction of responses to provide for the natural events that overwhelm us too often. They should aim at building the civic spirit and engagement, for the operationalization of the compulsory Joint Civilian Service as indicated by our fundamental charter. In short, they must, these stones, be used to stone the horror in all its forms that will notify of being present in our lives of quiet people.

All this while while progressively there will be built a new defense force whose military mission in peacetime, so ideally at all times, will join fully the accompaniment of civil defense agencies to be determined.

It is there, my dear Carel, exhilarating! Because, this is indeed what it is; by restoring the Ministry of Defence, 'la gaguère' that has taken the legitimate authority, in complete accord with our gods. These tutelary gods to the manna too often ignored, is neither more nor less the reconquest of the sovereign attributes, from which will have come off, with the same panache that recurrent force of the inescapable image of the indigenous armies. Those that made 1804 and gave us this land in legacy.

You join me, my brother, in full battle. And I know that I can rely on you to have and reap victories. Even if every time that we will have the choice of weapons, we will not hesitate to choose those of the dialectic of the mind that have proven themselves enough in the pursuit of life.

In this vein, you will not be surprised by the emphasis that I have decided, initially, to put on the site that awaits you. That, my friend and brother, is the laborious field where I like to invite you, here and now.

That the gods are helping us !"

Jean Rodolphe JOAZILE, Minister

Speech of Carel Alexandre, Director General of the Ministry of Defence:

"Mr. Defense Minister,

Ladies / Gentlemen,

Let me first express my gratitude to the President of the Republic, not only for the confidence he has honored me by making the choice today of myself as the head of the Directorate General of this Ministry, but also for the possibility he gave me to serve once again my country, in an important level of responsibility.

I would be remiss not to give here, to the Prime Minister and to the Head of State, the assurance of my devotion, and the guarantee to put all my knowledge and my skill at the service of this Ministry, and to the benefit of the achieving of the objectives they have defined themselves, as part of their vision of the State, or in the general government policy in defense matters.

I would like also to take this opportunity to express to Minister Jean Rodolphe Joazile my deepest respects and offer my natural, full, and sincere collaboration in the conduct of the actions of this Ministry.

Ladies / Gentlemen,

After almost two decades of suppression of the Ministry of Defence in the Haitian political-administrative structure, it is not surprising, that no one still wonder, in the interest of restoring this regalian feature of the State, in a diplomatic and economic context

However, despite the difficult political and financial considerations of the moment, we must also admit that the defense function, in a country like Haiti, has never been so necessary, imperative, and even vital.

Indeed, because of the emergence of a new national and international phenomena of the State and detrimental to the welfare of citizens, the function of national defense is no longer restricted, in the contemporary world, to protect the civilian population against only the threats foreign military.

In a world beset with terrorism, as well as environmental threats of all kinds, politicians have today, we must recognize it, multidimensional objectives. This is in fact, not only to prevent or suppress the acts of armed violence both internal or external, that threaten the safety of the State policy, but also and especially to protect and assist the civilian population in case of major natural events.

These are exactly as much reasons that justify the necessitate to rehabilitate this Ministry today and that inspires, I have no doubt, the action lines of the current Ministry of Defence. And, it's obvious to this vision, that I will endeavor as Director General of this Ministry."

Carel ALEXANDRE, Director General

ARTICLE - WORKING SESSION - FINANCE

HAITI HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES WORKING SESSIONS WITH PM AND MINISTERS
(Defend Haiti) -

PORT-AU-PRINCE – The House Finance and Economy Committee expects to hold a working meeting with Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe and his Minister of Finance next week to go over the 2012-13 budget recently submitted to the Chamber of Deputies, and to obtain answers on ministry spending, or the lack thereof, of funds that were allocated for projects but not spent in the past year.

"We are awaiting a very formal meeting in advance with the prime minister, the minister of economy and finance, and planning, mainly because colleagues have an uneasiness in regards to the budget that was voted, where there was 10 million HTG ($240,000 [US]) put into effect for each commune, and the colleagues say they must know how the disbursements will be done, and when... before they can begin their work." - Antoine Rodon Bien-Aime, Deputy, Chairman House Economy and Finance Committee

The Chairman of the House Economy and Finance Committee, Antoine Rodon Bien-Aime (Carvajal/Inite) said that invitations were sent to the prime minister and other ministers in question to attend the working meeting set for Tuesday, July 10.

Deputy Bien-Aime also mentioned that on Wednesday his committee would be meeting with the political parties, on Thursday with members of civil society, and on Friday with women's organizations, representatives of the state university system and human rights organizations.

The Finance Chairman for the Chamber Deputies announced that on the 17th of July his committee intends to receive every minister of the government.

"Starting on the 17th that is approaching, we will begin to receive every minister seperatly so that they can come tell us what they did with the budget they had in their hands."

"What results do we have? How were the disbursements made? What was disbursed already?..."

"Although I hear of some ministers that have not even disbursed money that they had, and they were given more money on top of that."

"Though the government is in the habit of deciding whether it will raise the money for them [the ministers], it is us who has the power to tell them if they can spend it."

"So we will check if these ministers merit the money. If they do not merit it we will remove the money and put it in ministries that we estimate are getting results and doing their work. If they merit it, we must give it to them." - Antoine Rodon Bien-Aime, Deputy

ARTICLE - MARTELLY - TOURS SOUTH-EAST

PRESIDENT MARTELLY ON TOUR IN THE SOUTH EAST
(Haiti Libre) -

On Monday, President Michel Martelly, accompanied by former Senator Joseph Lambert and Senators Wencesclass Lambert and Edwin Zenny [Edo], was on tour in the Department of the South-East where he visited successively, the towns of Baie d'Orange, Mare Briole, Calumette, and the town of Belle-Anse, to assess for himself, the living conditions of the people, and to see the real state of road infrastructure in this department.

In the different localities where he stopped, President Martelly received a very warm welcome from the population, who came en masse to applaud him and bring him their claims, of which the principal one is the construction of the road from Peredo to Belle-Anse.

During this tour, the President of the Republic proceeded to the distribution of 10,000 food kits and, as a sign of encouragement to the livestock sector, has symbolically handed over more than a hundred young goats to various community associations in the Municipality of Belle-Anse.

In the town of Belle-Anse, isolated because of lack of roads, where he was welcomed by members of the municipal cartel, and the deputies of neighboring constituencies, the claims were more numerous; .... the construction of the road, construction of a hospital and a high school, and the modernization of the fisheries sector, the pillar of the economy for the region. These are also priorities for the Bellansois.

The Head of State, who refuses to make empty promises, has nevertheless promised to intervene with the Minister of Public Works, so that appropriate efforts be undertaken to improve the conditions of the road, waiting to find the necessary funds for the construction of this access road, which has existed for decades.

President Martelly stressed that all the beauty and the wealth of the Borough of Belle-Anse are useless, if they do not benefit the population. The development of this zone of the country must necessarily pass through its opening up and the enhancement of its agricultural resources and tourism, asking the various elected of the South East, to be united in their desire to bring real change in their department, and for the wellness of their populations.

ARTICLE - U.S. - UN CONGRATULATIONS

THE U.S. EMBASSY AND MARIANO FERNANDEZ CONGRATULATE THE MEMBERS OF THE CSPJ
(Haiti Libre) -

Following the installation of the Supreme Council of Judicial Power, the U.S. Embassy and Mariano Fernández Amunátegui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Haiti, presented their congratulations to the 9 members of the CSPJ.

Message from U.S. Embassy:
"The Embassy of the United States of America congratulates the nine men and women who were sworn in today as members of the Superior Judicial Council (CSPJ), and we extend our best wishes for their success.

Today is a historic day for Haitian democracy and a victory for the Haitian people. The investiture of the CSPJ establishes the judicial power as an equal branch of government. The United States looks forward to working in partnership with the Haitian government in building the rule of law [...]"

Message from Mariano Fernández Amunátegui:
Mr. Mariano Fernández Amunátegui, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Haiti, presents his congratulations to the Haitian authorities, the Haitian people and to the 9 members of the Council, newly installed in this vital function for the independence of the judicial power, and the strengthening of the rule of law.

"This event represents a step towards the consolidation of Haitian institutions, and the anchoring of Haiti in a sustainable political stability," said Mr. Fernández, for which the constructive climate that prevails between the three public authorities should now pave the way for the holding of the next elections.

