Pointe-a-Raquette - Haiti Observer Blog

Recently, led by the president of the republic, a government meeting took place in La Gonâve in the town of Pointe-à-Raquette. The aim of the meeting was to discuss ways to provide the entire country, but in particular the many communes, with the necessary tools for development. The group also discussed the supervision of the development within areas and the way in which inter-ministerial duties will be delegated.

The meeting, chaired by the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation (MPCE), was also attended by Minister for the Promotion of the Peasantry, Mimose Félix, the deputy of La Gonâve, Béguens Théus, various representatives from the Health and Agriculture ministries, members of the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES), and the Minister Delegate in charge of Human Rights and the fight against extreme poverty, Rose Anne Auguste. The team used to visit to listen to the 50 locals of the area, using their aired grouses to develop their plans for improvement in the area.

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Gonâve Island lies on the Caribbean Sea, in the Gulf of Gonâve, to the west and northwest of Port-au-Prince. It is in the La Gonâve Arrondissement, part of Ouest Department. Because the island's topography is composed mainly of limestone, it lacks sufficient vegetation, and low levels of annual rainfall bring on water shortages. La Gonâve Arrondissement is comprised of two districts, Anse-à-Galets and Pointe-à-Raquette. It has a large population of 80,000 inhabitants.

Gonâve's biggest challenge is the scarceness of its water supply. In 2005, a crisis arose when the island experienced a severe drought, bringing many aid agencies to its rescue, sealing springs and erecting rainwater tanks. They have also installed an island-wide water-transport system and dug wells to deliver water to the drought-stricken islanders. A consortium of government, non-government and non-profit organizations, churches, and other aid organizations have established the Water Platform. This body coordinates the efforts of all agencies working on Gonâve to further their work. Within two years of the drought crisis, 25 wells had been dug and more were planned.

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A small town in Haiti's Arrondissement of La Gonave, Pointe-a-Raquette is home to more than 22,800 people. Gros Mangle, Grand Vide, La Source and Trou Louis are the sections composing the municipality.

Because it is only a small town, Pointe-a-Raquette needs more development when it comes to road construction and transportation. The town's infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with more dirt roads than smooth ones. Some are paved but only with loose gravel. Going to and from the town might be difficult for some travelers because there is no airport in the area. One must have to travel 80 kilometers just to reach the closest airports, which are the Camp Canargus Airport and the Barbers Point Airport. However, only local passengers can use those airports. Those flying overseas will need to go to the international airport in Port-au-Prince, which is 85 kilometers from Pointe-a-Raquette.

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