Glencree’s work in Haiti
By Ian White

Glencree has been working in Haiti since 2004 when it was invited by Concern Worldwide to make an intervention in the popular area (slum) of St Martin in Belair, adjacent to Cite Soleil. St Martin has a population in the region of 100,000 people in little over 1 square kilometre and with no electricity or running water and constant food insecurity, the entire population experiences severe suffering on a daily basis.

With Concern unable to deliver aid to the community of St Martin as a result of an escalation in gang related violence, Glencree initiated a process of inclusive dialogue within the St Martin community aimed at healing the wounds of the past and reducing overall levels of violence. The process involved offering training in peace building to members of the gangs (who prefer to be called “Baz”) and to those people in the community who had been hurt by the Baz. This process reintroduced the gangs to the community to which they had belonged but had become excluded. The result of the intervention was a more integrated community and a drastic reduction in violence as respectful relationships re-emerged. Concern have long resumed they delivery of their aid to some of the poorest people in the world.

With levels of violence reduced the next stage in this process was to make that reduction sustainable. In order to create the opportunity for sustainability it was necessary to expand the dialogue process to other key sectors outside the community of St Martin. Two other sectors which can impact directly on levels of violence within the St Martin were identified as the Private Sector and the Security Sector. Through the Chambers of Commerce in Haiti, Glencree established relationships with business leaders who had industries and businesses adjacent to the community of St Martin. The business leaders were asked to join us in the process and this would involve meeting people from St Martin including some people who may have been involved in kidnapping business community members and other criminal activity. It was made clear from the outset that we did not need well intentioned feint hearted representatives from the private sector who were motivated by the need to do something charitable for the poor people of St Martin. In order to build a durable process we needed people who had the pragmatism and vision to see that an investment of time in the process could yield both financial and human development potential. Peace processes based on mutual self interest have a greater likelihood of becoming sustainable. The willing business community members were trained, entered into dialogue with the people from St Martin and again trusting and respectful relationships were built.

Out of these relationships the 3PSM (Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in ST Martin) was established. This cemented the relationship between St Martin and the Business sector as 3psm galvanised its membership around the issue of the development of St Martin.

Part of the success of our work relied heavily on the ability of Baz leaders to lead their constituencies through change. In November 2009 Glencree provided training to 24 Baz leaders from St Martin and a second community of Martissant in which a new inclusive dialogue process was growing.

Just prior to the earthquake, one of the Baz in the Martissant community had unilaterally decommissioned by turning over its guns to the church. In a post earthquake environment, Glencree is taking stock of how to progress its work and we are visiting Haiti in March to make this assessment. Glencree would like to let their Haitian friends and colleagues know that while we can not share your suffering, we are working to help you rebuild your lives and communities.