ARTICLE - A HISTORICAL SWEARING

A HISTORIC SWEARING
(Haiti Libre) -

President Michel Martelly, proceeded on Tuesday, July 3, 2012, to the inauguration of members of the Supreme Council of Judicial Power (CSPJ), the first since the elaboration of the Constitution of 1987. The historic swearing in ceremony took place at the School of Magistrates in the presence of the Presidents of the Senate and House of Deputies, MM. Simon Dieuseul Desras and Levaillant Louis-Jeune, of Judges of the Court of Cassation, Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, members of the Cabinet of Ministers, Magistrates, and representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, Consuls, and Civil Society.

"I swear to respect the Constitution, laws and regulations of the Republic, to ensure the regular functioning of the judiciary, and the protection of rights of the litigants," proclaimed the 9 members of the CSPJ presided by Arnel Alexis Joseph, President of the court of Cassation, who stated that the CSPJ is "the administrative body, for the control, monitoring, discipline and deliberation of the judicial power", "from now on nothing will be like before," he added.

"The pride I feel in this special moment, is commensurate with the redoubtable honor which is your responsibility now, Ladies and Gentlemen honorable members of the CSPJ, to find yourself at the controls of that entity as the primary guardians of the independence of the judiciary. You enter into history as the first personalities entrusted with the task of organizing the judicial institution, to ensure regular and effective functioning of Courts and Tribunals, and to approve their internal regulations [...]," declared the Head of State, who is convinced that the judicial power acquires thus its rightful place in the building of the democratic regime; that this regime works to establish, irreversibly, for the welfare of the nation.

"[...] the magistrates have long suffered from a weakened judicial authority. They will begin truly to fully exercise their functions today, with the creation of the first Superior Council of the Magistracy. The new order is on, it will not stop or back up, it is irreversible. [...] The Executive will refrain from interference in the certification procedure of judges [...] it will remain attentive to the conduct of the certification process and will follow, in a spirit of cooperation, the certification work made ​​by the Council. The hope of the Presidency is that the temple of Themis [Greek Goddess of Justice, Law and Equity] remains the sanctuary, where the word of law, is expressed in total freedom. Ladies and gentlemen, honorable judges [...]the minutes of swearing that have been made this morning serves as an act of independence of the judicial power; thus you enter into a new social, political and institutional dynamic.

Between your powerful hands is played now the fate of the national judiciary. Be constantly vigilant in the fights that you are called to lead in the defense of that independence, without which the moral authority that is the prerogative of your duties may be only an illusion. The executive branch is under no illusions; without the informed action of the judiciary involved in the independence and dignity of the the best laws, the most beautiful restored code will remain dead letters. That is to say that the entire nation will remain attentive to your work, and to your success. As we enter this new era, I renew my patriotic greetings to all Magistrates who are dedicated to this delicate and often difficult work to do justice to whom justice is due, regardless of the degree of wealth and rank, without discrimination of any kind. It finally addresses to the distinguished members of the Supreme Council of Judicial Power its desire for continued success in the fulfilling of its noble mission..."

In addition to the establishment of the CSPJ, President Martelly had appointed last year a President, a Vice-President and five Judges to the Court of Cassation, to complete entirely this judicial institution; which had never been the case since 2004.

Photos - Food Donations

Last week the guys went out to Love a Child, in Fond Parisienne to pick up 25 boxes of Feed My Starving Children rice meals. These rice meals contain rice, soy protein, dehydrated vegetables and spices.... everything necessary for a nutricious meal. This helps us in feeding our large Coram Deo family :)

We also share these rice packages with hungry people who come to the gate and ask for assistance. We give the Lord thanks to have these "Manna Packs" not just for ourselves, but also for people in the neighborhood. This food is literally Manna for us, because we eat it every day :)

ARTICLE - RESCUE TEAM TURNED BACK

RESCUE TEAM VETERANS FROM HAITI AND SEPTEMBER 11 TURNED BACK FROM HELPING IN ELLIOT LAKE MALL DISASTER
(National Post) - By Tristin Hopper

As police and firefighters from across Ontario streamed into the site of the Elliot Lake mall collapse this week, arguably one of the most hardened rescue groups on the scene — veterans of 9/11, the Haiti Earthquake and the Costa Concordia sinking — were never even allowed past the police tape.

“We’ve been on standby since arriving, and if you’re a results-oriented person, the worst thing in the world is to be on standby,” John Green, chief of Special Operations for Ottawa-based International Rescue, told the Post Wednesday.

The group, an Ottawa-based rescue non-profit, was summoned to Elliot Lake by a call from a private citizen. The roof on the Algo Centre Mall caved in at 2:15 p.m. on Saturday; by 2:55 p.m., an Elliot Lake resident (“He’d heard about what we’d done in Haiti,” Mr. Green said) got the organization on the phone.

About 40 hours later, Mr. Green — along with six team members — pulled into the small Northern Ontario town in a specially outfitted fire truck, hauling a trailer packed with lifts, supports, concrete-cutting chainsaws, liquid nitrogen, concrete-cracking explosives and thermite charges.

Of course, by then, Ontario’s Ministry of Labour had barred access to the unstable structure, and the Toronto-based Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team had just informed a crowd of locals that it had called off rescue efforts.

“At 11 p.m. [Monday], they just came out and said, ‘go home, we don’t want you on scene,’ which was a little bit of a kick,” Mr. Green said. “We’ve been to over 30 of these and we’ve never been told to go home.

“They’d have to sedate us and drag us out of there to stop rescue efforts, and I think that’s what they were worried would happen,” he said.

During the long lulls in rescue attempts, as provincial officials waited for heavy lifting equipment from Toronto, the International Rescue team members — clad in blue coveralls — could do nothing but roam among the crowds lining the mall’s perimeter.

The group’s disaster resumé, emblazoned on the back of their shirts, includes the 2003 forest fires in B.C., Hurricane Katrina in the U.S. Gulf, the Indian Ocean Tsunami and its inaugural mission, the 1984 Union Carbide gas leak in Bhopal, India.

Mr. Green was among the first volunteers to search for survivors in the rubble of the World Trade Center in September 2001, and only six months ago, he was in Western Italy to advise Italian search crews in recovery efforts for the wreck of the Costa Concordia cruise ship that crashed into a reef off the Italian coast.

“I spend about 150 days a year in hotel rooms,” he said.

International Rescue, which also counts branches in New York and Indonesia, is funded almost entirely by its private, sister company, P.R.E.P. Services International, a hazardous materials consulting business. “P.R.E.P. makes money and International Rescue costs money,” Mr. Green told a reporter last year.

Most employees of P.R.E.P. services serve roles in both organizations and are hired with expectations they will participate in rescue operations.

The team’s small size and experience of many decades helps keep the group flexible to act as rapid, early responders, Mr. Green said.

“The Red Cross machine is [a] monolith. They have difficulty specifically identifying and reacting, and we do not have those limitations and that’s why we’re a usable asset rather than a thorn in their side,” he told Postmedia in 2005 just before departing for Indonesia to assist in rescue efforts for the Indian Ocean tsunami.

In the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, International Rescue was part of a team that uncovered the body of former Liberal MP Serge Marcil, who died in the collapse of the Hotel Montana.

When asked about the group at a Wednesday press conference, Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team leader Bill Neadles said it was “the first time” he had heard of them.

“They have to be brought in on behalf of the province of Ontario … the province would have to grant them status in order to be sanctioned to come assist us,” he said.

International Rescue did contact the Ontario Provincial Police Command Centre before setting out, but were told simply to travel to Elliot Lake and stand by in case they were needed.

The group takes its name from the secretive rescue squad featured in the 1960s TV series Thunderbirds.

The show — featuring marionettes instead of live actors — portrayed an elite squad routinely called in to

co-ordinate complex rescues using a high-tech fleet of rockets, aircraft and space stations.

The real-life International Rescue bases its operations out of a converted fire truck equipped with tires designed for high speed, a full complement of emergency lights, and an onboard command centre. An accompanying trailer carries bomb defusing suits, scuba gear, firefighting equipment and a wide variety of rubble-busting explosives and chemicals.

The group pulled out of Elliot Lake Wednesday night, a few hours after two bodies were recovered from the mall’s wreckage.

Officials left the International Rescue team unable to offer anything more than peripheral support during its stay.

