Page 26 - DIVA_1_2008_No.32

Every tropical storm causes definitely has great poten- Q: Haiti has also been day in the office 7 days a
tremendous damage as a tial. In the 1950s and 60s, known for being one of week. You do not have all
result of flooding and mud Haiti was a very popular and the central transit coun- that much time for yourself
slides. Each time, many attractive tourist destination. tries for drugs. Is this Being a peacekeeper on a
people have to be evacuated We certainly hope that it will still the case? tropical island does not
to save their lives. Often we be one again in the future. mean that life is a beach.
and we have to use This is still the case.
helicopters to rescue them Q: Is the situation such Unfortunately Haiti has
from the flooded areas. that you can walk in the been become one of the
Again, it shows the whole streets? Can you go transit countries for drug
range of the peacekeeping into Port de Prince shipments to North
mission's work. without being attacked? America.

Q: Do you have the We have identified certain We have just started to help
feeling that the media areas in Port au Prince as the Haitian Government to
and people in general "red zones", so if you go retake control over its bor-
have forgotten Haiti? there you should take certain ders. We are assisting the
precautions. Government to reestablish a
security
I would hope that Haiti Fortunately, we did not have customs and immigration
remains on the front page - any major incidents with system. Customs collection
not so much with bad news international staff, although is a significant source of
about violence and kidnap- occasionally some of our income to enable the Haitian
pings, but with good news in local staff became subject to state to provide vital servi-
the sense that the situation kidnapping. However, ces to its citizens.
has improved and that Haiti outside the urban slum
worth areas, it is safe. I myself Q: On the personal level
is
definitely
investment. It is a beautiful quite often hike in the how is life like in Haiti?
country with an exciting mountain areas - a wonder-
variety of culture and art. ful experience where you Life is challenging in the
tourism meet friendly Haitian far-
Unfortunately, sense that you have to work
virtually has dropped to zero mers welcoming you with a long hours. You definitely
since the mid-80s. It smile. spend more than 8 hours a
24 1 2008 Diva

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