One of the poorest and least developed countries in the world, Haiti in recent years has struggled with problems ranging from near-constant political upheaval, health crises, severe environmental degradation and an annual barrage of hurricanes.
Our wonderful local Haitian guide, Cyril Pressoir, explained that much of Haiti looks the same….except for the rubble, destruction and tent cities.
Colorful tap-tap cabs serve as mass transportation in Haiti. Tap-taps are privately owned, but publicly operated as a form of shared taxi. They’re named after the sharp tap sounds on the metal panel signifying a passenger's request to be dropped off.
"Gingerbread" style house (Prince Hotel neighborhood)
"Gingerbread" houses are elegant, turn-of-the-century houses detailed with fretted wood and intricate latticework. These faded gems of Haitian architecture were nicknamed “gingerbread” houses by American tourists in the 1950s. This period and iconic style of Haitian architecture came to an end in 1925 when new timber frame construction was banned in the city to prevent fire.
The Gingerbread Houses reflect a time of prosperity and creativity during which Haiti was a vibrant part of the international community, hosting the Paris Exposition in 1900 and incorporating foreign influences into its indigenous art and architecture. The intricate patterns found in the fretwork of these houses are thought to be representative of the traditional vévé patterns traced on the floor to call the spirits to a vodou ceremony.
Do you remember seeing a photo of a colorful water tank decorated with Israeli and American flags? (See section 4: JDC Response.) JDC commissioned Jerry Rosembert Moise, a prolific and renowned Haitian graffiti artist (who created the graffiti above) to paint more than 80 large tanks of drinking water. They can be seen at the Petionville displaced persons camp we visited and all around Port-au-Prince. Many tanks were “sponsored” through donations by Jewish families in the U.S. who were able to request the theme for their tank’s artwork. Here's a great story about Jerry: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/29/1706326/graffiti-depicts-frustration-hope.html .
With graffiti and protests, from sweltering tents to air-conditioned offices, Haitians are desperately trying to get a message to their government and the world: enough with the status quo.
Notice another JDC-funded water tank in the top right of this photo.
“We’re fed up.”
Below highlights the beautiful ride through the mountains to Fondwa. Before 1988, there was no basic infrastructure in the area and people had no access to roads, drinkable water, health care, education, electricity, or technical assistance for agricultural activities.
Although the people of Fondwa paid taxes, they did not receive any services from the government. In response to the isolation and lack of assistance, the people of Fondwa and their neighbors took action and created a project of integrated rural development.
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