“There should be more oversight than one team performing one function,” Mr. Green said. “It’s like holding a dinner party where one of the guests is a sous-chef, and you don’t let him help out in the kitchen.”

ARTICLE - MONTREAL RADIO STATION FIRE

POLICE INVESTIGATE SUSPICIOUS FIRE AT MONTREAL RADIO STATION CPAM 1610
(Montreal Gazette) - By Sue Montgomery

Nobody injured in blaze at station popular with city's Haitian community

MONTREAL - A Montreal radio station that pulls no punches when criticizing the Haitian government was back in business Monday, hours after being damaged by what Montreal police are treating as a suspicious fire.

CPAM 1610 – a hugely popular radio station with Montreal’s 115,000-strong Haitian population – set up a temporary studio and was back on the air by 2 p.m., director and owner Jean-Ernest Pierre said.

Pierre, who is also a lawyer, was unfazed when reached by telephone after severe water and fire damage rendered the station in St. Michel unusable.

“For you this is news, but we are threatened all the time,” he said, adding this is the first time in the station’s 10-year history that a threat has actually been carried out. “In Haiti, they kill journalists.”

Pierre said the station has been very critical of Haiti’s most recent president, Michel Martelly, saying he wasn’t experienced enough to lead a country still struggling with the devastation of the January, 2010 earthquake.

CPAM also said the regime wasn’t being tough enough on former dictator Jean-Claude (Baby Doc) Duvalier, who returned to the country last year after years in exile in France.

Many Haitians and human rights groups are outraged that Duvalier, who ruled the country with an iron fist from 1971 to 1986, wouldn’t be tried for grave human-rights abuses he and his brutal Tonton Macoutes are alleged to have committed. A judge ruled he would be tried for the lesser charge of corruption, although Duvalier’s lawyer is appealing the ruling.

Duvalier, who is alleged to have embezzled between $300 million and $800 million during his rule, is supposed to be under house arrest, but moves freely around the country.

A spokesperson for the Montreal fire department, Claude Deschuymer, said the front window of CPAM 1610’s studio was smashed and a fire lit near the broken glass at about 4 a.m. Monday. Another fire was started at the back of the second floor where the station’s office is located, he said.

No one was in the building, located at the corner of Crémazie Blvd. and Musset Ave., at the time of the fire, he said.

Molotov cocktails could have been the cause of the fire since broken glass was found in both spots where the blaze began, he added.

“So we’re not taking any chances and turned the investigation over to the Montreal police,” he said.

Pierre said the station should be back to normal by Thursday, but wouldn’t be adding any extra security.

“We have surveillance cameras and will look at the footage,” he said.

The station’s analysis of the government – both positive and critical – will continue, he said.

“We never miss a chance to criticize it,” he said. “We need to educate people.”

ARTICLE - GREEN ACCOUNTING

GREEN ACCOUNTING GAINS MORE ATTENTION
(Canada.com) - By Katy Daigle, AP

What is a sip of clean water worth? Is there economic value in the shade of a tree? And how much would you pay for a breath of fresh air?

Putting a price on a natural bounty long taken for granted as free may sound impossible, even ridiculous. But after three decades on the fringes of serious policymaking, the idea is gaining traction, from the vividly clear waters of the Maldives to the sober, suited reaches of the World Bank.

As traditional measures of economic progress like GDP are criticized for ignoring downsides including pollution or diminishment of resources such as fresh water or fossil fuels, there has been an increased urgency to arguments for a more balanced and accurate reckoning of costs. That is particularly so as fast-developing nations such as India and China jostle with rich nations for access to those resources and insist on their own right to pollute on a path toward growth.

Proponents of so-called "green accounting" - who will gather in Rio de Janeiro this week for the Rio Earth Summit - hope that putting dollar values on resources will slam the brakes on unfettered development. A mentality of growth at any cost is already blamed for disasters like the chronic floods that hit deforested Haiti or the raging sand storms that have swept regions of China, worsening desertification.

Environmental economists argue that redefining nature in stark monetary terms would offer better information for making economic and development decisions. That, they say, would make governments and corporations less likely to jeopardize future stocks of natural assets or environmental systems that mostly unseen make the planet habitable, from forests filtering water to the frogs keeping swarming insects in check.

If the value of an asset like a machine is reduced as it wears out, proponents say, the same accounting principle should apply to a dwindling natural resource.

"Environmental arguments come from the heart. But in today's world based on economics it's hard for arguments of the heart to win," said Pavan Sukhdev, a former banker now leading an ongoing project that was proposed by the Group of Eight industrialized nations to study monetary values for the environment.

That study, started in 2007, has estimated the world economy suffers roughly $2.5 trillion to $4 trillion in losses every year due to environmental degradation. That's up to 7% of global GDP.

"We need to understand what we're losing in order to save it," Sukhdev said. "You cannot manage what you do not measure."

Using the same accounting principles, some countries are already changing policy.

The Maldives recently banned fishing grey reef sharks after working out that each was worth $3,300 a year in tourism revenue, versus $32 paid per catch. Ugandans spared a Kampala wetland from agricultural development after calculating it would cost $2 million a year to run a sewage treatment facility - the same job the swamp does for free.

But environmental accounting still faces many detractors and obstacles. Among them is resistance from governments who might lack the resources and expertise to publish a "greened" set of national accounts alongside those measuring economic growth. Particularly in the developing world, many still struggle to produce even traditional statistics that are timely and credible.

And even practitioners are riven by debates on how to put a price on a vast range of natural resources and systems that encapsulate everything from pollination by bees to the erosion prevented by mangroves in an estuary. The single largest difficulty is that markets, which are the easiest way to value goods and services, don't exist for ecosystems.

ARTICLE - UN GLOBAL FOOD FORECASTS

UN GLOBAL FOOD FORECASTS GOOD BUT FEARS OVER YEMEN, SYRIA
(AFP) -

ROME — The UN's food agency said Wednesday that this year's forecasts for global food production are positive overall but warned that some areas will likely struggle due to armed conflict and displacement.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation's report forecasts "a record increase of 3.2 percent in world cereal production in 2012, mainly on the strength of a bumper maize crop in the United States."

"Wheat and coarse grains prices eased in May, mostly during the second half, driven by good supply prospects," the FAO said.

Despite the positive trend, "several regions of the world are expected to struggle with the consequences of poor rainfall, severe weather, armed conflict and displacement," the Rome-based agency said.

Countries in the Sahel continue to face serious challenges to food security due to locally high food prices and civil strife, it said, adding that Syria and Yemen are also experiencing increasing difficulties.

"The situation in Yemen and Syria reminds us of the clear link between food security and peace. Internal conflict is causing food insecurity. But it works the other way around as well," FAO head Jose Graziano da Silva said.

"Throughout the world we see crisis after crisis caused, in its entirety or in part, by the lack of food or disputes over natural resources, especially land and water," he added.

The report lists 35 countries -- 28 in Africa -- which are in need of external food assistance, including Afghanistan, North Korea, Haiti, Iraq and Mali.

West Africa faces malnutrition in several countries. Agricultural production in the Sahel, especially Niger, Mali and Chad, is threatened by the escalating conflict in Mali as well as locust outbreaks from North Africa.

Civil unrest in Syria has left an estimated one million people in need of humanitarian assistance while in Yemen about five million people are thought to need emergency food aid due to extreme poverty and prolonged conflict.

However, "record harvests and improved production were expected across much of Asia, North America, Central America and South America," the FAO said.

"World cereal stocks for crop seasons ending in 2013 are forecast to increase to 548 million tonnes, up seven percent from their opening levels and the highest since 2002," the report added.

ARTICLE - BACTERIA - SOIL IMPROVER

BACTERIA TURN CO2 INTO SOIL IMPROVER
(TG Daily) - By Kate Taylor

Tiny microbes and a tropical tree can be used to lock up carbon dioxide - and turn it into an agricultural soil improver.

Scientists have discovered that when the Iroko tree is grown in dry, acidic soil and treated with a combination of natural fungus and bacteria, it produces a mineral in the soil around its roots.

It does this by combining calcium from the earth with CO2 from the atmosphere. The bacteria then create the conditions under which the resulting mineral turns into limestone.

The process locks carbon into the soil, keeping it out of the atmosphere, with the mineral in the soil having the happy side effect of making it more suitable for agriculture.

