The state of Florida is preparing to accept Haitian earthquake refugees. According to Tampa’s Baynews 9 reports, the Tampa Bay area will play a key role in receiving people from Haiti in addition to other areas of the state.
Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base is preparing to deploy a medical team of nurses and technicians to join relief efforts in Haiti. This would be in addition to other troops already deployed with various Haiti earthquake relief, and comes hot on the heels of Governor Charlie Crist’s deployment of Florida National Guard to the Middle East shortly before the earthquake occurred.
Tampa International Airport (TIA) is on stand-by to receive Haitian evacuees on a date to be announced. For security purposes, there may be as little as two hours’ advance notice of airplane arrivals from Haiti.
Meetings have been held with TIA’s Security staff, U.S. Customs & Border control, Florida Emergency Management and local agencies like Tampa Fire Rescue. Arrangements to be made in Tampa Bay as well as other arrival points in Florida include temporary housing, supplies and placement guidance for the new arrivals.
The Haitian people have various religious beliefs, and TV evangelist Pat Robertson’s recent remarks regarding why this happened in Haiti have been very controversial.
Times like this do not call for judgment or counter-productive, hurtful statements. People are people, and in dire times they need assistance, love and support. It is a golden opportunity for those who believe in God to reach out with real help.
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment…
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” James 2:12-16, NIV.
Comments
Not that it should matter but haven't they already been arriving by the boatload even before this natural disaster occurred?
And here we are turning South Americans away and "enforcing the border policy" while opening it up on the side for a country that cannot vote in a good president?
Jesse, you are right, but I like to think the refugees are coming for better reasons than the illegals. Not just to make a buck, but because 1. they are not *crashing* our gates, they're being invited, and 2. They are truly in need.
With high unemployment and no jobs we do not need more unemployed individuals coming to US. Fix their problems back home we have enough of our own. Medical cases are one thing but allowing an influx of refugees will be a disaster. All this will mean is more people on welfare costing taxpayers millions.
I hear ya, Chuck. I thought of that. But Luke 6:38 says "Give and it will be given to you, pressed down, shaken together and running over...for as you do to others it will be done to you." My faith lets me believe there is a reward of some kind coming!
As I said to Jesse, these people are in need -- not just trying to sneak in -- and perhaps they will be grateful enough to go for naturalization and become productive, contributing citizens to the U.S.
Wish that would be true but most of the time it is not. We would be better off spending the money to help them rebuild, bring in some businesses and teach them to properly govern and solve their own problems. Bringing people here does not fix the problem in Haiti. Just like in katrina when they relocated people, it sounds nice and is well meaning but most areas that received those folks lived to regret it. I hope this will be different but it is not likely. We already have many Haitians in this country on visas working which will be extended. This country can no longer keep accepting people when we cannot even employ those we already have. That is counterproductive. Ones that are hurt, it is fine to give them medical care but after that they should go home. Children that can be adopted should be but that should be the extent of accepting folks here. Healthy haitians should stay there to rebuild their country. There will be plenty of work for those that want it. There is alot to rebuild
The article is very thought provoking and action filled in response. Some of these comments are unreal. It's not a time to say what is right or what is wrong. If we can assist, we need to. I guarantee you that individuals in times of crisis appreciate it more than the individuals who expect it here in USA and take it for granted. It's so sad the lack of humanity that is evident in our media and the abuse of freedom of speech. Your article is a source of light and compassion of a great need to the people of Haiti. Thank for you for sharing brightness even in times of darkness.
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