How can you work in Haiti when this is going on?
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Hello, This was the question a longtime supporter asked me after reading an account of gang violence in Port-au-Prince. Perhaps you’ve seen similar reporting. Given this, I thought you might like to see my response: The situation in Port-au-Prince is very bad. I don’t think the security situation has been this bad since back in 2004. And in some ways it is probably worse. Over the years, as the climate of insecurity has grown in Port-au-Prince, our team has adapted to the complexity of working there, implementing new security protocols that reduce the risks faced by our staff and people in the communities where we work. We have an office in the capital and our work in many neighborhoods there continues, but the vast majority of Beyond Borders’ work happens outside Port-au-Prince. Beyond Borders has partners all over the country and two other offices – one in the southeastern town of Jacmel, and one on the island of Lagonav. I’m writing to you now from Lagonav. Lagonav Island is very poor and almost completely neglected by the government. In many respects Lagonav’s isolation is a serious challenge, but it also protects the population from the turmoil of Port-au-Prince. The security here makes Lagonav an ideal place to work with grassroots leaders, parents, teachers, religious leaders, and local elected officials to develop the different tools and approaches we use to overcome poverty, prevent violence and abuse, and develop leaders. The escalating chaos of the capital is a huge concern for everyone, and a terrible trial for the people who call Port-au-Prince home; but because of the decentralized nature of our work, most of what Beyond Borders does continues largely unaffected. In fact, the fiscal year that just ended on June 30th saw some of the greatest expansion of both Beyond Borders programming and impact. We’re certainly not ignoring the violence and insecurity facing Haiti or the broader political realities that have given rise to this lawlessness. Beyond Borders is part of a coalition of Haitian and international organizations who share a deep commitment to democracy and human rights. We continue to stand with and be guided by a growing movement of Haitians who have a thirst for democracy that won’t be rolled back or dismantled. Together with them we are demanding an end to the violence and impunity in Haiti, and Beyond Borders will continue to be part of this Haitian and international effort to pressure the U.S. and the international community to support democracy and the rule of law. Thank you again for your solidarity with our courageous sisters and brothers in Haiti in their struggle to overcome poverty, prevent violence and abuse, develop local leadership, and navigate through this climate of violence and insecurity. Your continued care and concern means more than you know. With deep gratitude, |
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David Diggs Co-Founder and Executive Director | Beyond Borders |
