On August 14, 2021, forty-five days after the assassination of Haiti’s president, our sister country experiences another disaster – a 7.2 magnitude earthquake on the south western end of the island. In response, my colleagues from the Conference on Theology in the Caribbean Today (CTCT) posted on our WhatsApp chat some profound remarks. Without further ado, I share with you for reflection.
“The continuous plight of Haiti as the forerunner of all emancipation and independence struggles, its own internal corruption, exploitation by France as a condition of independence, circular poverty and now major victim of climate change, lead one to question the existence of God. Is this how God treats his favored son/daughter? That Haitians believe still is a pure act of grace. I’m beginning to understand Moltmann that Christianity begins with Golgotha.” (Martin)
“❤️ I find that words are so inadequate when I try to express how I feel about Haiti & the debt owed her by the region & I always try to figure out how we could practically change their plight. No answers though. So yes… Grace.” (Nicole)
“I recall the input of a Haitian (priest?? not sure) at the conference in Trinidad at the seminary. He shared the experiences of Haitian life and I was filled with respect and reverence for these caribbean brothers and sisters. They seem to be so resilient in the face of all the crises they experience. I sincerely hope that together as a region we can sustain this nation through varied support that is given. They are part of us and we are part of them- in hope, in faith and in love.” (Dianne)
“In response to my niece: Why are they punished by the universe all the time?
Me: Perhaps Haiti is bearing all the pain and suffering of the Caribbean because they dared fight for their freedom ???” (June)
“Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us and the people of Haiti.” (Paba)
Beloved Reflections 
Fr. Don, we are in Haiti. The situation in the southern departments is horrible. As of last night, the death toll rose to 1.297 and 5.800 persons are injured, The numbers will increase as many people are still missing. The destruction is incredible. The south had hardly been recovering from the devastation hurricane Matthew caused in 2016, and now this! Good Lord, help us.
The rather rudimentary equipped hospitals in the south are overwhelmed, the medical personnel are insufficient to handle the influx of so many injured. The majority of the injured are being treated in the yard. Some of them don’t even have tents yet to shelter these many people. HERO Ambulance EMT services and other non-profit organizations have teamed up to fly materials into the southern cities and take the severely injured out. The US Coast Guard sent boats to support the effort. Other organizations are delivering supplies via trucks, which is a difficult feat as they have to drive through dangerous gang-controlled areas with no guarantee to get through. Further south, some streets are blocked by landslides caused by the violent earthquake and it’s difficult to reach some communes.
To top the difficulties, the rains from tropical storm Grace have started, which makes relief efforts tedious. My son is at the airport coordinating HERO logistics. With fog and thick cloud coverage it’s difficult for some helicopters to fly. The US Coast Guard boats are observing the situation too because when the waves get too high… Unfortunately, it seems the rains will come straight through the southern region. Last night many victims slept in the rain already but if the rain pairs now with stormy winds, as predicted for this night, it will increase the difficulties hundredfold.
On the other hand, we see a huge show of solidarity by those who were spared. Many people in Port-au-Prince created drop-off centers for clothes and food supplies, linen and tents, pots and pans, whatever they can spare, and organize the transport too. In addition, each Catholic church parish has its own drop-off center, and they are coordinating trucks to drive to the south.
In all of this, God provides and makes a way where we do not see a way. We hope and pray. My five grandkids had suddenly grown so tall during vacation that we now have lots and lots of clothes and shoes in great condition to give away. So, everyone tries to help in one way or the other. Only solidarity can get us out of this nightmare.
Sorry, but I cannot leave without appealing to your help. If you and your readers would like to support the medical side of the relief effort, please donate via HERO FOUNDATION’s website: http://www.herofoundationusa.org Your donation will allow HERO to get more volunteer personnel and medical supplies into the south to help the injured and to evacuate those who need a more specialized hospital care.
May God bless you, and please keep praying for us.
Anne
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Fr. Don, we are in Haiti. The situation in the southern departments is horrible. As of last night, the death toll rose to 1.297 and 5.800 persons are injured, The numbers will increase as many people are still missing. The destruction is incredible. The south had hardly been recovering from the devastation hurricane Matthew caused in 2016, and now this! Good Lord, help us.
The rather rudimentary equipped hospitals in the south are overwhelmed, the medical personnel are insufficient to handle the influx of so many injured. The majority of the injured are being treated in the yard. Some of them don’t even have tents yet to shelter these many people. HERO Ambulance EMT services and other non-profit organizations have teamed up to fly materials into the southern cities and take the severely injured out. The US Coast Guard sent boats to support the effort. Other organizations are delivering supplies via trucks, which is a difficult feat as they have to drive through dangerous gang-controlled areas with no guarantee to get through. Further south, some streets are blocked by landslides caused by the violent earthquake and it’s difficult to reach some communes.
To top the difficulties, the rains from tropical storm Grace have started, which makes relief efforts tedious. My son is at the airport coordinating HERO logistics. With fog and thick cloud coverage it’s difficult for some helicopters to fly. The US Coast Guard boats are observing the situation too because when the waves get too high… Unfortunately, it seems the rains will come straight through the southern region. Last night many victims slept in the rain already but if the rain pairs now with stormy winds, as predicted for this night, it will increase the difficulties hundredfold.
On the other hand, we see a huge show of solidarity by those who were spared. Many people in Port-au-Prince created drop-off centers for clothes and food supplies, linen and tents, pots and pans, whatever they can spare, and organize the transport too. In addition, each Catholic church parish has its own drop-off center, and they are coordinating trucks to drive to the south.
In all of this, God provides and makes a way where we do not see a way. We hope and pray. My five grandkids had suddenly grown so tall during vacation that we now have lots and lots of clothes and shoes in great condition to give away. So, everyone tries to help in one way or the other. Only solidarity can get us out of this nightmare.
Sorry, but I cannot leave without appealing to your help. If you and your readers would like to support the medical side of the relief effort, please donate via HERO FOUNDATION’s website: http://www.herofoundationusa.org Your donation will allow HERO to get more volunteer personnel and medical supplies into the south to help the injured and to evacuate those who need a more specialized hospital care.
May God bless you, and please keep praying for us.
Anne
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Thanks Anne for this first hand update of the situation in Haiti. Thanks for taking the time to write and reflect. Let’s use this medium to bring greater awareness and concrete help. The AEC bishops will soon announce concrete ways of assisting. Stay safe.
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Thank you, Fr. Don. Feel free to use my article for your blog too. And thanks for your prayers for Haiti.
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