Remittances in crises: a haiti case study hpg background Papers Discussion papers

Chapter 5

Summary of findings: solidarity and assistance

14 Interview at Fonkoze, 8 January 2006.

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14

An HPG background paper

HPG BACKGROUND PAPER

popular destination because the schools are of high quality and

cost less than those situated elsewhere. Families reported

using remittance funds to pay for other relatives to leave, and

contributing to their livelihoods for some time after they arrived.

Working adults frequently leave their children with extended

family members in Haiti while they try to earn money overseas

to send back. One of the informants claimed to have 17 children

in his care: 12 from two cousins in the Bahamas and his own

family of five. The cousins, who had not yet legalised their

status, did not have regular jobs and had sent nothing for the

children. He hoped they eventually would be able to do so. The

informant supports the family through part-time jobs in

construction and has not yet been able to repair much of the

damage done to his house by Jeanne.

The aftermath of Jeanne has had a positive impact in terms of

placing new attention on disaster management and disaster

preparedness. Government officers, NGO staff and community

members affirmed that they had learned lessons from the

storm and had taken steps to avoid the kind of flooding caused

by  Jeanne. Infrastructure has been somewhat improved and

committees have been established in most of the affected

communities that are prepared to take the lead in future. The

NGOs have undertaken a few, although not enough, training

courses on disaster preparedness. Nevertheless, the

continuing erosion of the hillsides and the fact that far too

many poor Haitians burn trees for charcoal because that is

their only source of income will exacerbate the effects of the

next storm.

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