artibonite - Haiti Observer Blog

Though it is a small rural town in Haiti's Artbonite Arrondissement, Estere has a lot of good things going on. Previously known as Pont de l'Estere, the town is situated 96 kilometers from the country's capital of Port-au-Prince.

Estere is described as a relatively flat town where cactus and small lizards are very common. However, it is also known for its breathtaking views. With the help of its tropical climate and warm weather, people can enjoy a panoramic view of the blue sky and white, fluffy clouds. Nearby hills also add a stunning beauty to the town.

Read more →  

Grande Saline is among the four communes that comprise Haiti's Artibonite Arrondissement. The other three are Dessalines, Petite Riviere de I'Artibonite and Desdunes. With a population of 2,000 people, Grande Saline is situated in the northwestern part of the country, 24 kilometers away from the national capital of Port-au-Prince and 18 kilometers from Saint Marc. It is located near the Caribbean Sea, which connects the water from Artibonite River to the Gulf of Gonave.

Grande Saline has been hit by several health crises before. Two years ago, a Cholera outbreak claimed many lives and due to the lack of facilities, the bodies had to be buried in mass graves. It had to be done in order to prevent the disease from spreading and killing more people. Health crisis was not the only challenge that the town faced. Back in 2007, Grande Saline was also devastated by floods when the Artibonite River overflowed due to a tropical storm named Noel. Dozens of homes were destroyed, affecting people's lives and source of income. Oxfam, fortunately, lent a helping hand to the town by launching an emergency response program. The project helped residents and the entire town to deal with the disaster's aftermath.

Read more →  

Around 28,000 aborigines live in a municipality called Terre-Nueve in the Artibonite Department of Haiti. This town is part of the country's Gros-Morne Arrondissement and is the third order administrative division. Every square kilometer of the town is home to about 160 people. Doland, Lagoon and Bois Neuf are the three communes that form Terre-Neuve, which is one of the hilly and mountainous regions in the country. It also has dense forests while being close to the Caribbean Sea.

With the rich forests found in the town, Terre-Nueve residents are more into farming and agriculture. The main produce in the area are cotton, vegetables and tobacco. Aside from agriculture, the town is also involved in the mining industry, where workers mine copper, zinc and lead. However, the town makes sure that mining would not destroy the environment. As a matter of fact, "green" initiatives are being taken to protect and conserve the environment.

Read more →  

The 2010 Haiti election day was marked by mass irregularities, chaos, confusion, riot, and demand for annulment of the election. Most of the candidates were united against the candidate of the UNITE, Jude Celestin, whom they accused for creating al types of irregularities in order to still the election. The blame went directly to the actual president Rene Preval, for wanting to keep his political party in power.

The chaos started well before the polling places were open. Long lines of people waiting for polling places to be open. In some cases they did not open until 9 or 10 am in the morning.

Read more →