Safety in Haiti

Blog material here is usually related to political, educational and social  commentary.  However, recent assignments in Haiti prompt both a brief perspective of the country as well as some important safety information.

On DECEMBER 6, 1492 Christopher Columbus first laid eyes on the pristine shores of the island of Hispanola. Lush with fruits and towering mahogany trees Haiti became known as "La Perle des Antilles" or "the Pearl of the Caribbean". What was once France's richest colony today has become one of the world's poorest nations, hindered by dictatorships, depleted natural resources, and overwhelming spiritual darkness.

Our hope is that one day you would learn first-hand of the beauty of Haiti that endures to this day - that of its culture and of its people.

Brief Facts About Haiti

•             Haiti is the oldest black republic in the world.

•             Population: approximately 8.3 million, almost entirely of African origin

•             Employment rate: 30%

•             Illiteracy rate: 48%

•             Religion: Catholic 85%, Voodoo 90%

•             Languages: French (official), kreyol (most widely spoken)

•             Current government: Elected president

•             Haiti is the poorest and most densely populated country in the Western Hemisphere.

•             Average life expectancy is 52 years.

SAFTY IN HAITI

The most important consideration during your stay in Haiti is safety.  There are many crimes and accidents in North America and Europe; Haiti may be both better and worse depending upon your choices.  Crime, violence and accidents may happen to you.  No information sheet can address every contingency.  These are a few, simple, safety reminders.  While there is no need to become paranoid, being cautious and alert is important.

General Safety

• Keep doors locked day and night; 
• Check who is at the door before opening it. If the door has a “peep hole,” use it before opening;
• Record serial numbers, descriptions and take photos of valuable items--it is helpful if anything is stolen;
•  Make photocopies of credit cards, driver license, passports or any other valuable documents;
• WOMEN (and MEN): Be careful about who you invite to your room or apartment. Also be careful when you go to someone else’s room or apartment by yourself.
• Keep telephone numbers of police, hospital or other important contacts on your telephone so they are easily accessible in an emergency;
• DO NOT go out alone at night--take a friend with you. As a minimum, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return;
•  DO NOT get into a car with someone you do not know.  DO NOT give rides to people you do not know;
• Avoid walking through crowds or large groups.
• DO NOT carry large amounts of cash--do not wear flashy jewelry.  Boulevard (i.e., the Waterfront area) in Cap Haitien is especially a high crime area;
• DO NOT leave valuables (jewelry, money, computers, phones, suitcases) or if necessary, hide them out of sight; 
•  If you have a car, always lock it when it is parked, whether it is occupied or not.  Preferably, always drive with the windows up.

General Laws

Foreign visitors must obey the same laws as Haitiens.  If you break the law, you will be treated the same way as a Haitien--you will have the right to an attorney and a trial.  Jail here is not fun.  If you are found guilty of a crime while in Haiti, you may be deported and may lose your right to return. 

The following are things for which you may be arrested:

• Fighting in public; other acts of violence;
•  Public intoxication;
• DUI (Driving Under the Influence) / BUI (Biking Under the Influence);
• Burning couches or vehicles (any kind of arson!);
• Lack of proper identification or immigration documents;
• Having, or being in, a vehicular accident.

Health Safety

These health guidelines, if followed, should optimize good health during your stay abroad.  Local customs and practice, as well as varying physicians’ approaches may at times conflict with these guidelines.  Review this information with your physician, especially to discuss individual pre-existing medical conditions and allergies to particular drugs.

• Haitiens may be sensitive to implications that their food and water are not safe for consumption.  Acquired immunity over generations of exposure make our hosts less at risk of becoming ill from local food and water consumption.  There may be times when refusing an offer of a drink with ice, or avoiding a salad, will be considered rude.  Even the most careful travelers may have to consider compromise on these occasions or in instances where alternative food and beverages are not available.  Decide for yourself, but excuses thought out in advance, can be handy;
• Use insect repellents/insecticides (and netting if sleeping in open areas);
• Consider pre-exposure immunization (if available);
• DO WASH your hands scrupulously with non-contaminated soap and water or sanitizer before eating and snacking;
• DO NOT SWIM OR WADE IN FRESH WATER;
• DO DRINK: 1) Bottled or canned beverages (water, soda, soft drinks, beer, wine) from a trusted source (ensure caps are sealed); 2) Water that has been boiled for 5 minutes at sea level (longer at higher altitudes); 3) Carbonated mineral water (to increase the likelihood that the bottle was opened by you and not filled at the tap);
• DON’T DRINK tap water, even in ice or in mixed drinks (alcohol does not kill the disease-causing organisms); don’t risk using it for brushing your teeth either;
• DO EAT cooked vegetables and fruits with thick covering (citrus, bananas, and melons); these should first be washed with Clorox and rinsed in boiled water before cutting with your own clean dry knife; also, thoroughly wash your hands before touching food and repeatedly during the prep process.  Other vegetables and unpeeled fruits can be eaten if soaked for 30 minutes in Clorox or iodine solution the color of weak tea;
• DON’T EAT raw vegetables including salads.  Rinsing them in water will not clean them unless extraordinary measures are taken, not usual in most restaurants;
• DON’T EAT fruits that do not have a thick, disposable outside covering;
• DON’T EAT rare or raw meat or fish or shellfish;
• DO EAT meat or fish that is thoroughly cooked (pork and lamb should be very well done);
• DO EAT pasteurized dairy products from large commercial dairies;
• DON”T EAT dairy products from small, independent vendors without pasteurizing facilities, (this includes any food left out in the sun, especially custards, creams, and mayonnaise);
• DON”T EAT raw (unpasteurized) milk or milk products. Tuberculosis and brucellosis, both serious diseases are transmitted in this way so the consumption of unpasteurized milk and milk products should be strictly avoided.
• Avoid bites and scratches from all animals and especially avoid handling or feeding puppies, kittens or other animals.  They can have diseases before it is obvious.
• If you have had direct contact with the saliva of an animal, immediately wash the affected area with a soap solution and running water thoroughly to neutralize and to rinse out any contamination.  If you have been bitten, wash and seek medical treatment immediately.