Working in Haiti: Tips and Words of Wisdom from Professionals

But wait, isn’t the earthquake over, and aren’t all the NGO jobs taken or pretty much over? Well, actually, according to Rose L. Jeudy of Haiti Staffing and Business Resources (HSBR), there were jobs in Haiti before the earthquake, and there will still be some after.

“There has been a decrease in the available jobs due to the fact that the crisis of the earthquake is fading away and many NGOs [non-governmental organizations], who were focusing on disaster relief, have now left the country and left many to return to the [international] job market,” affirms Jeudy. “There are, however, some wonderful projects that are being bid upon and will again increase jobs nationwide.”

Jeudy says she’s noticed several things, mainly that there’s a mini-flood of Haitian-Americans coming to Haiti to work. “Haitian-Americans are much more eager to return home than they were a few years before the earthquake,” she notes. “This is mainly due to the massive media efforts put forth into rebuilding Haiti.

Young professionals are proud to claim their Haitian heritage, a complete turnaround from the time I was growing up where we as Haitians would prefer to adapt the nationality of any other country than Haiti due to many misconceptions.”

Jeudy herself is part of the new wave of Haitian-Americans returning home, albeit part of an earlier wave. After receiving her Master’s in Human Resources from Barry University, she accepted a job in Haiti in 2008 with ComCel—a wireless company that she says, has since been absorbed by Digicel—before founding in 2010.

Online Job Hunter

Cedric Brandt the CEO and founder of , a job board site based in Haiti, says that of the 45,000 registered on the site, a good 31% is based outside of Haiti. Brandt says he’s received calls from Haitians or people of Haitian descent in France, Canada and the United States, calling him about job opportunities in Haiti.

But, to begin with, one must be qualified. The misconception of a lot of people outside of Haiti, says some experts, seems to be that all one needs to get a job in Haiti is to hop on a plane and land on the doorsteps of a company. No, it doesn’t quite work that way!

Dr. Laura Pincus Hartman, the Chair of the trilingual school, the Mirebalais-based Ecole de Choix says: “We are hiring, but only review applications from individuals with undergraduate degrees and teaching certifications, because of our commitment to our quality education standards.

People do constantly send us their materials when they have no teaching certification or only with a high school degree so we tend to shy away from public postings.”

Second, one must be open to new experiences, and to deal with certain glitches. “Overseas professionals are very often frustrated with the “laissez faire” attitude here in Haiti,” observes Jeudy. “They have a hard time adjusting to the processes such as opening bank accounts or dealing with government entities.

They are also frustrated because organizations are moving away from the elaborated expatriate package, as opposed to a few years ago where there was a proliferation of opportunities for expats.” Adding to that, says Jeudy, is an increased competitiveness, as qualifications and position requirements demand only the best.

With so many people coming from outside of Haiti, what of job searchers in Haiti? “On the local front,” contends Jeudy, “the candidates are complaining there are no jobs and often feel frustrated with foreigners holding positions they feel should go to them.”

But in some cases, Brandt says, local employees or outsiders who have at least two or more experience working in Haiti are sought after and preferred by some firms in Haiti. When a non-local is hired, he or she, has to make salary concessions at times.

Local vs Abroad

Dimitri Lilavois who has been working in Haiti for a year and counting notes that while some may assume that there is some rivalry and competition between locals and members of the Haitian diaspora and Haitian-Americans from abroad, that isn’t the case. “The work environment between them is cordial,” he contends. “Both groups are willing to learn from each other.”

But what should someone who’s contemplating working in Haiti expect? “While Haiti is the “politically correct” country to be in right now, moving here is a big challenge,” admits Jeudy. “If you love the nightlife, Haiti will be a very hard place to adapt.

The adjustment will not only be on a personal level, but also on a professional level. On the flip side, Haiti is a very beautiful, warm and inviting place; it has a charm like no other.” And it has jobs waiting for the right candidates.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, we discussed getting a job in Haiti. But what does one do when one actually gets there once one gets a job offer?

