What happened in Haiti could have happened anywhere – in Trinidad, Barbados, the United States, and even Jamaica.  Being 90 miles away from Haiti, Jamaica is just a stone throw away, and despite the fact that the earthquake did not Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean, JamDown Magazine felt it, knowing that it could have happened anywhere, to our families and to another country. On behalf of the entire Caribbean-American community in the Tri-State region, JamDown Magazine would like to express their sincerest condolences to the Haitian community. JamDown stands with you as you recover from this terrible disaster.

Over the last two decades, the countries of the Caribbean have shared in the casualties resulting from a number of destructive hurricanes, notably Ivan, Jeanne and Gustave. But on January 12, 2010 at 4:53pm when the earthquake occurred, only Haiti was hit; even its bordering island-mate of the Dominican Republic was spared.

JamDown Magazine understands that not only did the earthquake damage the Haitian infrastructure - homes, businesses and office buildings, but it also destroyed the strength of the Haitian people. With about 80 percent of the population below the poverty line and two-thirds of the people unemployed, the strength of the people did not come from its economy, but from their belief in family and in God. The earthquake destroyed lives and displaced families, leaving many Haitians, especially those in the Diaspora scrambling to locate loved ones. 

One of my Haitian friends told me in Haitian Creole, “Pa genyen Ayiti anko” which translates: “There is no more Haiti”. This was a very touching statement, as it describes the loss of lives as the loss of the nation. If you are not from Haiti, imagine saying that your country does not exist anymore. I cannot imagine saying ‘there is no more Jamaica’. But Haiti will not be lost. Its culture, its language and more importantly, its people will help it to recover.

 The earthquake destroyed Haiti’s infrastructure, but my friend was not talking about infrastructure; he was talking about the people. Trees and buildings do not make a country, people do. That is why JamDown Magazine believes it will take a robust humanitarian effort among the international community, not only to rebuild the infrastructure, but also the institutions of schools, churches, and a government of law where Haitians can once again come together as a community.  So far the international community has responded.

JamDown Magazine believes that there is reason to hope that Haiti will get better. The financial response from their American and Caribbean brothers has been overwhelming. The earthquake has made conditions even more challenging, but it also presents a real opportunity for Haiti to turn the corner economically. Donations have been pouring in from many sources, and more help is on its way. JamDown supports all relief efforts to help the Haitian people and encourage its readers to generously donate because what happened in Haiti could have happened anywhere.

wayne@jamdown.us