Let's Build Gonave, Haiti!

Well the new year is starting and one of the things that was recommended to me was that the island of La Gonave doesn't have a fire department or a Emergency Medical Service.  This isn't a surprise, and something that we have somewhat looked into.  We contacted a international a not-for-profit group to help in this process.  The group has helped Haiti before with setting up a fire program.  While all of this was on the mainland, I felt that we can possibly see if this group would be interested in helping the island of La Gonave. Our concern is how can the program be successful.  Will the program last?  One cause for concern is that the departments in Haiti fell apart.  So how can we make the fire department on La Gonave work overall.  The agency that has worked in Haiti before trained the firefighters and even assisted in getting gear and equipment.  There could even be a way to help pay the firefighter salaries.  One important step i...

With the grant that we are hoping to secure we are going to improve the existing park (Public Plaza) with some landscaping as well as adding a few trees to the property.  While a small amount of the grant money will go towards the Public Plaza (some 10-15%), the vast majority of funds will go towards the new pollinator park. With that said, the parks have to be protected and cared for.  While the newly formed La Gonave Wildflower Association will plant and maintain many of the plants and trees, it leaves a very critical element.  That is having someone that will make sure that goats and other farm animals, as well as theft and vandalism doesn't occur.  Also emptying out trash bins and keeping the parks clean would be required.  Having a parks department would not only keep both parks clean and maintained, but any new parks that are added, will have the staff needed to properly take care of them. These parks are public assets and will help the local economy ...