Words are not enough to describe the devastating, catastrophic, calamitous event that took place in Haiti on Tuesday, January 12, 2010; the mother of all earthquakes for the economically poorest country in the western hemisphere. One has to note that conditions in Haiti were already pretty terrible for the vast majority of its citizens for decades before this earthquake, with an over 70% unemployment rate, extremely high levels of illiteracy and less than 50% of school-aged children attending any type of educational institution – a perennial disaster for any country based on global standards. Then came the hellish earthquake and Haiti bit the literal dust, but no!! The world community rose to the occasion and we have now witnessed some of the best of the global human spirit….. giving, giving, giving, helping, helping, helping and praying, praying, praying.
Forget about the economic recession that we have been experiencing for the last couple of years, people are digging deep to help lift our Haitian neighbors out of their hole in any way possible. Even unemployed persons are mining their depleted savings to help out the people of Haiti. We are shipping out all our extra canned goods, stockpiles of water (thank God we missed the hurricane bullets in 2009), fairly tight or too loose clothing in good condition, unexpired pharmaceutical drugs and just about anything good that can help Haiti cope. Even more importan are the search-and-rescue experts, doctors, nurses, other medical personnel, pilots and police/military personnel from all over the world that have gone to Haiti to participate in recovery efforts.
It is so very unfortunate that this disastrous episode has erupted in Haiti but we are most encouraged by the amazing resilience of the victims and the outstanding support of the international community. We can only hope that this will continue into the future with similar levels of dedicated vigor. The people of Haiti are going to be desirous of much collaboration with the global community for many decades to come as they undertake the massive rebuilding process ahead.
Let us continue on with the same generous spirit in spite of our own problems here, that pale in comparison to what the Haitians are going through. We encourage you to continue supporting the efforts of all charitable organizations operating in Haiti, particularly our own Jamaican affiliated, South Florida-based Food For The Poor. This organization has been playing a crucial role in helping Haiti’s poorest for many, many years prior to the earthquake, providing desperately needed food, housing and educational facilities. Now Food For The Poor has exponentially increased its efforts in Haiti and your assistance is definitely needed. Please contact Food For The Poor at: www.FoodForThePoor.org