Let's Build Gonave, Haiti!

The minibus and bikeway system will be a move forward for La Gonave.  To my understanding there is no minibus system in all of Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic).  I am not aware of any bikeway system in all of the Caribbean.  So this system will be very rare, and unique in the world. Couple this with the fact that even in the United States, while there are many different bike paths that cities get involved in, rarely do those paths extend out into the countryside, with the exception of states like Oregon.  Oregon has many bike paths and trails that show the world the beauty of the wilderness. La Gonave, if built, would have a bikeway system that would rival many places in the world, and duplicating an existing system in S. Korea could even make the bikeway very advanced.  Adding solar panels above the bikeway will serve many purposes.  One it could generate enough power to light the bikeway at night, but also provide power to the many villages ...

I talked a bit about mini bus transit in previous posts.  This type of transit is key to moving people on the island.  I also mentioned that bike paths (bikeways) are also important as they are faster, and cheaper to build than the roads that mini buses and vehicles will use. Dual Transit Connecting the mini bus line with bikeways is important as it will connecting different types of transit together.  Keep in mind that these bikeways will also have benches, restrooms along the route, bike stations, bike repair shops, vendors, and will connect to minibus transit stops.   This bike lane shows a bike crossing with another mode of transit.  The signage shows pedestrian crossing.  This lane allows for bi-directional bike direction, connection to bus line, and even a walking path.  This is something that could implemented on La Gonave with the minibus system.  Bike Stations   This bike station allows for indoor bike storage as we...

When you look at Haiti in general many would state that it is a 4th world country.  The lack of infrastructure, job security, literacy, health, income, and unstable food production are some of the reasons for the ranking.  La Gonave is in a more dire situation than the mainland. How to move La Gonave off the 4th world list?  I have said it time and time again.  Farming!  One of the oldest professions in the world is Farming.  In fact farming gave rise to cities.  Farmers would work together, sell goods, people moved to those fertile lands to purchase the food that was produced.  Soon you had cities and other professions were created.  If Haiti, and in fact La Gonave wants to improve its standing, then farming is it. Having food security is the first thing, above housing, education, etc.  Without good food, nothing else really will matter.  Next good education is needed.  Yes even before housing is education.  Let's ...

As I mentioned a few times education is key.  One way to get Gonave rolling is by having adequate well funded schools for children as well as adults.  While building of schools cost a large sum, this can solved using wooden structures or even using shipping containers.  Adults could benefit from community colleges that will provide language learning courses, math, sciences, and even job training.  This is very important in luring international companies to the island. Children will benefit from well balanced schools that are based on school structures that work in different parts of the world such as Japan, S. Korea, and even England. Creating a Department of Education can ensure the citizens of Gonave will have a leg up on others in the region.  Establishing a good public school system is key to making sure that the proper checks and balances are done.  Schools will be built where they are needed, books are modern and useful, strong education requir...