According to the Brookings Institution, "Threats to international peace and security often come from the world’s weakest states. Such countries can fall prey to and spawn a host of transnational security threats, including terrorism, weapons proliferation, organized crime, infectious disease, environmental degradation, and civil conflicts that spill over borders."  The Index of State Weakness in the Developing World ranks 141 developing nations, including Haiti, according to economic, political, security and social welfare.   It is interesting to glance at, but how useful is it?

The Jolivert Safe Water System developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Pan American Health Organization is a successful example of a community-based clean water program. CDC partnered with Missions of Love Clinic in Jolivert and Deep Springs International to treat water using a hypochlorite solution in a safe container at home. The program employs local Haitians to produce and distribute the solution, while providing community education on healthy water and sanitation practices.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel ran an article concerning the failure of reforestation efforts in Haiti.  While little progress has been made to date, there have been small successes.  We can learn a great deal by examining the programs which are doing well,  asking ourselves why, and then replicating them. 

Germany recently announced that it would contribute an additional eight million Euros to CARICOM in support of its efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in the Carribean - broadly known as the  Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean or PANCAP for short.  These funds will support HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment programs throughout the Caribbean, including Haiti. 

Haiti Innovation is proud to be partnering with the Centre for Management Technology in the leadup to the Jatropha World 2008 conference, which will be held in Miami and focus on the potential of Jatropha as a biofuel in Latin America and the Caribbean.   We will report before, during, and after the Conference, which we anticipate will help raise awareness and bring together key stakeholders who could make the cultivation and processing of Jatropha in Haiti a reality.  Below is further information from CMT about the conference.

Ever thought that you would see the day when jumbo jets were powered by biofuels?  Thanks to Virgin Airlines, we now know it is possible.  Click here to watch the (successful) test flight and then check out this article in the Toronto Global and Mail. What does this have to do with Haiti?  Presently, not much.  But it has a great deal to do with the future viability of biofuel production in Haiti for domestic and international consumption.

Bourik (BOS) recently loaded up for a trip to Trou du Nord in the Northeast of Haiti and ran across some of the sharpest Haitians yet. A ruthless band, fearless but cautious, otherwise they’d never have made it as far as they have in this life (ages 6-10 perhaps).

Canada is a significant donor for international development programs both in Haiti and worldwide.  The country has a large Haitian population and high ranking government officials who were originally born in Haiti.  During a recent trip to Haiti, the Canadian Foreign Minister reaffirmed the government's long term committment to Haiti and new activities for partnership - activities which we believe could have a positive impact on Haiti's development.

Let's face it - life is fragile.  One mosquito bite or one glass of questionable water makes the difference between good health one day, and sickness the next. In developing countries such as Haiti, the very water needed to survive can also cause sickness and, for the young, even death.  In Port au Prince, the wealthy purchase treated water while the poor depend on  crumbling infrastructure.  A documentary entitled "Drop for Drop" explores access to water in Haiti's largest city.  

During a recent stroll to Jakzil Bourik (BOS) happens upon the unfortunate fate of a hoofed brethren in an unlikely place, a big blackened pot with sauce and yams. But he keeps himself composed and manages an interview.