Blogs

Haiti has a soundtrack. Before the earthquake, Port-au-Prince swelled with the noise of two million people in a city that could comfortably accommodate probably one quarter of that number. Then on January 12 the air exploded with the deep bass of the earth itself on the move. Then the screams and laments, the orchestra of the damned. The next day was quiet. People were too dazed and shocked to emote.

On a seaside road winding north of Port-au-Prince, two cars separate us from a brightly-painted bus trundling along the dusty strip of gravel. One by one they overtake the bus, their white roofs carrying with them a white burst of sunshine in the midday heat.

We move closer to the back of the bus, slowly changing gears, and get to within a few metres before we saw it. Him.

There was a man. Dangling. Wedged between the back door of the bus and the ladder that carries luggage and the occasional passenger to sit on the roof.

With the airport in Port-au-Prince still not fully functional, most aid workers are getting to Haiti via the Dominican Republic. The road across Hispaniola forms a line between two very different capitals: Santo Domingo with its Caribbean charm and laid-back atmosphere at one end and impoverished, stricken Port-au-Prince at the other.

The drive takes between five and eight hours, depending on traffic, and the route is lined with aid convoys bringing food and water, tents and medical supplies to the three million Haitians affected by the earthquake of January 12.

Trócaire's Got Talent- Come see the Social Action Group Variety Show!

Date: Saturday, 23rd January 2010

Time: 8.15pm

Venue: Teach Iosagain, Rathmore, Co. Kerry

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How hard can it be to get food, water and medicines to three million people? When you’re talking such a large number of people who have been without food and water for days, the answer is “very hard”.

Today we follow a Caritas convoy from the border of the Dominican Republic. Caritas is the international federation of catholic aid agencies and Trócaire is working with them on the response to the Haitian earthquake.There are five trucks containing water, ready-to-eat food and hygiene kits. The journey goes smoothly and we unload quickly into the Caritas warehouse in a suburb.

Are you interested in becoming an Ambassador for Trócaire's work in your local community, working with schools or becoming a Trócaire Campaigner?

Then come join us at our first Volunteer Orientation Day and find out all you need to know about volunteering for Trócaire!

Date: Saturday, 23rd January 2010.

Time: 10:00-14:00

Location: Irish Aid Centre, 27-31 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1

There was shooting in the street last night, but that didn’t stop people singing. Every night around 11.30 people who are sleeping in the street start to sing and pray. It’s one of the few signs of hope amid the shock and devastation.

We would like to offer our sincerest thanks to Killaloe Scout Group for the fantastic contribution they made to Trócaire through their National Orienteering fundraising event!

According to Scout Leader, Liam Gardiner; the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Ventures worked together and braved the elements to ensure a successful day for all-

We arrive at Port-au-Prince airport over 50 hours after we set off. I’d like a hot bath, a cup of tea and a nice lie down. It’s over 30 degrees and very humid. People are everywhere. Planes are taking off and landing every ten minutes or so. Big pallets of water and food are being dragged across the tarmac. Aid workers are arriving along with TV crews and medical equipment. Now the airport has finally reopened people may finally start to get help.

We arrive at Port-au-Prince airport over 50 hours after we set off from Rome. I’d like a hot bath, a cup of tea and a nice lie down. It’s over 30 degrees and very humid. People are everywhere. Planes are taking off and landing every ten minutes or so. Big pallets of water and food are being dragged across the tarmac. Aid workers are arriving along with TV crews and medical equipment. Now the airport has finally reopened people may finally start to get help.