Haiti: Sunshine after Devastating Earthquake

Although it is proving to be a challenge to get donations, medical care, food and water to all parts of Haiti due to blockages of debris and rubble on the roadways to and from the airport and other major roads, I ask that we press on. There is nothing God cannot do if we believe. For with God all things are possible. Peace and love go to my Haitian people both here in the states and abroad in Haiti, especially during this devastating condition in which an estimation of close to 4 million people in and around Port-Au-Prince (Petion-ville) have been affected. The water is contaminated, and the scent of dead bodies permeates the environment while its remains decompose, causing widespread plagues and infestation of bacteria (parasites) viral, and airborne diseases such as Tuberculosis, Malaria, HIV, and Malaria--to name a few. At this time, the aftermath outweighs the hundreds of relief workers as thousands of natives wait on extremely LONG lines for help or take the dangerous journey instead to seek help and support in hospitals such as the one in Cap Haitien and in other neighboring cities. Others await for help pinned under buildings and debris at this point close to death if not dead already. Yet, more natives in neighboring cities such as Jacmel, Leogane, and Carrefour are without electricity, food, water, and most of all, shelters as their surroundings too have crumbled into millions of pieces from the quake. These areas necessitate immediate attention as the damages sustained here are unparalleled yet are not captured by the media. But relief workers are putting their best foot forward in catering to the wounded, the hungry, and the missing, which warrants a sincere appreciation for their timely response and tireless efforts to save lives.

So be good courage and keep the faith. God WILL provide a way in doing so not only through the support of philanthropists and humanitarians around the world, but also by the spiritual strength and emotional support by our own people and by people who aren’t afraid to love across races and cultures despite socioeconomic statuses because love is the only thing that remains after all materialistic things perish. This catastrophe only highlights the need to assist Haiti continuously. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere with 90% of the country living in poverty and 30% of those in abject poverty. Adult literacy is at 56% with approximately 90% of the school being private---unaffordable to most as unemployment is high and minimum wage at $1.70. It is unfortunate that it takes this natural disaster to bring the conditions of this country to light when this has been ongoing for decades. But right now, we can focus on the primary: to help save lives.

A big thank you to President Obama and his administration for their immediately action and dedication to relief efforts as he has pledge to offer $100MM. His exclaims the importance to assist during this hour of need. Honorable Bill Clinton is appreciated for his dedication as the Envoy for Haiti over the last few years and his sponsored fund to continue streamlining their development and now their recovery. Also a special thanks to Wyclef Jean, Haitian-born American Musician and Ambassador, who started Yele.org with $1MM from his own pocket for the namesake and dignity of Haiti. He relentlessly continues without ceasing to bring awareness and change to what some call a "forsaken country." Sincere gratitude to Dr. Stephen Carryl and Dr. Jean Claude Compas from Brooklyn who have organized donations for relief in Haiti and have arranged to travel there to medically assist the country. Notwithstanding, Mayor Bloomberg, Councilman Mathieu Eugene, and Elsie St. Louis Accilien (from Haitian Americans United for Progress) are being very resourceful in rallying up New Yorkers of all ethnicties to help. Last, I would like to thank all the countries (Dominican Republic, Germany, China, Spain, France, Mexico, etc.) and celebrities who are committed to the cause!

To inquiry about conditions or family/friends in Haiti, please call 1888-407-4747. To provide support, please visit my team's fundraising intiative of UNICEF: inside.unicefusa.org. Other reptubable organizations/websites include http://www.yele.org/ http://haitirelieffund.org/index.html, clintonfoundation.org/haiti, doctorswithoutborders.org. www.vwaayiti.org http://www.forhaitiwithlove.org/.

You can also text YELE to 501501 to donate $5 via your cell phone, or text "HAITI" to "90999" (American Cross) to make a $10 donation. The amount will be added to your next phone bill. Food, water, and money is the two importance resources needed at this time as these directly assist in retaining the wounded by providing nutrition and paying for medical assistance. Blankets and others items of bulk are too expensive to ship at this time. Other organizations are

World Vision and CONCERN (www.concern-worldwide.org).

P.S. I desire to coordinate a team or join a team to travel to Haiti to help in orphanages and help rebuild schools and homes in the near future. Please contact me if you desire to unite for this cause or have information about a team joining for this initiative.
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