The United Nations International Office of Migration has published a 72-page book of photographs and letters from Haitians displaced by the earthquake that deserves reading.

Voice of the Voiceless   — Vwa Pou Sila Ki Pou Gen Vwa or Les Voix Des Sans Vois  – is produced in English, French and Creole.

An introduction by Leonard Doyle, Media and Communications Coordinator at IOM/Haiti, sets the stage:

“This book is testimony to the desire of Haiti’s new homeless to have their voices heard and to become part of their country’s national conversation. Ten examples have been chosen from among more than 2,500 received by IOM over a three month period. Once picked up the letters are read and responded to. The humanitarian community also analyses the letters to gauge the needs and concerns of the displaced as it plans an exit strategy from the camps. The letters in this book provide a glimpse into a harsh and precarious life being lived by an estimated third of the population of the capital Port-au-Prince. The writers cry out in desperation for jobs that pay a living wage saving them the indignity of depending on the charity of friends to survive each day.”

These are just some of the people whose lives have been devastated by the earthquake, and give face and voice “to the voiceless.”

Building a New Haiti

commerce – business – investment

SIDE EVENT

Reconstruction and Business Opportunities in Southern Haiti

12-13 June 2010  —  Cap Lamandou Hotel  –  Jacmel

The Société Immobilière d’Agriculture, de Commerce et de Tourisme, Inc., (SImACT) and the Public-Private Alliance Foundation (PPAF), in collaboration with Haitian and other partners, will conduct a tour and informal workshop for potential investors and businesses toward the common objective of revitalizing Southern Haiti after the earthquake.

This is an addition to the Panel PPAF and SImACT will hold on Friday, 11 June at the “Building a New Haiti” conference at the Club Indigo, 9-11 June.  That conference is organized by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic, the American Chamber of Commerce of Haiti, and the US Commercial Service, along with other collaborating organizations.   SEE blog entry for Building a New Haiti Conference.

The Jacmel side event will focus on sustainable development in the South and South-East Regions of Haiti, in keeping with the Action Plan for National Recovery and Development of Haiti, and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

AREAS OF INTEREST   ● Infrastructure – Seaport, Airport ● Historic District ●   Ethanol Cookstoves ● Housing ● Agriculture ● Social Venture Capital ● Microfinance ● Health ● Tourism ● Arts and Artisans

ARRANGEMENTS  ● Transport by bus from Club Indigo to Jacmel ● Meals and one night lodging at Cap Lamandou Hotel ● Return to Port-au-Prince ● Total additional cost US$100

INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION   +1 (914) 478-3450 or ppafoundation@gmail.com    Registration deadline: 1 June 2010.

PPAF and SImACT, Inc. will host an afternoon panel at the Building a New Haiti conference, from June 9 – 11, Port-au-Prince, Hait.  See the flyer below for details of that conference.  Registration details will be provided soon.

In addition, PPAF and SImACT will host a side event : Reconstruction and Business Opportunities in Southern Haiti  in Jacmel, Haiti, on June 12-13.  See the separate blog post and contact us to participate.

Building a New Haiti flyer