Let's Build Gonave, Haiti!

I received an email today asking additional questions from the group behind the Pollinator Grant.  This would be a $1,000 grant that would be used to beautify the existing Public Plaza, create pollinator gardens, and help with the current deforestation and erosion issues on the island of La Gonave. This is an opportunity to push this project further than ever.  This grant will allow us to go full steam ahead and build up the areas near and around Anse-a-Galets.  Anse-a-Galets will be the starting point for most of our projects from the honeybee program, the honeybee highway, to our reforestation efforts. I will specify in the language we provide to the pollinator grant group that we will purchase Vetiver from Haitian suppliers, which will then be planted by locals.  Vetiver is very important as it will establish a strong root system that will go deep into the soil.  This will help prevent soil run-off, but also help to prevent areas of heavy flash flooding....

 Beach side cabins like these could be easily done on La Gonave to promote tourism.  This open bay window would be perfect to face out toward the beach.  Retail shops could also be located nearby which would serve both tourists and locals. The idea of building large hotel buildings on La Gonave is not one that can be done easily.  Yes there are actual hotels on the island, however building a highrise structure on La Gonave has it's own logistical problems.  Many travelers like the idea of having their own cottage on the beach.  The idea of having your own "mini house" is something that tourist usually seek when they go camping.  So having these type of small cottages is like a home away from home. These structures are seen all over Key West, FL.  Like Haiti, the Florida Keys are battered by hurricanes as well.  We can even design these structures to be movable as well and loaded on the back of wheeled trailers. The ide...

Part of our goal is to build up the economy of La Gonave so that locals will have jobs, and money is spent on the island.  Having tourists are the things that can happen to any region.  Given that Cuba may eventually be a tourist stop for American cruise ships, could be a bonus for La Gonave. La Gonave needs to work on building up it's attractions slowly, effectively, and with costs in mind.  La Gonave has many natural resources that make tourism a sure bet for the island. Future attractions can immediately be available for locals, and late be attractions for tourist.  One idea that we will propose for 2017 is an artificial reef.  Many tourists like to explore above and below water.   Many have complained that when snorkeling and scuba diving that it is often pricy and many times they don't see anything except for some starfish.  It is key that you have a strong reef, even if artificial to ensure that you have several different types of marin...

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...