Things sure go from quiet to not so quiet in Haiti. Its been “simmering” for some time. The government removed price controls of several different things — gas, beans, and rice, to name a few — things the everyday person depends on, and to say the least it was not a popular decision.
Fuel subsidies have been a part of Haiti since before we started working there. When they announced double-digit increases in gas, diesel, and kerosene, the general public very quickly let them know their displeasure by forming protests. Some protests have turned violent.
Gas is up to $6 a gallon. Since any public transportation is small pickups and buses running different routes, it’s difficult for the driver to buy. It’s even more difficult for those riding, because the driver must raise his prices to offset the price of gas.
Rice is up more than $18 a bag, a small can of dry beans is $7, and the oil we use to cook it all is almost $11 a gallon. Not only does this hurt the everyday person, its also hurting the ministries that operate nutrition programs. After almost 25 years, I don’t think anyone knows the answers to the problems in Haiti — NO human.
Steve had planned a March 8th trip, but the American Embassy sent an email to those on its list, advising a delay for the time being. They do this a lot, but when the Embassy sends its own families back to the U.S., we don’t go. If we were unable to get out to the villages, it would become a waste of money.
The picture is a new one of a class of preschoolers at Beaubrun’s school. Although a smaller group, this picture reminds me of the one sent last month when Alix was this size. You never know what one of these children will grow up to be. Investing in their health (spiritual and physical), providing an education, and giving them tools to face their future, will quite possibly result in one of them changing the things around them.
We hope you all have a great Easter. We appreciate the cards, prayers, and help for our friends in Haiti.