"By taking advantage of this natural limestone-producing process, we have a low-tech, safe, readily-employed and easily maintained way to lock carbon out of the atmosphere, while enriching farming conditions in tropical countries," says Dr Bryne Ngwenya of the University of Edinburgh's School of GeoSciences.

The team believes the discovery could lead to reforestation projects in tropical countries, and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the developing world. The technique has already been used successfully in West Africa, and is also being tested in Bolivia, Haiti and India.

The project examined several microbiological methods for locking up CO2 as limestone, and the Iroko-bacteria pathway showed best results.

ARTICLE - GREEN ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES

GREEN ENERGY OPPORUNITIES IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
(Haiti Libre) -

The Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Bloomberg New Energy Finance score 26 nations on their relative ability to foster low-carbon energy growth.

Latin America and the Caribbean boast extraordinary renewable energy resources and much of the region has seen strong economic growth in recent years. Still, the local clean energy sector is just beginning to gain traction, last year attracting less than 5 percent of an estimated $280 billion invested worldwide.

For clean energy entrepreneurs, developers, and manufacturers, massive opportunities appear to lie ahead — if they can identify them. Similarly, government leaders could trigger a flood of new clean energy investment — if they can craft appropriate policy frameworks.

To bridge these gaps, the MIF, member of the Inter-American Development Bank Group, in partnership with Bloomberg New Energy Finance, has created the Climatescope, the first annual report, index, and interactive web tool focused on the clean energy market in Latin America and the Caribbean. Climatescope was released June 19 during the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.

The Climatescope uses 30 indicators to measure the ability of each country to attract capital to build a greener economy, aggregated into scores from 0 to 5, with 5 representing the best investing environment. The highest ranked country was Brazil, but it only scored 2.6, indicating ample opportunity for improving conditions to attract more capital for low-carbon and renewable energy capacity.

"Climatescope is much more than a report," said Nancy Lee, MIF's General Manager. "It is an interactive and dynamic tool with rich data and in-depth country profiles that allows users to change the weights of each parameter to suit their needs. We hope that the Climatescope’s unique combination of information on finance, policy, and market opportunities will have real benefits for facilitating green investment in Latin America and the Caribbean."

Michael Liebreich, chief executive of Bloomberg New Energy Finance, said that over the past three years equipment prices have dropped to the point where unsubsidized clean energy is on the verge of being competitive with fossil fuels. "For the moment, however, the sector still needs intelligent support mechanisms, and it certainly needs a raft of unhelpful barriers to be swept away," Liebreich said. "What Climatescope does is measure progress on these fronts on a very granular level, measure by measure, country by country. It is the first time anyone has attempted to do this, and we think it will prove of enormous value as Latin American and Caribbean countries strive to attract funds to accelerate their green growth trajectories. We commend MIF and the IDB for backing this initiative."

Countries were ranked based on four parameters: enabling framework; clean energy investments and low-carbon financing; low-carbon business and clean energy value chains; and greenhouse gas management activities.

1 Brazil 2,64
2 Nicaragua 2,13
3 Panama 1,97
4 Peru 1,73
5 Chile 1,72
6 Mexico 1,67
7 Colombia 1,63
8 Costa Rica 1,47
9 Guatemala 1,45
10 Uruguay 1,38
11 Argentina 1,32
12 Honduras 1,28
13 El Salvador 1,29
14 Ecuador 1,14
15 Dominican Republic 1,07
16 Jamaica 1,02
17 Belize 0,99
18 Paraguay 0,86
19 Bolivia 0,84
20 Barbados 0,58
21 Bahamas 0,54
22 HAITI 0,44
23 Trinidad & Tobago 0,42
24 Guyana 0.38
25 Venezuela 0,37
26 Suriname 0,29

The report documented $90 billion of cumulative clean energy investment in Latin America and the Caribbean between 2006 and 2011, with Brazil attracting close to 80 percent of the total funds committed.

Other key findings include:

- Renewable energy capacity can be installed in some parts of the region without the need for subsidies due to a combination of falling clean energy technology prices, high electricity prices and rising electricity demand.

- At least 80 clean energy policies are in place or in the late planning stage in the region, mostly relating to energy market regulations and tax-based incentives.

- Microfinance has emerged as a significant lever to expand access to clean energy for the poor. Currently, 71 of 448 microfinance institutions operating in the region offer some sort of green financial product.

ARTICLE - KOREA - HAITI'S DEVELOPMENT MODEL

HAITI TAKES SOUTH KOREA AS A DEVELOPMENT MODEL
(Haiti Libre) -

As part of his project, which aims to promote the Haitian economy, Wilson Laleau, Minister of Commerce and Industry, received on Monday June 18, a visit of the Ambassador of South Korea, Mr. Chu Uck Kim. The purpose of this meeting was to share the experiences of South Korea in terms of industrial development with the Haitian government.

Ambassador Chou Uck Kim, stated that his country was entirely willing to work with the Government of Haiti, in order to promote the emergence of the Haitian economy. He proposed to the ministries, including to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Planning, to visit and review, the industrial framework of South Korea, to have an overview of their methodology.

Minister Laleau stressed that this strategy to take South Korea as a model, will lead to the realization of .... the creation of decent and sustainable jobs through the development of the industrial and private sector in Haiti.

While thanking South Korea for its support, Mr. Wilson Laleau said he was confident of the positive effect that this initiative will have on the country's economic development.

ARTICLE - SECTORAL ASSEMBLIES

SECTORAL ASSEMBLY - LEOGANE, GRESSIER, GRAND GOAVE AND PETIT GOAVE
(Haiti Libre) -

Thanks to the technical support of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), a Sectoral Assembly was held last Saturday in the town of Petit-Goâve, on the premises of the Louco Night Club, under the auspices of the Coordinating Committees on the Initiative of Petit Goâve (COCIPEG), a structure composed of citizens of the Civil Society. This activity was attended by Marc Ronald Justal and Yves Lindor, respectively Mayors and Deputy Mayor of Petit Gôave, representatives of the Section of Human Rights of the Minustah, and of the organization OXFAM.

This Sectoral Assembly aimed to bring together members of the Initiative committees of the communes of Léogâne, Gressier, Grand Goâve and Petit Goâve to reflect on the problems they face, in order to develop a specification, to be used as an advocacy document to the Government.

The Initiative Committee of Léogâne has presented a set of requirements to help resolve everyday problems such as: the construction of a public market, social housing, a pipeline and dam on rivers, the necessity for a policy of environmental protection, and the urgent need for a land use plan, which according to the Committee, should occupy a large part of the concerns of our policy makers, both at the municipal, departmental and national levels.

Street markets abound and proliferate under the eyes of the authorities powerless to curb them, failing to offer a better alternative to these citizens in search of survival. Given the danger to which our economic agents are exposed.... the construction of a public market, would allow the municipality to maximize its tax revenue by control, and a better distribution of taxes.

For its part, the Committee of the town of Gressier mentioned the urgent need to build a hospital in the region, one of the major problems of the population, whose absence has caused the deaths of several citizens for lack of proper care. Jean Ronald, the MP for the town of Gressier, who attended the Sectoral Assembly, said on the subject, that he had already begun several approaches with the Minister of Public Health [Florence Duperval Guillaume], to resolve this important health issue. The MP stated, that he had received the unequivocal assurances of the Minister, that the construction of a new hospital in Gressier, would begin shortly.

For the members of the Committee of Grand Gôave, the vendors selling their products on National Route # 2, is their main concern. These shops, on the edges or on the pavement of the road, impede traffic and can cause traffic accidents, endangering the merchants, shoppers, drivers and pedestrians in general. Stressing that this social phenomenon is tied to the right to life, health, work and exercise is a business of their choice, calls the state in terms of regulation in relation to its regulatory functions. Given this situation, the citizens of Grand Gôave, advocate for the construction of a public market.

As for the people of Petit Gôave, their current priority concerns the sanitation of the town. The committee deplores that despite its historical and tourist potential, the town was abandoned by the authorities of the country and the city is in critical condition. The Committee recalls that the Commune has no infrastructure to enable people to live in a decent manner.

