Haiti's elite

This Boston Globe article describes the isolation and relative ease of elites in Haiti. It goes a bit further in its analysis, however, explaining some of the interdependence between the poor and elites, and discussing factors that will influence whether basic services such as grocery stores will be rebuilt.

BBC Article On US/Haiti Relations

BBC Article On History of US/Haiti Relations This a very good article, The Long History of Troubled Ties Between Haiti and the U.S. for the BBC outlining some of the US complicity in Haiti's deep poverty. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8460185.stm

Hope.Help.Haiti Feb 3 Revised Schedule

The schedule for February 3 has been revised slightly to accommodate class schedules. Students, staff, and visitors are invited to drop in whenever they can throughout the 1-8 pm event, but the schedule is available to help you plan your participation.

Paul Farmer testifies at the U.S. Senate

Along with Red Cross, Partners in Health has been chosen as the beneficiary of BSC fundraising efforts in Haiti. Co-founder Dr. Paul Farmer recently provided this update to the U.S. Senate.

“Haiti: From Rescue to Reconstruction” hearing of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee yesterday.

"I am at my core optimistic about the possibilities before us and the potential of our support to help rescue and transform our poorest neighbor," stated Paul in his submitted testimony. "The response from citizens of the United States to the recent events in Haiti has been overwhelming and encouraging. There is the promise of solidarity by our leadership to make long-term commitments to the kinds of investments needed in Haiti—and to fulfilling them."

"For two centuries, the Haitian people have struggled for basic human and economic rights, the right to health care, the right to education, the right to work, the right to dignity and independence,"he continued. "These goals, which Haitians share with people all over the world, should direct our policies of aid and rebuilding."

Read the rest of his testimony at the PIH web site.

MINUSTAH -- The U.N. in Haiti

United Nations is just that -- a joint effort of almost all the world's countries. The dedicated soldiers, police, and civilians of the U.N. were among the victims of the earthquake -- even the head of the U.N. mission there was killed. Those who survived have pushed down their personal grief to be among the first to help with rescue, relief, and recovery. Learn more at the MINUSTAH web page or the U.N. news service.

Funds to be collected by Student Athlete Advisory Committee

On Saturday, January 30, for the 1pm Women's game and the 3pm Men's game in the Tinsley Center, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee is collecting funds to support Hope. Help. Haiti. Go out to enjoy two great basketball games against Westfield State College, and show your support for Haiti!

Hope.Help.Haiti PROGRAM

As of Friday afternoon, this is the agenda for the February 3 program, perhaps subject to minor changes. Please come to as much of it as you can, to learn, share, and reflect. We will honor the lost, celebrate what remains, and help those in need.

The program will run from 1-8 pm, with speakers until 5, a buffet at 5, and music after 6. Please see the program for more details.

Bracelets for Haiti

Hello everyone,

In an effort to support to goals of the Help Hope Haiti event on February 3rd, the Geographic Enthusiast Organization will be holding a bracelet-making session on Monday, February 1st. These bracelets were originally made in the fall of 2008 for the Haiti Hurricane Relief event with the colors of the Haitian flag. The bracelets will help create awareness and support, and will be sold at the major event to fund earthquake relief efforts. If you are interested in helping out, please meet GEO in the Science building 5pm Monday!

-Frankie H

Paul Farmer's Book on Haiti

In his critically acclaimed book The Uses of Haiti, Dr. Paul Farmer provides an indictment of US policy toward Haiti through the Aristide regime and calls for a people-based approached to providing health, basic needs, and hope for the future. Dr. Farmer is co-founder of Partners in Health, one of the organizations for which the Help. Hope. Haiti. event is raising funds.

Help. Hope. Haiti. Events Website

Check this link frequently to learn of events taking place at BSC to raise awareness about and funds for Haiti, as well as program updates for the Help. Hope. Haiti. on Wednesday 2/2 from 1-9PM in RCC Ballroom.

Help. Hope. Haiti. Article on BSC Website

Excellent Resources On Haiti

http://www.aristidethefilm.com (Click on Resources)
Human Rights Watch (HRW)- Haiti Country Page
http://www.hrw.org/en/americas/haiti
Amnesty International- Haiti Country Page
http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/haiti/page.do?id=1011166
Partners in Health- Haiti Page
http://photos.pih.org/where/Haiti/Haiti.html
http://www.standwithhaiti.org/haiti
Free the Children- Haiti Page
http://www.freethechildren.com/donate/haiti-earthquake-relief-fund/blog/
American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/
BBC- Haiti Country Page
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1202772.stm#media

Haiti's radio lifeline

NPR's John Burnett reports on the remarkable story of Signal FM 90.5, which miraculously never went off the air in Haiti. It has been transformed from a "hot" entertainment medium to a vital lifeline in Port-au-Prince.

Haiti Map

To understand Haiti's history, it is important to notice its strategic location in the Caribbean, overlooking a key strait that links the Panama Canal to the Atlantic world.

It is also useful to examine the satelite imagery along the border with the Dominican Republic, where the environmental damage that is both the cause and the result of poverty is most evident.



View Larger Map

Paul Farmer on Aristide

Writing for the London Review of Books in 2004, Paul Farmer provides historical context and his analysis of President Aristide's removal from office.