MaximsNewsNetwork: 30 August 2009 - MINUSTAH: With the security situation in Haiti relatively stable over the last months, a lot of Haitians from the diaspora returned to the country this summer - for a vacation on the beach.
On a Sunday afternoon in Raymond les Bains, the beach is animated by the Troubadou music typical of Jacmel. In a relaxed atmosphere, vendors make their business. Everyone is enjoying the beach and the water.
SOUNDBITE (Creole) Yolette Claude, tourist from Boston:
Its a pleasure for me when people talk about the beach at Raymond les Bains. I am very proud when I hear that because Raymond les Bains is my home.
The South-East has a lot of potential for tourism and for its inhabitants. The mayor of Cayes-Jacmel is aware of it. He has his own vision on how to rehabilitate the beach and how to build the necessary facilities in order to bring it to international standards.
SOUNDBITE (Creole) Janvier Pierre Feguito, Mayor Cayes-Jacmel:
In the project we have, we are going to plant coconut trees, up to three meters high, and then bamboo on the other side. That should bring some green to the surroundings.
Together with the ministry of tourism the mayor is already looking for investors who could help to finance this project. On a weekend, especially during the summer holidays, up to 2,000 people come to the beach.
Sanitary blocks and changing rooms need to be installed; the beach restaurants, known as choucounes need to be equipped with freezers and parking lots need to be built.
SOUNDBITE (Creole) Roger Amisial, tourist from Boston:
When we came at the entrance, we almost didnt make it because it was totally blocked. And the place was not full, so I dont know why. There were too many cars, parked all over. This needs to be improved, but besides that I think it will be improving, it is a good start.
Some people are already benefiting from the visitors at the beach; Will Jean Jeremie and her husband are well known for her seafood specialties.
SOUNDBITE (Creole) Will Jean Jeremie, Food Seller:
I am preparing fish, lobster, conch, pork and sometimes rice. If the space is rehabilitated, it will be better for us. It brings the tourists and that is good, because the local population doesnt have the money to buy our food.
Since Haiti has been quite stable within the last few months, a lot of Haitians from the diaspora are coming back to the country and back to their roots. A group of diaspora Haitians from New York came to spend their summer holidays at Timounage beach, the other public beach in Cayes-Jacmel.
SOUNDBITE (English) Jackie Michel, tourist from New York:
We are actually from NY. This is my first time visiting, we came on a family vacation, to visit where my family is from. We are having a good time. My family always talks good about Haiti; I have always heard positive things about how they grew up. My parents also wanted me to know my heritage, where they came from. They wanted me to appreciate what I have in America. That is pretty much why I decided to come.
Some of the diaspora tourists even get the idea to invest in the country and to leave something sustainable behind.
SOUNDBITE (English) Justin Yitzharalin, Tourist from Martinique:
The other places already have their tourism, they have something. In Haiti you feel there is something to do, to give to the population who is starving. Honestly, I see myself working here and giving something to the people with my heart. There is not doubt about it.
Many tourists, from the diaspora but also from Haiti, will find peaceful moments this summer at the beaches in Cayes-Jacmel, with or without rehabilitation.
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my babe is from Haiti. I am so happy to see this clip with the gorgeous oceans and people. nice to know where he was from :)
jazzySarah4 1 month ago
Thanks for posting such a nice clip on Haiti. I am looking foward to visit Haiti soon.
gilgabe 2 years ago