In his speech, Pascal Théodore, the Regional Coordinator of NDI, declared that this Sectoral Assembly was demonstrated for everyone, that highlights the importance and interest to organize for the development of Haiti. "The country will not know change without the organization of is sons, even if we have all the material and financial resources;" recalling that this approach was part of a post-earthquake process initiated by the NDI across the country, to identify the best strategies with communities, which can lead to the development of Haiti in order to propose them to the leaders, through a set of specifications.

ARTICLE - OPERATION "BOUCHE TWOU"

LAUNCHING OF THE OPERATION " BOUCHE TWOU"
(Haiti Libre) -

This Monday, Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, announced that the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communication (MTPTC), together with its partners, has launched the operation named "BOUCHE TWOU" in the metropolitan area and its surroundings.

This program, lasting 90 days, concerns the rehabilitation of 37 km of road in the metropolitan area of ​​Port-au-Prince. The sections concerned are: Rue Monseigneur Guilloux, Ruelle Alerte, Ave Muller, Route des Dalles, Rue Laraque, La ruelle Fouchard, Deprez, Rue Magasin de l’Etat, Rue Dr Aubry and Rue du Centre, including also the main streets of the municipalities of Delmas and Petionville.

The operation "BOUCHE TWOU" aims to facilitate the smooth flow of vehicles, improve public transportation, and significantly reduce technical damage caused to vehicles. This initiative is part of a policy of reappropriation of the urban space in the city of Port-au-Prince, which is part of the priorities of the Martelly-Lamothe government. Moreover, the government invited the Interim Executive Agents of metropolitan municipalities to participate in the completion of this operation, and to ensure the maintenance of these rehabilitated roads with public bodies assigned to this operation.

ARTICLE - CURACAO PM VISITS HAITI

CURACAO PRIME MINISTER VISITS HAITI FOR TALKS ON EDUCATION, GREEN ENERGY
(Caribbean Journal) -

Haiti recently hosted a three-day visit by Curacao Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte in the framework of a cooperation in renewable energy and basic education.

Schotte, who was in Haiti for three days last week, shared his country’s experience in both areas.

He is the leader of Curacao’s Movementu Futuro Korsou, and is the first Prime Minister in the history of Curacao, which became autonomous in 2010.

The Curacao leader and Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe agreed to establish a commission in charge of energy security to support teams of Haiti’s electricity company in the search for effective alternative fuels.

The committee, which is slated to include both international donors and local partners, will have 60 days to develop ways in which Haiti’s utility can improve the quality of its services, make proposals adapted to the context of the production, sale and transportation of electricity and establish a working agenda with various stakeholders in the sector.

Lamothe said he expected the commission’s report to expedite the implementation of his government’s energy policy.

The commission will also participate in an energy summit in Curacao on July 20.

The two sides additionally discussed Haiti’s government’s free and compulsory universal education initiative, which is similar to that offered in Curacao.

Lamothe and Schotte expressed “satisfaction” with the cooperation between the two countries, according to a statement from the National Palace.

ARTICLE - TAXPAYER SCREENING PROGRAM

NATIONAL SCREENING PROGRAM OF NEW TAXPAYERS
(Haiti Libre) -

Jean Baptiste Clark Neptune, Director General of Taxes (DGI) with the Secretary of State for Tax Reform, headed by Ronald December, Secretary of State for Tax Reform, met yesterday Monday, with all directors of the DGI of the entire country, in order to discuss the strengthening of the campaign against tax evasion and smuggling.

Ronald Décembre declared, "[...] All regional directorates are here, so that we can give them guidance, because they are the point of operations [...] to give them support, so that operations continue smoothly with all the interactions that must exist between all institutions [...]

We took the opportunity to discuss a set of problems at the level of the DGI, for example the problem of license plates. We know there are a number of vehicles circulating among others, with Dominican plates... We instructed the departmental Director of the DGI, so that they arrange with the police, to avoid that there are vehicles traveling with plates that are not national plates.

[...] The other problem we have posed, is related to interconnection, that must exist of the computer system. To obtain a performance of tax administration, it can not be obtained without interconnection links between computer systems that process data. We looked at the problems in each Departmental Directorate and provided solutions for the situation to be regularized. Because a taxpayer has the right to go to another Departmental Directorate, if his information is not stored in the system, it becomes difficult for the Director of the DGI, to take measures for, perhaps recovery of the declaration made by these taxpayers.

We also posed the problem of screening, which must be done in the short and medium term so that we can broaden the tax base. Currently, there are a number of taxpayers who are not registered; some have good incomes and do not contribute to the tax system. On this point, the DGI has already set up brigades to identify all niches, all these sources of taxes, sleeping and so far untaxed..."

In his speech, Jean Baptiste Clark Neptune explained "[...] While we do that, we will also set up structures so that the taxpayer be able to fulfill his tax duty, without having to walk for two days to an administration, without being able to obtain a license plate... All that goes into a proximity policy that we want to lead with taxpayers [...] in the coming years, the DGI has two major problems to solve. Firstly, create a real central government, and secondly, be an administration that is close to the taxpayer. Within a week or two we will have a national screening program of new taxpayers that will start and will run throughout. This program is a true census of the tax base, which will be made ​​from new technologies..."

Regarding the racketeer problem [illegal facilitators], Ronald Décembre has informed "[...] There's a bunch of people who gather outside the DGI, and who are not employees [...] the problem has been presented with the Director, and we will give a response to this situation [.. .] in the short term the Director will take steps to ensure that all those people in front of the administration leave, so that the taxpayer feels safe, because a taxpayer is not an enemy of the administration, a taxpayer must be a person who who is there to work with the administration and, the tax administration should be a facilitator for him, and not an obstacle for him... We will decongest all the tax and customs administrations of all these people who are encrusted..."

ARTICLE - END OF CONTRACT CONTROVERSY

END OF THE CONTRACT CONTROVERSY
(Haiti Libre) -

Yesterday, Monday, July 2, under the leadership of President Michel Martelly, a special Council of Ministers was held, during which the government team, led by Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe reviewed the issue of contracts signed in 2010 by the former Préval-Bellerive government. In this regard, decisions have been adopted.

The Prime Minister stated that the Audit Commission, formed by the former Conille government, recommended to unilaterally cancel contracts for which no disbursement was made. He also stressed that according to the Superior Court of Auditors and Administrative Disputes (CSC/CA), in its final legal advice on the audit report, transmitted to the Government, that the contracts were awarded legally and in accordance with the Emergency Law. The Superior Court of Auditors said, however, to have no objection so that the recommendations of the Audit Commission are implemented.

In this sense, the Prime Minister has clearly shown his determination to put an end to this controversy, by proposing to the Council of Ministers to implement the recommendations produced by the Audit Commission, and has instructed the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation to make the follow up with the exception of two cases:

1 - The Bowenfield contract, for which a large amount was disbursed and reassigned to rehabilitation of the premises of the Villa d'Accueil, to the construction of the Ministry of Interior and Local Authorities, and to the construction of departmental sports fields.

2 - The contract for the construction of the Parliament buildings.

ARTICLE - OMRH COORDINATOR

INSTALLATION OF THE NEW GENERAL COORDINATOR OF THE OMRH
(Haiti Libre) -

Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe proceeded on Monday, at the Primature, the installation of Mr. Uder Antoine, to the position of General Coordinator of the Office of Human Resource Management (OMRH) within the Office of the Primature, a structure responsible for steering the various reforms within the public administration. Mr. Antoine, has worked inter alia within the the Commission of Inquiry responsible for the audit of contracts signed during the emergency period as a Senior Auditor. In November 2011 he was appointed Secretary General of the Primature.

In his speech, the Prime Minister reminded Mr. Uder Antoine "[...] The state reforms, specifically the reform of public administration [...] are much more than public policy choices; the state reform is imperative. It is imperative for the Martelly-Lamothe Government, that these reforms start quickly and efficiently, so that projects can start, so that our human resources can be prepared, well trained and understand the issues of the challenges [...]

In this vein, the OMRH, in which we install today a new General Coordinator, is a hub, a strategic body, which is responsible for leading the activation of this reform.

Mr. Uder Antoine, the OMRH of which you take leadership today, has to ensure system performance of the public service, by putting in place mechanisms and administrative procedures to enable it to evaluate the performance of public service executives.

Mr. Uder Antoine, I believe in a modern government, more efficient to the service of citizens, and results-oriented, respecting the principles of good governance; an administration where we find the right person at the right place, where employees have a salary allowing them to be motivated.

