Let's Build Gonave, Haiti!

A multi-modal transpark could work very well on Gonave.  What is a transpark?  A transpark is an industrial park that connects different modes of transportation to ship goods.  Many times these transparks will have office buildings as well. How can Gonave benefit from this?  Well and ideal transpark would be about 500 acres that would connect the entire island with rail and via roadway.  Therefore non-transpark jobs can be disbursed throughout the island.  This benefits the whole island, not just one area.  The transpark would also transport goods via air, so an airport could be built on the border of the transpark.  In addition to the airport would be a seaport.  Again, goods can be brought in and shipped out.  A transpark allows companies to have tremendous flexibility when it comes to logistics.  When you look at an island that lacks key infrastructure, a transpark makes a lot of sense.  Initially the 500 acre...

I have heard of many things, but this is something that is very interesting.  A not for profit could potentially run the day to day operations on the island of Gonave.  I know this sounds crazy, but it does make sense. The not for profit would function much like a large city, but would have board members from Haiti.  The not for profit would be created, and elect leaders.  Now how that works with citizens voting, I am not sure.  Basically the Haitian government would provide oversight.  Now this sounds very similar to the Special Administrative Region I was just talking about. Nothing is for certain, but it appears from different sources that this is something along with other ideas for the island of Gonave. Stay tuned, as I get more information, I will post it. Go Gonave!

There is a high-tech research park in Tallahassee, Florida that has many companies that have come together to create a eco-system of knowledge.  Similar to Silicon Valley in California, this research park has the cooperation of local universities, businesses, researchers, start-ups, venture capitalists, the city and state.  With all of this cooperation several labs and big companies call the park home. Currently the city of Albuquerque, NM is also doing something similar.  Two large national labs call the city home, in addition, you also have the state's largest university, University of New Mexico, along with many investors.  So the city and university are developing a similar park in two locations in the city, with the hub being downtown. What does this all mean for Gonave?  High tech jobs not only boost the economy, but you also become a magnet for bright minds.  You get large sums of investment from companies, you get attention of research companie...

One of the NGO's (non-governmental organizations) on Gonave mentioned that storing food on the island is a major problem.  Many will grow food and will either consume it or sell it.  So when there is a lack of rain, there are few food sources. So one way to solve this problem slowly is to build small metal storage facilities.  A supplier Metal Building Depot can supply a nice sized structure that can store food.  Now in a previous post I mentioned these mega structures that are several hundred thousand square feet.  These structures are several million dollars, and currently wouldn't be feasible.  Building from the Metal Building Depot are usually under $100,000 US dollars, which doesn't include construction or shipping to Gonave. Below is a image of a warehouse I designed for a dry warehouse, which could store precious food stocks. This facility would have one bay door, an interior crane which has a 4 ton capacity.  In addition it also include...

As you know, if you read my blogs, that I have had two surveys out.  One asking if Gonave should be it's own country.  The other asking if Gonave should be a Special Administrative Region similar to Hong Kong, but still a part of Haiti. Well so far, my unofficial results are, 57% feel that Gonave should not be it's own country.  Given what is going on S. Sudan, it makes sense.  A whopping 80% feel that it should be a Special Administrative Region similar to Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. In the end, it should be up to the people who reside on the island of Gonave, and that cooperation with the Haitian government is important.  We at Let's Build Haiti will make sure that we focus on the needs of the people of Gonave. Go Gonave!

One of natures best gifts is honey.  Organic honey is becoming very popular, and with this demand, Gonave could benefit. Bee farmers produce large volumes of honey at a time, and these bee hives can be placed on a very small plot of land.  So a few farmers could produce enough honey to supply not only all of Gonave, but the entire Caribbean. Honey can even be stockpiled in warehouses to be used out over time.  Honey never spoils or goes bad.  So this is a product that can easily be a cash crop that produces high yields, low cost, and little time management. Go Gonave!

As I dive more into Gonave and talk to business folks, the question about where to start and what to build on Gonave grows.  For some they have never heard of the island, others don't know where specific cities are on the island.  Some have a hard time understanding that the island is west northwest of the capital of Port-au-Prince. My though would be to create regions on the island.  I know that the island has two communes of Anse-a-Galets and Pointe-a-Raquette.  With those two communes are also different little districts.  When putting this into context, it becomes confusing when talking about where to put a water tower. So what about creating regions that are based on coordinates, which can be easily defined.  A Western Territories covers from Trou Cochon west.  Central Region covers from Trou Cochon to Latorre.  Then the Gonave area covers Latorre to the south eastern coast.  Not sure of exact names or coordinates, but this could sim...