Eight professionals who’ve worked in Haiti were gracious enough to discuss their experiences there and share their invaluable experiences with those who have plans to work in Haiti.

Please note that the views expressed by these professionals are their own, and though they have worked with many different organizations entities, they are in no way speaking as representatives of these said entities, organizations, etc.

David Ritter, a self-described “citizen of the world”, worked in Haiti for six years. He worked in radio and audio production for several years and ran a sound system/DJ rig. He’s also done translation work and sporadically worked as a guide.

Maureen X has worked in the field of communications and publishing in Haiti as well as in administration.

Tilé Y works in project management.

Dimitri Lilavois is an Executive Chef at Le Plaza Hotel in Petion-Ville. For years, he wanted to move back to his home country. After January 11, he knew it was time to come to a decision. He’s been in Haiti for over a year now.

Stephane Vincent served as a project administrator.

Fendy Mesy worked in the communications field. She worked with the IHRC, and with one of the biggest strategic public relations firm in the United States.

Wesley Laine functioned as a key employee in international development with two NGOs. While working towards an undergraduate degree at the College of the Holy Cross, Laine wrote an impressive thesis that garnered the attention of brass in a major NGO. He was offered an internship and subsequently a job. He put off graduate school to go work in Haiti, where he worked for two years.

Ajani Husbands held a diplomacy post. The views he is expressing here do not reflect those of the U.S. State Department, nor is he speaking here as any agency’s representative. He is speaking on his own.

Q & A

Before working in Haiti, what was your overall notion of what Haiti was like?
AJANI HUSBANDS: My family is actually from Barbados, an island much tinier than Haiti, but perhaps with just as much national pride. I remember my mother telling me that for a while Barbados was technically classified as a “third-world country.”

When you visit, though, you see all the same amenities of life in the United States. From that, I knew not to expect what I might have seen on TV. What I expected from Haiti was life, music, and an abundance of energy.

DIMITRI LILAVOIS: Haiti has a lot to offer in terms of beauty and opportunities. It’s not the easiest place to live in because of basic infrastructure needs—running water, power outages, and political instability. So I knew it was a difficult place to create a life.

FENDY MESY: As with many Haitian-Americans who didn’t frequent Haiti growing up, my notion of Haiti was what I saw or read in the news: violence and endless suffering.

But after experiencing Haiti firsthand, I quickly learned that there is so much more and fell in love with the Haiti I didn’t know existed—a beautiful country filled with hope, resiliency, raw beauty and a colorful and lively culture.

STEPHANE VINCENT: Before working in Haiti, I never fully acknowledged how much of a difference the diaspora could make by one step. A step that translates into going back home to play a part in a Haiti forward. Though the notion was well theorized, its full application was yet slightly seasoned with sprinkles of skepticism.

DAVID RITTER: I have spent much of my early life in the West Indies, so nothing was to shocking or out of place to me. Haiti is much like I expected. I knew Haiti had much poverty and [a] lack of resources.

WESLEY LAINE: I left Haiti in the year 2000. I was twelve years old at the time and prior to my departure, I had never left the country. I did not return until 2010 as humanitarian worker. Throughout the years, I never lost sense of who I was and of my country.

I was fully aware and always spread the word about my country’s beauty, her unique culture, and the pride affiliated with being the pearl of the islands. That’s how my parents raised me. I was also raised to also learn about Haiti’s struggles and to ask questions.

MAUREEN X: I knew it would be tough. Also, given that my French isn’t the best, I knew that would be a problem. My biggest fear was that I wouldn’t be able to adapt to the Haitian work environment—although it isn’t my biggest problem—I still don’t completely understand it.

TILÉ Y: I grew up in Haiti before going in Europe and America for university, therefore I pretty much knew what it was about. Meanwhile, it still took me some time to adapt because it’s a different culture in the workplace here.

