Neal Keny-Guyer
Chief Executive Officer
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I just arrived in Port-au-Prince, where the early days of chaos are now transforming into a more orderly relief effort. Still, the needs are overwhelming. It is a whirlwind of grief, relief and resilience. Everywhere there are street vendors selling food and basic goods. They are one key to Haiti's recovery.
I'm very proud of the Mercy Corps teams and of all the aid workers, who are sleeping on hard floors or under tarps and tents. They are doing their best under difficult circumstances.
Choppering in over the mountains from Santo Domingo, the contrast between the jungles of the Dominican Republic and the naked Haiti hills is stark. Haiti has huge environmental challenges as well!
For sound advice on Haiti, read this column by New York Times columnist Nick Kristof. Aid alone is not sufficient. Haiti needs business and jobs.
Now is not the time to be critical of aid. Too many good folks, Haitian and international, are doing their best. Time for lessons learned will come later.
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Filed under
- Countries: Haiti
- Topics: Emergency response
Comments
vicki m
January 24, 2010 2:04PM
God bless each of the relief teams in Haiti who are providing assistance and succor to the beleagered Haitian people. Also God bless to all who are in the background working tirelessly to get the aid to Haiti. I don't have a lot of money, so I am particular about who gets my funds. Mercy Corps has a proven track record of assessing need and delivering aid. I know my contribution will be used properly and actually help the people of Haiti. And I also know that Mercy Corps will be in it for the long haul.
To the aid workers in Haiti: the work may seem overwhelming, but remember you may never know the impact of a kind word or your actions will be. You are acting on behalf of the United State and world to lift up and assure the people of Haiti that they are not alone. Thank you.
Terra Williams
January 23, 2010 9:36PM
I assume that Mercy Corps, Oxfam and other organizations that will be involved in re-building Haiti are aware of this sobering information and instruction from the U.S.Geological Service:
http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2385
And I agree with Neal~~ this is not the time to find fault, but the time to express gratitude to all those who are on site in Haiti, selflessly giving their time and expertise in support of this complex, monumental humanitarian task.
With great respect and appreciation ~
Terra Williams