A few people have written to me asking what is a SAR, or Special Administrative Region, and how will it work on Gonave. Well this is a very interesting concept, as only two places in the world that I'm aware of, practice this form of government.  One being Macau, and the other being Hong Kong.  I use Hong Kong in this and other examples because I'm more familiar with Hong Kong and have even visited there. With Hong Kong, they have their own form of government which controls everything from monetary policy, to judicial laws, immigration, education, housing, etc.  The only thing Hong Kong or Macau doesn't control are foreign policy or have a military.  Since both areas had their "hand over" China is responsible for foreign policy and military.  Hong Kong has it's own currency, passports, immigration laws, flag, but shares the same anthem, and has Basic Law, which is its version of a Constitution. Now how will all of this work on Gonave?  Well due to ma...

One way of connecting many people in Gonave to the world would be through the internet. Not only will it enhance the cultural exchange, but it also create buzz about an island that often gets overlooked. When I was an Operations Support Supervisor for Lockheed Martin, we often would give PC's away.  It is cheaper to donate a PC than to dispose of one.  Usually these PC's are gicen away due to companies upgrading their PC's for stronger programs, or just making aire all equipment is modern enough for what the business demands. These computers are cleaned internally, and often will need a new operating system.  This is something that Gonave can really benefit from.  there are many other ideas that I am actively working on that could change the way people living on the island currently live. Go Gonave!

For Gonave to have a robust economy yet bring in revenue, there has to be tax.  I think a very simplistic low tax is very important.  Ideas would be no capital gains, no interest tax, sales, or dividend tax.  While that may sound crazy it will lead to a major advantage over any economy in the Western Hemisphere People who work in Gonave should be taxed in Gonave, and that personal income tax rate should be at 15% to 20%.  Corporate tax should be at 16% to 21%. This type of structure will allow companies to invest heavily due to the lower tax rate.  Citizens only have to worry about paying income tax which again is relatively low. Other taxes, such as fuel, property, and cigarette tax could also be imposed. Go Gonave!

Employment goals on Gonave I think that to get the economy of Gonave stated there needs to be a few crucial items.  I have mentioned them before and that is a source of power, and getting the proper water sanitation that will allow for large scale businesses. Once that is accomplished I think that industry can be lured to the island using specific programs that work in other island areas.  Given the close location to the US, Gonave stands a strong chance of leading the Caribbean in economic growth.  These industries should be built and lured in phases. Phase 1 Bring in a 75 to 100 person call center. Create a farm program where you create over 50 different farms from fish farms to vegetable farms, along with cattle, chicken, and hog farms.  Employment of 100 jobs minimum. Bring in a textile company with a minimum of 250 jobs. Build a tourist resort and hotel which would bring about 150 to 200 jobs. Create a cannery which will have a minimum of 50 jobs. ...

Don't forget to check out the latest updates on the Gonave Government Portal .  I have did a few more updates, with more to follow.  There is some big news that will be coming out soon, so stay tuned to the website as well as this blog.  I would strongly advise signing up for the newsletter on the Gonave Government Portal.  Some information will be updated and posted there, that may not be on the blog, and vice versa. Go Gonave!

This movie amongst others help inspire me to do something about the people on the island.  

On the blog, there are two polls.  These are just rhetorical questions about what should happen to Gonave.  This could one day be a deciding factor that impacts not only Haiti and Gonavians, but also the entire Western Hemisphere. First poll asks: Should Gonave be its own country? Second poll asks:  Should Gonave be a Special Administrative Region still a part of Haiti, or should Gonave be it's own Country?   Weigh in on what you think would be the best for Gonave.  Eventually I will create a forums topic where you can discuss several different things all dealing with Gonave.  But first things first, be part of the solution and get involved by voting on the page.  

Call Centers allow people with limited skills to make a decent salary.  These jobs are usually pretty stable, and can be completed in a very short amount of time.  I have worked in call centers for over 13 years and all have the same premise. The picture to the left show's the inside of a very simple call center.  You have your training room to the far left.  This is where you will have computers and phones so that your future agents will be able to practice and learn in a controlled environment before being put out on the main floor. The larger part of this building is the main floor.  There is where the operations of the center take place.  If you notice at the very north of the photo in the main part of the building is a small room facing the main floor.  This usually will house, supervisors of the agents, IT department, managers, workforce management, and quality.   It may also contain an administrative assistant as well. The ope...

Above is the fly over view of a very large warehouse in Indianapolis, IN.  You also see the inside of this type of facility.  Gonave needs to have several of these types of facilities that are government owned.  These large facilities can store a tremendous amount of food, essential items, and help with disaster recovery. The above facility is a couple million square feet, and has over 66 truck doors, a rail spur is built next to it, along with a secured drop lot, refrigerated docks, and the entire facility is temperature controlled. When these large buildings are built, the walls are made of concrete that are put in place by cranes, and then are held there by framing work.  Then the inside poles hold up the ceiling.  These buildings, while very large, can be put up very fast. Given the large size, and the fact that goods can be stacked very high in these facilities, I think it would be essential for Gonave to have at least two of these facilities on t...