There are some concepts that are the norms in Europe or the USA like: time, procedures, etc—that have yet to be adopted completely in the workplace here.

Upon your arrival in Haiti, how did those previously held perceptions change? Or did they remain the same?
MAUREEN X: I thought that others would have a hard time accepting me a sort of “outsider” socially, but it hasn’t been the case.

But working in Haiti has made me understand all the reasons why things tend to stall in this country.

WESLEY LAINE: My notions remained the same. But what I could not prepare for and what deeply hurt me was the destruction and suffering that the quake left. That was out of my control.

AYANI HUSBANDS: I got everything I figured I would and then some. I knew there would be art, but didn’t know it would be dripping from the pores of the people. I knew there would be music, but didn’t know it would exist with every footstep.

STEPHANE VINCENT: Upon my arrival back home, I would not say that my perceptions were changed. The tiny gaps of skepticism were rather, henceforward, bridged.

FENDY MESY: My previous perceptions definitely changed upon moving to Haiti. I made it a point to welcome my experience with an open-mind.

DAVID RITTER: I suppose my previous experiences in life had prepared me for Haiti. Many things I have experienced in Haiti were much like things I have seen and experienced in Jamaica. I try not to hold preconceived notions about anyone or anyplace or thing being i know nothing can be easily generalized.

DIMITRI LILAVOIS: It was a challenge adapting to the working culture and mannerisms.

As you intermingled with expatriates, and those newly-come to Haiti, what did you observe?
WESLEY LAINE: I observed working professionals who took an opportunity to help people and further their careers at the same time. Some make the necessary adjustments to become better human beings and professionals. Others do not and often fail.

AJANI HUSBANDS: Most people tend to go through similar phases. First, everyone comes through Port-au-Prince, so they get an initial shock at how crowded it is and the poor condition of the roads. They remain insular for a little while to try and get acclimated.

It’s probably not until they first venture out to Jacmel or Cap Haitien or Les Cayes that people really start to see what Haiti has to offer. They also start to peel back Port-au-Prince little by little as well and discover new things. An art gallery here, a concert there.

Some people, of course, never discover this and leave Haiti as confounded as when they arrived. Those people are few, thankfully.

FENDY MESY: The biggest takeaway from my observations intermingling with expatriates was the mutual affinity we shared for Haiti and for many of us, our beloved homeland.

DIMITRI LILAVOIS: There’s a willingness to work and contribute to the country’s development. It’s great to see the younger generation taking over certain industries. We have a lot to offer.

STEPHANE VINCENT: Nothing unites more than striving to reach a common end goal. That was the beauty of intermingling with some expats and the newly-come.

We would constantly build and exchange ideas. These fusions would sometimes give birth to new initiatives and projects. Our motto once again rang true: l’Union Fait La Force [Strength Through Unity].

MAUREEN X: Well, I mostly socialize with re-asporas—Haitians who’ve studied abroad and who have come back to work in Haiti—and I find myself relating to them more. Expats, I have had mixed results from mingling with them.

Some really love the country and are here to make a difference, others come to Haiti with all sorts of preconceived notions about the country and project it in their work and how they view Haitians as individuals.

TILÉ Y: After the earthquake, I was living in Jacmel, the place where you had one of the highest concentration of expatriates in Haiti at that time, with the multiple NGOs that where based there.

I personally think they had it easy as their organizations made sure those people were living in their own world. Maybe it is the same in all countries with international relief.

As for the newly-come Haitians, all that I have met are pretty cool people, most of them twenty-somethings with the same preoccupations as any other person in this age group.

WESLEY LAINE: I observed working professionals who took an opportunity to help people and further their careers at the same time. Some make the necessary adjustments to become better human beings and professionals. Others do not and often fail.

DAVID RITTER: I met varieties of expats. Some—many—were religious missionaries and to fit in with them you had to be part of their missionary circle. If you were someone who was not associated with a mission group, UN, or NGO—many will look at you with extreme suspicion and distrust.