I believe that state reform is possible, and ask the effective involvement of the three branches of government. I urge all ministers, all Secretaries of State, Directors General of all organizations technically decentralized, and those of the autonomous bodies, to participate actively in this process of change for Haiti.

Mr. Coordinator General, your task is enormous and, by helping to change the operating mode of public administration you will contribute to help your country, your fatherland to rise to the ranks of modern nations, capable of dealing with the challenges of globalization. I only wish you success. Your success will be the success of the entire government, and all the Haitian people..."

In his speech, Mr. Uder Antoine in his preamble stated that the Office of Human Resources Management [established by decree on May 17, 2005], is one of four strategic coordination bodies which were created in order to ensure the control and coordination of all actions that will be undertaken in connection with the reform of the state. "[...] This Office is responsible on the one hand, to advise the Prime Minister in the development and implementation of policy and on the other hand, to ensure the enforcement of laws and regulations relating to the career of Public Service agents, by supporting ministries and administrative agencies in the implementation of proposals for institutional, organizational and managerial reform.

If the Supreme Council of the Administration and of Public Service is responsible for the strategic management of the modernization of public, the OMRH is the body responsible for the operational steering activities of the reform. To this end, the OMRH will provide the technical support necessary to improve management at all levels of government, and will constitute the main hinge that can propose to the Prime Minister, government policies aimed at improving the organization and functioning of the Administration and of the Public Service.

Mr. Prime Minister, I must admit that this function carries with it heavy responsibilities, and I am aware that I can not succeed without your full support, and most importantly that of Government Ministers, State Secretaries and Directors General to name a few.

I am aware that a reform is never universally accepted, and consequently it is necessary initially to adopt a participatory approach, and to involve all stakeholders in a moment of time [...]"

Photos - Report Card Day!

Friday it was a special day. We celebrated by eating cake. Happy Birthday Coram Deo! Another year is over and the students celebrated with a party along with getting their report cards.

We bought 2 large cakes from Epi Dor and they disappeared in no time :)

The students came with their parents for a short assembly. Then it was party time!

It is good to see the friendships that the children have made with each other. The handicapped children fit in and are accepted by the other children. That is our goal for the future.... that the handicapped are accepted as a regular member in Haitian society.

In this picture you can't tell who is handicapped and who isn't.

Photos - Report Card Day!

It was a special day and some of the students dressed up in their finest!

This student has a smile on his face.... last day of school :)

All the pictures I took were at the end. Amos and I were busy running around doing errands. The teachers did a great job at organizing the ceremonies for the parents and students.

These are the 6eme AF exam cards issued by the Ministry of Education for the students of Coram Deo who will be writing the state exams on July 3rd and 4th. They have studied hard this year completing 2 grades and year. The results of the state exams will be announced the end of July or early August. Thank you for your financial support this year enabling us to have a school program here at Coram Deo.

ARTICLE - TRUE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

TRUE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(Natioanl Review Online) - By Obadias Ndaba

In United Nations jargon, terms can sometimes be difficult to define, and often lose their meaning amidst endless negotiations. The term “sustainable development” isn’t much different. It is supposed to encompass the social, economic and environmental aspects of prosperity and human development. But in the run-up to the ongoing Rio+20, a United Nations conference on Sustainable Development, much hype has been on environmental issues of climate change and their “green economy” solutions. This focus leaves the other two, equally important, pillars of sustainable development out of discourse.

There is no question that humans must take care of the environment and use resources in a way that preserves them for future generations. However, this must not comprise the ways in which billions of people could and should lift themselves out of poverty. Tackling pressing environmental issues requires human solutions, and to achieve this end, people need to be healthy, well housed, and educated. Therefore, sustainable development cannot be achieved by merely focusing on the environment alone; it must place the person at the center. That way even “green economy” will have a sensible meaning, as it is meant to meet human needs.

And let’s face it, poverty pollutes too — it pollutes not only the environment but also health, education of the poor, and, consequently, development itself. The international energy agency estimates that around 1.3 billion people, almost 20 percent of world’s population, do not have access to electricity. Most of these people rely on kerosene at best, wood or charcoal at worst, for lighting. According to the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution caused by the above methods of lightning results in 2 millions deaths every year. Children from households without access to electricity won’t have access to quality education. Insufficient access to sources of lighting impairs reading and will, in return, hurt the future potential and productivity of these young minds. Shifting to efficient energy sources that are less harmful to human health is paramount to environment protection. It also means huge improvements in the social and economic well-being of the world’s poor. This should be central to the business of Rio+20. Saving the environment through the “green economy,” the new mantra for economic sustainability, requires highly developed economies to give it a try. The proposed “green solutions” of solar panels, biofuels, and wind turbines are simply out of reach for poor countries. Though they might be alternative sources of energy in the future, with increased technology, they remain unaffordably expensive for “the bottom billion.”

Germany, the world’s top producer of solar energy, is said to have spent 130 billion dollars, financed mainly through government subsidies, for energy worth 12 billion dollars. This was possible because Germans have, broadly speaking, met their basic needs. How many countries can afford such luxury?

The inability of billions of humans to meet their fundamental needs, including as access to clean and sanitation, nutrition, basic health care, housing, and education, mean an inability to protect the environment. The anticipated Sustainable Development Goals (to replace Millennium Development Goals when they expire in 2015) need to facilitate and not hinder ways in which all people can and should meet these basic needs. Fortunately, this is in line with protecting the environment, too. With those needs met, each person will have the ability and responsibility to engage in environmentally friendly practices.

For Rio+20 to be meaningful, it has to begin with the basics: the real human needs of people and the recognition that every human person (especially the young), when properly invested in, has the potential to solve economic and environmental problems. There won’t be the “future we want” if the concerns of the majority of the earth’s inhabitants are not given top priority. Yes, we need to protect the environment, but most importantly, people should be allowed to use available tools to climb out of the poverty hole. This will not result simply in access to electricity and quality education, but will also give them new tools to better protect the environment. This means that countries such as Ethiopia, Ghana, Nepal, or Haiti should be allowed to build dams and even use fossil fuels to provide electricity to their people, without “green noise,” the objections you hear in poor countries when they engage in projects deemed environmentally unfriendly by rich countries and NGOs.

People in developed countries worry more about environmental issues, even as they are affected less by them. But for over a billion people surviving on less than $1.25 a day, those worries are luxuries they can’t afford. To achieve that status, the poor need to meet their basic human and economic needs — in order to think about the environment. It’s just human nature to worry about food and shelter before worrying about anything else.

The rich prospered without worrying about the environment; why restrict the poor from using accessible and affordable tools to take the same path? To reach green targets, developed countries are trying to offset the burden of their own carbon emissions onto the developing countries, even when they cannot achieve the targets themselves.

In addition, the world’s growing population must not be seen neither as a burden to environment nor a figure to be reduced but rather as a tremendous potential to be tapped in order to save the environment. It is ironic that rich countries still consider other people a threat to the environment while they grapple to reverse declining populations at home.

Economic and social development are major concerns for the majority of humans, and should not take a back seat at Rio+20 and other subsequent policy-setting meetings. Understanding the interdependence of the three pillars of sustainable development and the central role of human persons in addressing the environment will determine whether Rio+20 fails or succeeds in meeting human needs of today and tomorrow.

— Obadias Ndaba is President of World Youth Alliance, an international organization with consultative status with the United Nations and European Union, among other institutions.

ARTICLE - SUCCESS OF VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

SUCCESS OF THE NATIONAL VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
(Haiti Libre) -

The Office of the First Lady of the Republic, expressed satisfaction with the success of the national vaccination campaign against polio, measles and rubella. Dr. Jean Ronald Cadet, National Director of the vaccination program has confirmed to have exceeded the objectives set [2.8 million children], and that the ministry had vaccinated 3 million children.

The First Lady, Sophia Martelly congratulated the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) for having administered more than 1.2 million Vitamin A capsules to children aged 6 months to 6 years, and over 1.3 million albendazole tablets to those from 2 to 9 years.

The Minister of Public Health and Population, Dr. Florence Duperval Guillaume, believes that if his ministry continues on this way, the Martelly-Lamothe Administration will reach some of his goals in terms of child health, including: keeping the country free of polio, measles and rubella, strengthening routine programs, and reduce mortality associated to vitamin A deficiencies, and parasitic diseases, among children younger than 10 years.

