Glad to read that the UN and WFP are bringing in more food to be distributed to the women. Good decision! If women get the food, there's a better chance that it will find its way to the children. Am not happy that I don't hear about any food being targeted for the countryside. The authorities are asking people to leave PaP and even giving them free transportation to Les Cayes and other smaller cities but how are we to feed all these people?
I've mentioned before that Haiti was the poorest country in the western hemisphere before the earthquake struck. The folks down here are POOR. How are they supposed to assist their family members who have moved back home? The stupid decision to centralize everything in PaP is hurting us now. All supplies, except for some locally grown fruit and veggies, used to come in from PaP. All fuel, all clothing, all personal hygiene... absolutely everything came from PaP because the government wanted to control everything. The port is Les Cayes was never dredged nor was the Port in St Louis du Sud ever given permission to be built because the boys in charge wanted total control of imports. Look where that myopic thinking has left us? No use crying over spilled milk but do the foreign governments and international NGOs have to repeat the same mistake? The only relief coming in to the south is via privately owned planes from Nassau, Bahamas (thanks to the Methodists and the Rotary Club) and southern Florida. Where are the tons of food, the medicine, the fuel, clothing... that I've read about? Maybe they are on their way now as I write this. I hope so.
(By the way, these questions are rhetorical on the most part. I am venting!)
I must say that I'm not surprised, there seems to be no organization to the relief efforts. If the Haitian government can't lead the effort then they should relinquish leadership of relief efforts to another government or maybe the International Red Cross. I, and I think many others, feel helpless. I have added your URL to my email signature in the hopes more will choose to stay informed and send donations. You are in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteBob Matte
Foreign Governments are so paranoid of the appearance that they are "taking over Haiti" that they are deferring security and many other important decisions to what's left of the Haitian government. Unfortunately we know how inept and corrupt most of the government is. I fear many mistakes will be repeated and relief funds channeled through the government will have little chance of making a lasting impact for Haiti. Cynical view I know, forgive me for that. In the meantime we will continue to support you and your work through prayer and our gifts.
ReplyDeleteWe're still praying every day for you all, Father.
ReplyDeleteI am twittering your post FR Marc. Hopefully someone with more followers than me will pass the word
ReplyDeleteKudos for finally blowing your top, Fr. Marc...was wondering when reality will set in! Let us all pray for internal change of heart among Haitian leaders and those in charge of relief. I think more people should voice the complaint. Sometimes being patient will just embolden these people. Elsie
ReplyDeleteHi, I feel i know you as i have been following your blogs for a few days now.
ReplyDeleteCAN you post a list of stuff you need that is shippable by mail to your post office address?
I thought of seeds, small stuffed toys, aspirin or Vit C tabs...small things. Would these items get through to you? Betsy in Palm Springs, Ca.
Hi Fr. Marc, A group called Impact Lives is trying to get food to Project Hope. They're contacting THeo's Work in NC. Hopefully, they can make it happen. Sue
ReplyDeleteI would suggest to all of you who generously want to give and assist Father Marc to contact: jack.reynolds@freethekids.org
ReplyDeleteIf you do not hear from Father. I am a supporter and realize that he may or may not be responding promptly with all of the chaos going on. His team in North Carolina will respond via email!