The Critical Situation on La Gonave: An Urgent Call for Support and Solidarity

The Critical Situation on La Gonave:
An Urgent Call for Support and Solidarity

October 29, 2024

Due to escalating gang violence in Côte des Arcadins, numerous families from Arcahaie (Akayè), an area on Haiti’s western coast, have fled to the island of La Gonâve seeking a safe haven. Many of these people, including women and children, are currently without adequate shelter, food, or water. Over the past five days, 3 to 4 boats filled with people have arrived daily, putting immense pressure on local communities.

When the first boats arrived, communities on La Gonâve welcomed them with water, coffee, bread, and temporary shelter. Now, according to Mayor Ernso Louissaint of Anse à Galets, the number has risen to over 7,000, with more boats arriving all over the island every day.

 Children, pregnant women, and elders are currently sleeping under the open sky without shelter, food, or water. This dire situation demands urgent intervention. Mayor Louissaint has already led three emergency meetings with the police, Civil Protection, SEMANAH (Maritime and Navigation Service of Haiti), NGOs, and community-based organizations. Rasin is supporting local authorities as they assess the needs of those seeking safety and put together a plan to address them. 

Rasin Devlopman stands in solidarity with the people of La Gonâve, Mayor Louissaint, and those seeking refuge. Our strength lies in unity, and we believe in the power of konbit–Haitian-led mutual solidarity and collective action. Community members and community-based groups are always the first responders to crises; we must ensure that actions to address this crisis do not undermine or compromise the natural solidarity of the community or create long-term dependency on foreign resources. 

We will continue sharing regular updates as the situation progresses. If you wish to support the actions we are taking in conjunction with other groups and local authorities, you can do so at https://rootsofdevelopment.org/donate/.

Sincerely,

Louino Robillard
Program Director, Rasin Devlopman

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