Self Help in Haiti

Entrenched Transience at Golf Club Dramatizes Haiti's Limbo


Since the earthquake displaced Haitians have been living in ad hoc camps arranged around aid providers. This story discusses one particular camp, located at the Pétionville Club, a private golf course. Conditions remain poor in the camp due to the seasonal rains, but the Haitians have organized themselves to solve many of the camp's problems such as sanitation and security. Conditions are bad, but for many of Haiti's displaced they are even worse


To the people in these camps, the Haitian government (which was never really there for them) is a minimal presence- however NGOs offer a large number of services (much as they always have) Last month US soldiers secured the camp, but they have since withdrawn. Haitian authorities were not there to replace them so the people in the camp took up this very task- handling most internal disputes internally.  Serious matters are still referred to the police.

In Pétionville there is a mixture of Haitian self help led by a local elected leader built around a number of services provided by the international community with other services staffed by members of the camp itself. It is a vibrant but transient community with a question hovering over its head-- what happens next?

What role will the Haitians play in transitioning from relief to reconstruction? Camps like Pétionville are not yet making the transition- although their inhabitants currently have the energy and enthusiasm. All they need is a plan, leadership and some resources.  At the moment the disaster has recreated the community, however this too could well be transient.

In this sense Pétionville is a microcosm for the country. The earthquake's aftermath is an opportunity, but one that won't last forever. If the transition from relief to recovery is not handled well, or if it is one that does not create stronger, more democratic institutions then Haitians will be worse off and more vulnerable than they were before the earthquake. This is something that cannot be done through aid and the provision of services by international NGOs, but can only be done by harnessing the Haitians energy and initiative. This can only be done through partnerships on the ground and by cultivating local leaders who have emerged in places like Pétionville.