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Dear Haiti Friends,
Several news organizations have reported yesterday and today that the Haitian government, with the UN forces still not fully funded, staffed, or armed after a considerable length of time, is now contracting with private security firms including the firm which used to be Blackwater. I am torn between whether this is hopeful or awful. On the one hand, the current situation must be stopped as soon as possible to preserve civilian lives and what is left of any infrastructure at all. On the other hand, private security firms and mercenary troops operating in Haiti are basically answerable to no one and the risk of indiscriminate killings and “collateral damage” is very high. Either way, people die, and I confess that I am at a loss to know what to hope for, and certainly what to pray for.
I continue to hear from many of you who are supporting relief efforts through your partnerships. Thank God for what you are doing, because there is no one else there to help, particularly in the Central Plateau at the moment.
Another way to support Haiti and spread the word about Haitian artistry, culture, cuisine, and spirit is to support the Haitian-run and Haitian-staffed businesses which are still managing to get their goods shipped out to US partners who take care of the distribution. Consider giving birthday, Christmas, or other gifts of Haitian-made products. Below my signature is a flier from Papillon (see the movie “Poverty, Inc” for a description of the founding of Papillon.) They are now partnering with other Haitian businesses and partnerships to help spread the word and promote the work. This may seem a little on the frivolous side, but believe me, it is very serious indeed for the Haitian craftspeople who are dependent on getting their work out to a larger market. A necklace for you is food for people in Haiti. This month Papillon is featuring a company located in Gonaives which started with help from outside Haiti but is now entirely Haitian-owned, with of course a workforce of Haitian artisans. I am also attaching a list of Haitian products/companies I have made purchases from in the past. For example, I’m sure I have mentioned Singing Rooster coffee and chocolate before — if you are a non-profit, they will sell you quantities wholesale which you may sell for retail prices as a fundraiser for your Haiti Partnerships (thus supporting Haiti in two ways) or, as an individual consumer, you may show your circle of friends what Haiti has to offer. The list may not be absolutely up-to-date — I do not know whether MyaBel is able to create its export sauces at the moment — but all of these are worth checking.
Yours,
Serena