The campaign, launched Saturday, April 21, 2012, under the theme "Protect our world, get vaccinated," aimed not only to give for free to children and pregnant women: vitamin A to combat malnutrition, drugs against parasites, vaccines for measles, rubella and polio, but also allows Haiti to obtain certification as a country free of measles and rubella. The costs of this campaign amounted to USD $8 million, of which two thirds was spent on the acquisition of vaccines, and the rest for various immunization operations.

At the launch of the campaign, Ms. Anne-Valérie T. Milfort, the representative of the First Lady, had stated that "Children's health is a key factor, this is a bet that we can and must win." After having learned that the MSPP had exceeded the expected results, the First Lady is convinced that we are on the right track to win this bet.

ARTICLE - CANGE - MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM

FIRST CHLORINATED MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM, IN THE CENTRAL PLATEAU
(Haiti Libre) -

Members of Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries traveled to Haiti for the dedication of a water system in an area that has been plagued by cholera since the 2010 earthquake that leveled the country’s capital.

The six Clemson University students, their faculty adviser and an industry adviser went to the village of Cange to help dedicate the new turbine-driven water pumping and filtration system.

During the past year, the group’s interns performed field engineering and construction oversight for the water system, which serves the greater Cange area and a population of nearly 10,000. It is the first chlorinated municipal water system in the Central Plateau of Haiti.

"This week is going to be a myriad of ceremonies, dedicating things from cisterns to the pump house and all the different technologies that are supplying water to Cange," said Jennifer Ogle, an associate professor in Clemson’s Glenn Department of Civil Engineering and the group’s main faculty adviser. She was accompanied by students Michael Ladue of Simpsonville, Nathan Schneider of Clemson, and Joshua Mitchell of Elgin. Graduate students Robert Wood of Atlanta and Jeff Plumblee of Central, who founded the group, also were there.

The project was made possible by funding for materials from the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina and funding for students from Clemson University programs, including Creative Inquiry, the Michelin Career Center, the Service Learning Alliance, Clemson’s Glenn Department of Civil Engineering and a few private donations.

Representatives of Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries, the Episcopal Diocese, Haiti’s Zanmi Lasante (Partners in Health), the Church of Bon Saveur and the people of Cange gathered Monday to dedicate the newly commissioned system.

They toured the water facilities, which include 9 fountain/showers, 4 cisterns with a total capacity of 200,000 gallons and a pumping system that can deliver 144,000 gallons of water per day, up 1,100 feet through nearly 2 miles of four-inch galvanized pipe. The water is filtered, sterilized and chlorinated in an effort to improve public health in the midst of the cholera epidemic.

The event culminated at the water source in Bas Cange (lower Cange) where Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries and other organizations were recognized for their efforts. The residents of Cange commemorated the accomplishment with a plaque acknowledging the efforts of Clemson University to design and construct the system.

While the system is completed, Ogle said there still is work to do teaching Haitians how to maintain and operate the system. The Clemson group will continue to work in the region helping improve water quality, sanitation and waste management systems.

While in Haiti, Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries also participated in the dedication of the Centre de Formation Fritz Lafontant (CFFL) vocational school, where intern Michael Ladue teaches English to Haitian students. The group plans to offer technical courses at the school in the future.

Learn more about Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries:
Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries’ mission is to work with local communities in the Central Plateau of Haiti to develop sustainable solutions that improve quality of life through interdisciplinary student-led initiatives that embody our core values in partnership with Clemson University, non-profit organizations, and industry.

ARTICLE - $3.3 MILLION FOR CHURCHES

$3.3 MILLION FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE STRUCTURES OF THE CHURCH IN HAITI
(Haiti Libre) -

The Episcopal Conference of the United States of America (USCCB) has announced the delivery of aid to the Church in Latin America for a total value of $5 million. 121 projects of various pastoral and reconstruction works in 20 countries of the Latin American region will be financed, with a strong focus on Haiti. The main voice is in fact devoted to the reconstruction of the structures of the Church in Haiti, with $3.3 million. After the January 12, 2010 earthquake, which destroyed much of the country, the Church is committed to a meticulous process of reconstruction in accordance with the standards of safety and effective prevention.

According to our information, major projects include the construction of a multipurpose building at the Diocese of Jacmel, and the reinforcement of the structure of the Cathedral of Miragoâne (Diocese of Anse-à-Veau et Miragoâne). Mgr. Thomas Gerard Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, a member of the Advisory Group for Haiti of the USCCB, said about this project, that "the strengthening of the Cathedral are realized with the latest technology, not only to prevent deaths in a possible future earthquake, but also to help save the historic Cathedral."

The support for priestly and religious vocations is another point of emphasis for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: for the formation of the clergy, seminarians, men and women religious of which $650,000 were allocated.

ARTICLE - UN - ROAD- BASSIN BLEU

REHABILITATION OF 20 KM OF ROAD BETWEEN GROS MORNE AND BASSIN BLEU
(Haiti Libre) -

As part of the institutional support of the UN Mission to the Haitian authorities, 24 engineers from the Indonesian Military Engineering Contingent (INDOENGCOY), began a major repair work of 20 km of road, which is dirty, muddy and strewn with pot-holes, unfit for circulation, which links the towns of Gros Morne (Artibonite) and Bassin Bleu (Northwest). This work should be completed by mid-August 2012. The Indonesian contingent with heavy machinery, should flatten, fill, compress and crush the surface, and ensure the smooth flow of rainwater on this road of eight meters width.

"I struggled for several years to repair only two kilometers of this road, without success. Imagine my relief when I see 20 kilometers under repair, especially during this rainy season!" declared Rodner Antoine Daméus, the main Mayor of Gros-Morne. According to him, these improvements will enhance the traffic between the two departments, reduce the risk of traffic accidents, and facilitate the transport of francisques mangoes, the main production of the region [approximately 50% of mangoes exported to the U.S.].

Deployed for over a year in the Artibonite, the Indonesian Military Engineering Contingent has already rehabilitated 6 road axes in the department, including Ennery, Grande Saline, Dessalines, and St-Marc.

HL/ HaitiLibre






Do you agree with the decision of President Martelly to publish the amended text of the Constitution ?

Yes
No













Why HaitiLibre ? | Contact us | Français
Copyright © 2010 - 2012
Haitilibre.com

ARTICLE - FRANCE - ROAD SAFETY CONTRIBUTION

FRANCE CONTRIBUTES TO ROAD SAFETY
(Haiti Libre) -

In order to reduce the risk of road accidents, Didier Le Bret, the Ambassador of France in Haiti, handed over to officials of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) two speed radars of the latest generation, as well as breathalyser,s at a ceremony at the Police Academy; symbolically ending a two-week training, given by two gendarmes, and a French police officer of the UN Police (UNPOL), on the use of these devices on the road, to 17 instructors of the PNH.

In parallel, the Embassy of France will help train Haitian school children in the rules of pedestrian traffic, from July 27, by beginning with students from the Ecole Jules Verne Pernier, a neighborhood in the Petionville district. This training will include the screening of a documentary film, followed by an open discussion, moderated by a French gendarme of UNPol and distribution of a code of conduct for pedestrians.

According to the Ambassador of France, other projects are underway, including the installation of pedestrian crossings in the capital, and traffic signs along highways to reduce accidents, and save lives.

ARTICLE - MINUSTAH HELPS ACUL FISHERMEN

THE MINUSTAH HELPS FISHERMEN AND SELLERS OF ACUL
(Haiti Libre) -

The Minustah proceeded this week to the inauguration of a project to help 600 fishermen and sellers of the Association of Fishermen of Acul (APLA), in the town of Petit-Goâve, where fishing remains the main activity of the population.

At an official ceremony held in the small harbor, Martha Lya Cordoba, the representative of the Minustah in Léogâne, handed over the keys of two shallops with a motor to the responsibles of APLA. The project also includes the construction and donation of two other sailboats and fishing accessories, without forgetting the training of fishermen and of saleswomen. This project is funded to the tune of U.S. $48,000 as part of a Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) of the Minsutah.

Thanks to this project, APLA now has two shallops with a motor, and two sailboats, 14 life jackets for deep sea fishing, a small shed with a fridge for fish conservation, powered by 12 new batteries and a solar panel, a scale to weigh the fish, and other equipment for fishing. "With these materials, we will able to fish in the deep sea and bring back quality fish, big fish, and keep them fresh for sale," stated Jean Célion Dargout, the Deputy Coordinator of APLA.

