It is with a lot of emotions that these survivors were able to look at the past and relieve the moment that cause them the most pain. Being able to speak to these survivors didn’t go as far as the contact list of a cell phone.
January 12th has a whole new meaning to the Haitian population living in Miami and all over the world. The earthquake shook a nation that was already suffering, a nation that lacks resources and a nation that’s always in the need of safety. The images were vivid, as everyone’s eyes were on that television set or online. The horrific news unfolds right before us. Many Haitians felt like helping, but how? Unable to communicate, and some where watching their own brother, sister and friend losing their lives over unfortunate circumstance.
A week later, one of the person being interviewed for this article is the husband of the Miami City Guide Examiner, Harold Dauphin (C.E.O. of Prestige P.R. Firm), jumped at the opportunity to travel to Haiti to help his people. It was not easy. He had to leave behind, his wife, his young son and a 7 months old baby girl to help his people. No airlines went to Haiti at the time, so the group that Harold’s went with took a short cut or rather a long way there. They flew to Dominican Republic then took a day to arrive in Haiti.
It was long hours of work and non-stop emotional events, he could not communicate with his family once he arrived in Haiti. His mission was bringing tents, set them up, feed the people and help transport the people that needed immediate care to a medical station. This man wept as he was able to embrace his aunt that helped raise him, among the lucky ones. There were no special treatment, we run out of tent one day so the organization gave up the tents they had and slept in the back of their van, recalled Harold. Still, he had some families that were severely wounded. I felt so humbled, to be able to give back and being one of the first organizations to reach Haiti was more than a privilege, Harold mentioned as he spaced out as if he were playing that over in his mind.
The examiner also reached out to her cousin, a minor Djemimia which went back to relieve this painful day as she watched her stove moved from the wall to the center of the room. The pot of water that was being heated for her shower felt right in front of her, and then the stove caught on fire. Everyone, run out of the house screaming, she recalled. No one was able to sleep in. She lost a cousin that was only 4 years old because the wall of her house collapsed on her.
Another call had to be made to a family (in-law) which just relocates from Haiti to Miami. This moment, she said, I will never forget. It was a regular day. I was watching T.V., the moment I saw the TV moved, I knew it was an earthquake. I jumped and ran out. There is a golf course not too far from the neighborhood, everyone gathered there. We were scared, because the whole night the earth was still shaking. We slept in the street. There were babies yet all we had for them were blankets said Alexandra.
When asked the question, if there is something that someone in power could have done to solve this situation with people still living under tents what would it be? The answers were very similar. Shelter! Get these people off the streets.
January 12th we will never forget. Let’s take a moment of silence to seek the help of the highest power and to show respect to those who lost their lives. May all of you rest and peace!
To the survivors, you are a people of courage and strength. Haiti, you will rise once again. Speak up and demand what is due.
The best way to help people is to provide to them so that they can help themselves later. There is an organization that is doing just that. I have never interviewed this young man but he is doing his ultimate best and supporting this organization will help the people of Haiti in a great way. Please, take some time to visit and donate to: http://www.ifarelief.org
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