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 ...

Above is the Island of Jeju in South Korea. Ile-a-Vache, Haiti is being looked at by the Haitian Government to be a tourist destination for locals as well as people from around the world. The island still holds true to what Haiti use to look like.  The lack of man-made destruction on the island is very appealing for the government.  The island currently is self sustaining with respect to food and even has a small 20 room hotel on it. Below is Ile-a-Vache, or Cow Island in Haiti. The island of 14,000 doesn't have any cars, and as you can see is unspoiled.  Like Jeju island in South Korea, the government is planning on building a small international airport, transportation system, and hotels/bungalows on the island. Sounds extremely promising, and you can be sure that Let's Build Gonave, Haiti will be involved in some capacity.

It's no secrete that Haiti has many different issues including violence.  Gonave is no different.  While the violence on Gonave doesn't compare to the amount and types of violence on the mainland, ending violence and stopping it before it begins is key. Some say education, stable home, and good role models are key to ending violence.  While this is true, it is up to the future leaders on Gonave to first reach out to parents.  Explain the importance of education, therefore parents are less likely to keep kids at home to help pay the bills.  Also leaders should explain how education is a key for success.  It isn't a promise that an educated individual will be perfect, but it helps to give a person a place in life. All of this points to one bigger thing...government.  While government can't raise our kids, having a good government is very important.  A government that cares about the progress of the people that inhabit their country.  A lov...