The 72 members of the fishing association founded in 2007, will now increase safety and efficiency, thanks to large fiberglass shallops. "Now we can fish per team taking turns twice a day, and so bring in more fish," a pleased Wilfrid Joseph said, a fisherman who roamed until now, the coast on a makeshift boat...

ARTICLE - MINUSTAH PROVIDES DRINKING WATER

DRINKING WATER ARRIVES IN SEVERAL LOCALITIES
(Haiti Libre) -

The Minustah launched last week, two projects to provide drinking water in Pointe des Mangles and Bonald, situated west of Gonaïves, and to the town of Saut d'Eau and of localities in Rivière Canot and Noyau...

Pointe des Mangles and Bonald :
This project aims to increase the availability of drinking water to approximately 20 liters per person per day for the agglomerations of Pointe des Mangles and Bonald, two localities situated west of Gonaïves. The NGO Agro Action Allemande (AAA), responsible for carrying out the work, will install galvanized pipe over a length of 11 km, to bring water from La Tiplace, a remote community where there flows a spring, to these two cities, who don't have one. Seven tanks will also be built, with five in Pointes des Mangles, and two in Bonald. This project is funded by the United Nations Mission for Stabilization in Haiti (MINUSTAH), to the tune of $95,000 U.S. dollars.

Town of Saut d'Eau:
A rehabilitation project and an extension of a water supply system in the municipality of Saut d'Eau, was launched in the presence of the Deputy delegate of the arrondissement of Saut d'Eau, residents, religious, and community leaders, representatives of the Civil Affairs Section of the Minustah, and the organization running the project. Funded by the Minustah to the tune of U.S. $97,000, this work will enable 19,000 inhabitants of the downtown of Saut d'Eau, and of the localities of Rivière Canot and Noyau, to have access to drinking water.

ARTICLE - MULTI-DESTINATION TOURISM

AGREEMENTS OF MULTIDESTINATION TOURISM
(Haiti Libre) -

The XVI Annual Exhibition, "Bolsa Turística del Caribe (BTC)" (Caribbean Tourism Exchange), which was held in Santo Domingo, ended on Saturday June 30 with the conclusion of agreements for Multidestination Tourism, between Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti.

Stéphanie Balmir Villedrouin, the Minister of Tourism of Haiti, and her delegation reached an agreement with the municipality of Mayagüez (Puerto Rico), in order to integrate the best travel deals to allow two or more destinations for an insignificant price difference. Under the agreement, the maritime transport company "America Cruise Ferrie" would conduct two trips per week between Mayaguez and Santo Domingo, offering tourists a two-night stay in the capital of the Dominican Republic with a two night additional stay in Cap-Haitien (north of Haiti). The trip to Cap Haitien and the return to Santo Domingo, would be by land.

The Haitian Minister of Tourism has also proposed a multi-destination plan, for tourists staying in Puerto Plata (North of Dominican Republic), to add 2 nights to their stay to a destination in Cap-Haitien.

Stéphanie Balmir Villedrouin also wanted to reassure the tourism stakeholders, and future tourists on the issue of security, by announcing that Haiti will have a tourist police constituted of ​​1,200 members to welcome, inform and protect visitors in Haiti, as is the case in many countries, including the Dominican Republic.

Questioned by the Dominican press on the issue of trade between the two nations, the Minister lamented that the Dominican beer "Presidente" is sold freely in Haiti, while the Haitian National Beer "Prestige" was not authorized for sale in the Dominican Republic... She told reporters that smuggling at the borders made loses each month, of several million dollars to Haiti, which justified the establishment of measures and regulations to eliminate illegal trade between the two countries.

ARTICLE - UPDATED TRAVEL WARNING - USA

TRAVEL WARNING
(Embassy of the United States, Port-au-Prince, Haiti

June 18, 2012

The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S.
citizens traveling to or living in Haiti about the security situation in
Haiti. This replaces the Travel Warning dated August 8, 2011, to update
information regarding the crime level, the prevalence of cholera, lack
of adequate infrastructure - particularly in medical facilities -
seasonal severe inclement weather, and limited police protection. The
United Nations' Stabilization Force for Haiti (MINUSTAH) remains in
Haiti.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution when
visiting Haiti. Hundreds of thousands of Americans safely visit Haiti
each year, but the poor state of Haiti's emergency response network
should be carefully considered when planning travel. Travelers to Haiti
are encouraged to use organizations that have solid infrastructure,
evacuation, and medical support options in place. (Please see the
Country Specific Information page for Haiti.)

U.S. citizens have been victims of violent crime, including murder and
kidnapping, predominately in the Port-au-Prince area. No one is safe
from kidnapping, regardless of occupation, nationality, race, gender, or
age. In recent months, travelers arriving in Port-au-Prince on flights
from the United States were attacked and robbed shortly after departing
the airport. At least two U.S. citizens were shot and killed in such
incidents. Haitian authorities have limited capacity to deter or
investigate such violent acts, or prosecute perpetrators.

The authorities' ability to respond to emergencies is limited and in
some areas nonexistent. Should a traveler find him or herself in an
emergency, local health, police, judicial and physical infrastructure
limitations mean that travelers find themselves with few local resources
available to help them to resolve their problem. For this reason, the
Embassy limits travel by its staff to areas outside of Port-au-Prince,
which constrains our ability to provide emergency services to U.S.
Citizens outside of Port-au-Prince.

U.S. Embassy personnel are under an Embassy-imposed curfew of midnight to 5:00 a.m. and must remain at home or other safe facility during curfew hours. Additionally, there are restrictions on travel by Embassy staff in certain areas or times. This may constrain the Embassy's ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Port-au-Prince. For additional details on restrictions on staff travel
within Haiti, please see our Country Specific Information for Haiti.

The Haitian National Police (HNP), with assistance from MINUSTAH, is
responsible for keeping peace and rendering assistance. However, given
the possibility and unpredictability of violent protests, its ability to
assist U.S. citizens during disturbances is very limited. U.S.
government-facilitated evacuations, such as the evacuation that took
place from Haiti in 2010, occur only when no safe commercial
alternatives exist. Please see our website for additional information on
how the Department of State assists U.S. citizens during a crisis.

Haiti's infrastructure remains in poor condition and unable to support
normal activity, much less crisis situations. Medical facilities,
including ambulance services, are particularly weak. Some U.S. citizens
injured in accidents and others with serious health concerns have been
unable to find necessary medical care in Haiti and have had to arrange
and pay for medical evacuation to the United States. Given these
conditions and the cost of private evacuations, we strongly encourage
visitors to Haiti to obtain evacuation insurance, including for medical
issues that may arise.

While incidents of cholera have declined significantly, cholera persists
in many areas of Haiti. Prior to travel, U.S. citizens should also
obtain information about cholera and other health related issues by
visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

U.S. citizens who choose to travel to Haiti are urged to review our
Country Specific Information page. U.S. private sector organizations with operations in Haiti can obtain additional information on the security situation in the country through the U.S. Department of State's Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). OSAC's mission is to promote security cooperation between U.S. private sector interests worldwide and the U.S. Department of State. OSAC also maintains an active Country Council in Haiti to promote the exchange of security-related information. The Council is comprised of security professionals and is co-chaired by the Regional Security Officer at the U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince and a private sector representative. U.S. private sector entities can obtain additional information on OSAC by visiting the OSAC website.

U.S. citizens are also urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment
Program (STEP) in order to receive the most up-to-date security information. While the Embassy's ability to provide emergency consular services is extremely limited, travel enrollment will enable receipt of warden messages via email. Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States; callers outside the United States and Canada can receive the information by calling a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except U.S. federal holidays. The Embassy of the United States of America is located in Port-au-Prince at Boulevard du 15 Octobre, Tabarre 41, Tabarre, Haiti, telephone: (509) (2) 229-8000, facsimile: (509) (2) 229-8027, email: acspap@state.gov American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Consular Section is closed on U.S. and local holidays. After hours, on weekends and on holidays, please call (509) (2) 229-8000. The Marine guard will connect you with the Embassy Duty Officer.

U.S. citizens can also stay informed about conditions in Haiti by
following the Embassy and ACS on Twitter and Facebook.