NGOs were similar and they tend to only be interested in other NGO-based people. [The] UN was generally the same. The people I enjoyed the most are the small business owners who found their way to Haiti by chance or circumstance and have found themselves stuck in Haiti not finding any real reason to leave or want to leave.

The kind of blokes who don’t give a [expletive] about what anyone thinks and fear nothing. There are the type who will mix and mingle with Haitians of all social classes and backgrounds and have taken sling and arrows in all different directions, but seem to never end up being phased by a thing.

Living in Haiti beyond the walls of a mission compound takes balls—be you Haitian or expat—plain and simple.

If you want to work in Haiti it depends on what you want. Do you want to get rich? Do you want to sacrifice your labor and time to help people with little to no financial reward? I have met people with many different outlooks.

I have met many people in water treatment work under government contract getting a decent stipend. Other times, I meet journalists getting well-taken care [of] by Haitian standards. I have met mission workers and NGO workers and UN personnel living like kings compared to me and the majority of the Haitian community and guess what?

These people almost always complain and downplay their standard of living and act as if they are Jesus hanging upon the cross. With lines like, “I am only getting 2,500 USD a month. It’s so hard to survive here.” It took all of my mental power to keep from bitch-slapping people like this across the face.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about working in Haiti?
TILÉ Y: That things that have worked in other countries can automatically be applied here. You have to take account of the culture, while not forgetting the principles of course.

FENDY MESY: I think—and this is only my opinion of course—that the biggest misconception about working in Haiti is that most people who have either moved back or accepted a position in Haiti, have no interest in improving lives, but are there to “reap the benefits” of working on a tropical island.

That couldn’t be further from the truth. I had the pleasure of meeting several fellow young and dedicated Haitian-Americans who are doing absolutely amazing things in Haiti.

Particularly, Samuel Darguin, the executive director of the Haitian American Caucus-Haiti, a community development organization operating in Croix-des-Bouquets who’s primary mission is to create platforms that mobilize local communities, empowering residents to become self-sufficient.

DIMITRY LILAVOIS: Biggest misconception is expecting things to be “normal”. Things don’t move as fast as you would like them to. So, be patient and expect bumps in the roads.

WESLEY LAINE: If I had to point one thing—it is probably the false notion that all NGOs and humanitarian workers are the same. That’s utterly false.

AJANI HUSBANDS: From the narrative we hear about Haiti in the news, one might envision a lone tree atop a hill, circled by proud NGO works defending it against Haitians ready to chop it down into firewood. That’s the image I believe is being sent out there.

The fact is, while Haiti does have its social, economic, and political issues, it also has its art and culture and livelihood. It’s these latter factors that are downplayed or are not considered to be in existence.

MAUREEN X: Most of the stereotypes about working in an office in Haiti are true; it’s even worse when you’re inside these institutions.

However, the biggest misconception is that all Haitian people are lazy. I have to say that there are extremely hard-working people in this country, whether it’s the “small” employees or the people working in the streets. I have seen some of the hardest working people in this country.

DAVID RITTER: I think the biggest misconception people have about Haiti is that if you even step off the plane onto Haitian soil, then you will be killed or robbed. Some of the best people I know are Haitian, but I must admit some of the worse people I know are Haitian.

The lesson you will learn is that good and bad people can be found everywhere and Haiti has no shortage of either. In my experience, I have had many good friends both expat and Haitian who have helped me much in life and as many problems as their are friends can be found if you chose them wisely.

Other people think that living in Haiti means you will be living in the dark ages or living in a grass hut and I have met people who cannot even believe that cell phones exist in Haiti, I have met people who think Haiti is nothing but bush country and jungle and that no shred of technology can be found and all of this is false.

Most anything you can find in Europe—or the USA—can be found in Haiti. It may not always be as efficient or fast and may be much more expensive but it can be found if you know where to look.

