Cap Haitien Club Visit

We flew into Cap Haitien yesterday morning and were met by ADG Caleb Lucien and Pres. Bob. We then did a brief tour of Cap Haitien and onto our Hotel, the Mont Joli. The ride here was life changing. The level of poverty and lack of basic life opportunities is staggering. Terrible road and streets, little or no power, no garbage collection, no sidewalks, complete over crowding and slum type dwelling etc. The Amazing thing is that the people are wonderful, friendly and welcoming.

I met with the President Bob (Harry Mercier Lewis) first, for about 2 hours and did a mini PETS with him as he had not been able to make the Cayman PETS or the Mini one I did here in July. The language barrier was a little tough but because of my French Slides (Thanks Venetia, Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise) and Caleb’s translation we were able to get through it and I am confident that President Bob is on the same page as RI and the District with respect to Goals and vision.

We met with the board yesterday afternoon at the hotel, and here is a synopsis of the club.

They Chartered a Rotaract Club, or at least submitted the data and the money and have never received the charter. Apparently that was 2005 and they have since lost interest. When I get back I will check on this for them. In any case they are going to revitalize the group this year so hopefully we will have an additional Rotaract Club from Cap Haitien

They have set a target of Plus Net 6 for membership. Very ambitious but they did Net Plus 8 last year so I am confidant they are within a realistic Goal. Their commitment to the Foundation is Every Rotarian will Give Something. EREY at its best! If you can appreciate the level of poverty, the Foundation is lucky to have a commitment like that from a place like this. ($300)

The Cap Haitien Club has agreed to do a joint project with the Rotary Club of Southeast Nassau and its Twinning partner club in providing a Solar Oven.

The Club will also prepare a project description and submit to me for a Rotary Sign for Cap Haitien as you leave the airport. It would be great to have it done as soon as possible so I will make every effort to find a funding partner.

They have a matching Grant started with someone unknown Club in New Hampshire to put a well to supply water for the Justinien Hospital. It has not been registered with RI yet but I will follow up and see if we can not get it to move ahead. Some other projects the club does are;
Feeding homeless children (75) kids

They pay the salaries of 2 teachers in one of the schools

They plan an Environmental Cleanup as well

No pictures because the internet is very slow.

Last night we enjoyed the Presidential Changeover. What a great event, Ver encouraging and motivating words of support and encouragement by the immideate past President and an inspired and excited speach from the new Predident. they had interludes of Musicians, Dancers, and Singers.