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To amplify the voices of the vulnerable, the marginalized and the excluded. |
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Jean-François St. Félix
It is nearly unanimously recognized that fisheries is an under-exploited business in Haiti. The sea contains great economic potential, which, being neglected, is a loss of profit to the national economy. Anyway, the fishermen of “Nan tikòk” (a slum close to Les Cayes) do not tell the opposite.
In fact, for more and more families fishing is the main source of income. However, all types of difficulties genuinely hinder the development of fishing in the area.
Justin Glezil, in charge of a cooperative which unfortunately did not last long, remarks: “The fishing industry is literally neglected by the authorities. No training, no infrastructure, there are only the fishermen with their good will who try something with the means at their disposal.” He further states that an attempt was made to establish an association of fishermen. Read more ...
On Wednesday 21 December 2000, several youth from Cabaret, 35 km North of the Capital, expressed their intention to practice less-risky sexual behaviour from now on. This followed a discussion meeting on the dangers related to HIV infection. All non-informed boys and girls are exposed to this.
Organized under the theme “Youth and AIDS” at a public meeting place, the exchange of thought with the youth of Cabaret, is the continuation of an initiative begun in the South East of the country by the Association for National Solidarity (ASON), an association of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and people affected by the illness.
A wave of emotion went through the audience, which counted more than 200 mostly young people, when hearing the testimony and recommendations of Saurel Beaujour, the Executive Secretary of ASON. He did not hesitate to affirm his seropositive status, acquired in 1993.
“A person infected by HIV must neither be ashamed nor go into hiding. Believe it or not, AIDS exists and its virus is so smart that it will carry an infected person to the grave, sooner or later. So young men and young women, I would like to urge you to not have early intercourse, to respect your home and family and remain faithful to your partner,” Beaujour beseeched. Read more ...
Chemical pesticides are widely used to combat the insect pests that raid fields and destroy vegetables. However, safe organic means are available. Before Steve Carter became a farmer in Barbados, he was an engineer. Through the internet, he researched how to use the biological control of pests as an alternative to expensive poisonous agrochemicals. This became a growing business and he named his firm @Organic Farming Solutions@.
Many farmers seem to believe that certain chemicals and fertilizers no longer work after certain time. Others honestly think that the make-up of chemicals changes. However, the reason for the ineffectiveness of certain chemicals is that insects become immune to them. Therefore alternatives need to be sought. Organic products have been provided by nature to help us protect our crops and research has shown that certain things like garlic or neem will not be attacked by insects.
Prompted by a neighbour who was looking for a product to keep birds away from his crops, Steve Carter did research through the internet. He came across a product called Agarlic barrier@, which was reported to have protected some crops from birds and other pests, based on the taste and smell that it gives to crops. Also regarding insect and other pests, tests had provided good results. Therefore Steve Carter imported some, and he had very good results with it. Read more ...