Let's Build Gonave, Haiti!

While we are still just a few weeks away from knowing if we will get the grant for the pollinator garden, we are very excited to tell you about the progress we are making. The garden will be modeled off of the diagram that I am attaching below. We are ironing out details as it this will be a more oval, circle, or square shaped garden.  While it will not be exactly what you see above, it will have a very similar feel.  There will be a center path that will have vine type of plants such as the coral vine that will hang above.  The creates a natural shade canopy which is needed from the hot sun of Haiti.  Off from the center path will be smaller paths that allow visitors to see other areas and sections of plants that they would not be able to see otherwise. We are looking at creating bamboo arches that will help create the canopy.  Above you see swings and playground equipment.  Currently there is no budget for this portion, however we would later cons...

Agriculture is a way of reducing dependency, improving economy, and build incomes.  It has been a common theme that I have mentioned here.  Agriculture is one of the oldest professions for a reason.  Food prices in Haiti are somewhat high, especially for things like cereal, even though there is a cereal maker in Haiti.  While I don't know the cost of the Haitian cereal makers brand, buying your typical American cereals is very expensive.  Other food items are still a bit expensive.  The only way to drive down the cost is production.  We are working on ways to lower the cost of doing business on La Gonave.  While the island is a great test market due to the size and population, there are some challenges that we have to overcome.  More specifically, logistics will be a major issue.  Outside of this, La Gonave will improve it's own economy by not having to get food from markets in Port-au-Prince.  To a degree, La Gonave has to be in...

One plan that I recently was discussing with a while back is how the island of La Gonave needs a business mentor and a system in place to help start up businesses.  One of the things that Hurko mentioned they are working with is to create such a business incubator. The plan is mainly around food eateries, but also include service industries as well.  This is big because it helps start small businesses and also will help with eventual tourism to the island.  Part of the plan is to have a period where there are no rental fees for space for a period of time.  Also it would be a small pilot program to see how well it does.  From there if it does really well, then it would be expanded. I like the idea and think that it is a way of fulfilling many things that are going on with La Gonave.  For one it provides services that currently do not exist.  It allows for more money to stay on the island vs going off the island.  It also provides jobs. We wi...