This latest update has formatted the page to have a final format as to how the page will be displayed. You will notice that the site can be translated to Haitian Creole or to English.  Also you will notice that you can like the page via your Facebook, Twitter, or Google + accounts. Register with the newsletter/mailing list so you know when a new page is being updated.  This process takes less than 5 minutes.  Once you put in your name and email twice, you will receive an email where you have to confirm subscription. Go Gonave!

I love the building to the left.  The building is actually a company's corporate headquarters, but something similar could serve as the building for different bureaus and administrative offices for Gonave.  More than likely Anse-a-Galets, a town of about 55,000 people will serve as the capital or administrative city on the island.  Why do I say capital or administrative city?  Well for one it is the largest city on the island.  It is also a more well known city, than some of the others on the island. As far as saying a capital OR Administrative city is due to how Gonave will turn out.  If Gonave does become it's own country, then this will likely be the capital.  If Gonave is held by Haiti and is allowed to become an Administrative Region, then Anse-a-Galets will probably be choosen. Imagine an impressive facility such as this rising up on the island of Gonave?

Work is still progressing on the Gonave Government Portal .  You can see the updates here http://gonavegovernment.webs.com/ .  Somethings have been streamlined to make the page function a little better. Visitors will now be able to see the local time, and temperature in the region.  There are three currently inactive buttons that are mainly for residents of Gonave.  These buttons are: Housing, Health & Medical Services, and Employment. The layout of the page is different as well.  There is a column on the left of the page, along with a top picture banner, and a label bar which still has the Home page, Contact Us, and Focus City. The left column, which was mentioned before, is for News Updates, current time and temperature.   The Let's Build Haiti button, and Gonave Newsletter are still on the page and both of these items are active. The site is a work in progress, look for additional changes in the future. 

Large Scale Aquaphonics could work for Gonave due to having fish farms along with vegetable grow beds.  Below is a YouTube Video that talks about how someone did a small scale DIY system. This is something that can easily be built on several acres, even if you have to build several medium sized greenhouses.  The fish farm could have Tilapia, and possibly shrimp.   Given the small amount of space needed to grow a large amount of food, this could be a very attractive option for Gonave.

Welcome to Gonave In the next few weeks, I hope to get in touch with a few NGO's, or Non-Governmental Organizations, to discuss Gonave.  While there have been many new events that have happened on Gonave, most recently the construction of the Wesleyan Hospital on the island. My hope is to start a small board that can look at ways to improve the island.  Ways to build up infrastructure in a cheap and responsible way, and to build possibly a small internet network on the island. We shall see.  Byenveni nan Gonave!

Why not one country two systems? On my site I talk Gonave having its own independence, and being a separate country.   While this could be a great thing, it could also be a major league problem.   Many things have to be done to actually have your own country, and you need a large amount of money as well.   While some countries have been newly established, such as South Sudan, the road to success has been very bumpy. Not only do you have to have your own military, but you have to have your own constitution, judicial system for laws, political parties, etc.   The costs and complexity are enormous, and you have to make sure that you don’t have other countries who are much more powerful, take you out. With that said, why not adopt a policy that China setup many years ago, that is still practiced today.   The have a One Country, Two Systems.   Here is how it breaks down, the one country being China, and the Two Systems being Capitalism, and Soc...

The Gonave Government web page will be updated this week, as promised.  First off I change the name, from Democratic Republic of Gonave, to the Gonave Government Portal.  This change I will explain later, but felt it was needed to be updated immediately.  With respect to the Gonave Government Portal, I will have a few things that will be deleted, and also change the overall flow of the site.  It will be a work in progress, as the page will be done incrementally. I also will have a few more blog updates that will also be in Google + and Facebook on next steps and ideas moving forward with people in Gonave.  Since I was on vacation for a week, I couldn't tend to these different sites as I wanted to.  While on vacation I had a few thoughts on how to change the site, and just a totally different view of what could be better for Gonave and it's people. Till then, keep checking the web page for updates.

Alternative to supply power to Gonave The island of Gonave could really benefit from a stable source of power.  I have mentioned in other blogs my thoughts on how to do this.  This ranges from solar, wind, and even building it's own coal plant.  While these are still very viable, they are very expensive, and still there is another alternative. An idea to keep coal plant pollution away would be to connect Gonave to the power grid from the Caracol Industrial Power Plant.  Now this 10 MW plant can be expanded, but not at the expense of Gonave.  Possibly the island could purchase power under an agreement with Haiti. While this is a cheaper approach, it is also a faster approach.  Under water power lines would have to connect the island to Haiti, and then several miles of utility lines would have to go from the coast to the industrial park. This is something that could start the development gears on Gonave, and should be something that is looked into. ...

The Let's Build Haiti blog got over 500 views last month, which was our first official month for the blog. Now this is nothing for mega sites and large blogs, but it shows that people want to know about Haiti and Gonave. I see no reason why we can't double this, this month!  Go Gonave!