Security

    Except for unruly traffic, Haiti has seemed so far to be a relatively safe place. I walk about day and and even a bit at night, and have never been threatened, but I do take what precautions I can. Security is an ever-present issue and everyone seems to devote a lot of time and resources to making sure they are safe. Every substantial house has a high wall around it with razor wire on top, a heavy steel gate with multiple padlocks, steel bars on windows and doors, and often a ferocious dog. The people in the tent camps have only makeshift security, and so are extremely vulnerable to violent elements of society.

    A neighborhood church was broken into several times in the past year, and the pastor, who lives across the street, was robbed and his dog poisoned.

    The UN deployed 9000 soldiers and almost 4000 policemen when violence erupted in the months after the earthquake. T he most recent UN report on security stated that violent crime incidents have dropped sharply. Precautionary steps were taken anticipating violent demonstrations after the presidential elections March 20, but because the outcome of the election was never in doubt, everything remained quiet.

    I spent most of the day working on IT stuff, but I took a couple of hours this afternoon to visit a nearby orphanage run by an NGO called Child Hope. They have taken on the additional mission of feeding three times a week boys and girls who live in a nearby ravine. 

Mr. Brown, the mastiff who guards Dottie's guest house. He is chained during the day and stalks the grounds at night.

Some boys from the ravine enjoying their food at the orphanage. The meal was rice and beans, a Creole staple, and a chicken leg. About 85 children were served.