STEPHANE VINCENT: Many believe that most move back to Haiti to take part in some form of pillage; to have a position and accumulate a colossal sum of money for a certain period. Sadly, this holds some truism for few. The few who are profiting from a misfortune.

However, there are a lot more of us who move back with a genuine heart. One that is filled with unconditional love for Haiti, one that cash cannot reward.

Would you say that Haiti is fairly safe? Were you attacked? Victim of robbery or any crime? [roll eyes over the fact that I even have to ask this question]
WESLEY LAINE: Negative.

AJANI HUSBANDS: Me, no.

DIMITRI LILAVOIS: No and no. [Laughter]

STEPHANE VINCENT: Funny you would ask that question, but—yes. I was robbed at gunpoint. This is another sad reality of the present conjuncture. It was a distasteful experience.

However, I concluded that this would not hinder my movements. Robberies and crimes happen all over the world, even at much higher rates than Haiti. We just have to be cautious.

FENDY MESY: I never was attacked in the eleven months I spent living in Haiti. The reports of crime in Haiti are less than those of popular tourist destinations.

DAVID RITTER: I have been a victim of robbery and have faced physical attack. Best way to avoid this is never make the mistake I did of trusting the wrong people. If you lay down with dogs you will get fleas. Surround yourself with people who are law abiding and just don’t trust anyone to much.

Create boundaries and only let people who have proven themselves to you cross the boundaries. Never let anyone disrespect you and if they do let them know it will not be tolerated a second time. With that being said, show respect and always be respectful.

Always be cautious and being independent is key depending on others can often mean putting you security in someone else’s hands. Preparation is everything.

MAUREEN X: No, I have not so far. I know these things happen, but fortunately I have not been a victim, and I sometimes walk around and go back home very late at night.

TILÉ Y: Yes. They got into the property at night, poisoned two of our dogs and stole almost everything from one of the cars, which happened to be my work’s car: front and rear lights, rear view mirrors, etc…

What obstacles did you come across?
FENDY MESY: The biggest obstacle I faced in Haiti was simply adjusting. Specifically, the pace of everyday living, a different society and Haiti’s infrastructure.

MAUREEN X: I think that there are too many to count. First, my personal obstacle is transportation. When you don’t have a car, the commute is horrible. Also you have to deal with colleagues who don’t care or supervisors who patronize you.

People tend to mix professional and social here a lot, and I find that bizarre. I am sure it’s like this elsewhere, but in Haiti it seems to be more out in the open. All these things discourage you, so instead of finding joy in the work itself, you work for the money.

TILÉ Y: Here you find obstacles in everyday life, from where you get out of your place—lack of good and secured roads, mismanagement of traffic flow, no inadequate public transportation—to work or even for entertainment. Particularly in Port au Prince where, for example, there is no movie theater.

DAVID RITTER: There have been many obstacles in Haiti. The biggest is staying healthy— [that] there are many maladies one can get while living in Haiti. Transportation can be difficult. Petrol is expensive and maintaining an automobile can be expensive and challenging.

There have been times when the roads have been in such horrible condition, it made a 25-minute drive a one-hour drive. Another obstacle is finding people you can trust; when you do find people you can trust, it is best to hold on to them and appreciate them.

The challenges are varied and many. Getting a vehicle in Haiti is difficult. If you have the money and you know a dealer that has a good reputation then buying a vehicle in Haiti is fine, but extremely expensive. Many people find going to the D[ominican] R[epublic] [to buy a car] a better option.

However, if you are not going to be in Haiti and buy a vehicle, do not expect to be able to sell it easily. I know people who had a horribly difficult time selling their trucks when they were trying to leave the country and when they did, it sold for a fraction of what they paid.

So if you get a vehicle, make sure you are serious about staying. If you are in Haiti for a finite period of time, then rent.

DIMITRI LILAVOIS: My biggest obstacle in the kitchen was learning to cope with the lack of urgency, customer service and education. It’s hard to communicate an idea and it’s [a] necessity. Then I started seeing the same problem in other establishments.

