Despite Worsening Conditions in Haiti, Cassava Program Continues
Many of you have contacted us recently asking for information about the escalating crisis in Haiti. As you may know, on Monday night, March 11, the de facto prime minister resigned, and a new transitional government is in the works.
Gang activity which has shut down major roads and much of Port-au-Prince (capital city) for many months has increased. Now, gangs are consolidating, having taken over key parts of the capital city. They are threatening to take over the National Palace in a symbolic coup d’etat, and the international community has stepped up pressure to find a solution. American embassy personnel were flown out by a Marine helicopter this week, as the airports remain closed.
Although an estimated 80% of Haiti’s capital city is under brutal gang control, in Jeannette, the St. Marc school and clinic remain open, and the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee Haiti Partnership-sponsored Cassava Program is continuing to be rolled out, thanks to our implementation and operational partner, APSHA. We, like our Haitian partners, believe investing in education, health, food security, economic viability, and strengthening civic infrastructure in ways like this are the most effective humanitarian responses.
To answer your questions about the conditions in Haiti and how they affect our partnership in Jeannette, we are scheduling informational Zoom sessions. We are offering two scheduled opportunities to give you a more detailed update and offer you a chance to ask questions:
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Tuesday, March 26, at 6 p.m. Central Time
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Wednesday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. Central Time
Alternatively, if those times do not work for you (individually or as a group), you may request a time to meet with Cathy Parrill, our Haiti Partnership consultant. To register to attend a Zoom meeting or request a meeting with Cathy, please click here.