WESLEY LAINE: You’re always going to face challenges when engaged in humanitarian work in the developing world. Issues such as– funding gaps, lack of coordination, communication failures, lack of engagement by state entities, failed projects, and donor fatigue– are some of the things we experienced and also from which we learned to be better.

What advice do you have for those who might want to go work in Haiti in terms of credentials, resources, job leads?
AJANI HUSBANDS: If you want to work in Haiti, you need one of three things: One: French; Two: Kreyol; Three: Tangible skills. I cannot emphasize this latter skill enough.

Because of all the media attention after the earthquake, everyone wants to come to Haiti to help, which is fine.

Many of these people arrive, however, with no tangible skills other than being willing to move rubble from the streets. If you talk to Haitians affected by the earthquake, what they want are jobs or the skills to go out and get jobs. Removing rubble is a nicety, but it doesn’t help them become paid engineers.

You also need one more skill. Four: Being able to think outside the box. Some of the best work being done in Haiti right now are by business-minded people who want to work with the existing business structure and help Haitian entrepreneurs. This is phenomenal work and is the type of forward-thinking agenda that is needed.

STEPHANE VINCENT: Deciding to pack, leave the customary behind to face the unknown is always one of the toughest decisions one can make. However, I have always supported the Tounen Lakay campaign. I would advise most to get in touch with their deepest source of inspiration.

Haiti is one of the toughest grounds to evolve in professionally. We encounter many challenges daily, but what holds us together is our true desire to work for “Change”. Desire and Change are the key words.

Haiti is currently at an intersection that calls for every capable hand. There is no specific quest for a particular profession. There is in avenue for you in whatever your field of expertise might be.

Whichever sector you plan to engage in, do so with a purpose. Let that purpose be your guide throughout your journey in Haiti. I wish you well.

DIMITRI LILAVOIS: Experience and education is a must. Plan on getting a car. Public transportation is difficult.

Job leads? Contact someone who’s already working.

Referral is key in Haiti. Websites such as are good too. They were the first ones to call me with an offer. But I ended up in my position at Le Plaza Hotel through friends and family.

TILÉ Y: Credentials: same that are needed in developed countries. You shouldn’t consider Haiti as a safe haven for mediocrity. If you really care about things to change, come back with a solid degree under your belt. Resources: it would be better to budget for a car when planning to come back.

Some savings are always good to have. Start applying before coming. Several places in Haiti don’t mind doing interviews over Skype.

But the best thing will always be networking. Call people, send them your resumes. Here, everybody knows someone who might be able to help.

DAVID RITTER: In the end, you can do anything in Haiti and make a business or line of work in it and survive if you find the right time and opportunity. I know people running tile and bathroom shops, working at window replacement companies, working in the music field, radio, media, you name it.

But in my opinion, Haiti needs business and jobs and resources. Best thing to do is to provide something that is needed and wanted. My advice: start a business that you can control independently and become self-sufficient and depend on yourself.

Remember that your experience is not and will not be indicative of others. My experience in Haiti is mine and mine alone many different factors create ones experience and outlook.

As superficial and tacky as it may sound, money is a big thing that will make your life in Haiti better or worse. The more money you have, the better your security and experience, but I suppose that is the case anywhere in the world.

A expat friend of mine who is now a Haitian citizen once told me that his best advice is to be yourself because when you are yourself who can find fault with you and when you treat others as you would want yourself to be treated you will never be to blame and that a smile, kind words and a firm handshake will get you everywhere in life.

What was the best thing about working in Haiti?
MAUREEN X: The best thing about working in Haiti is being able to take on more responsibilities and have more authority than you could have in a place where it’s more competitive or more structured.

My opinions are usually heard professionally in most of the jobs I have held, and you can actually make small impacts.

Having ideas is usually a great way to make a difference. But it’s not always guaranteed that these ideas will be followed up on. I have also been able to use my English, which is giving me a much better grasp at the language.

I have to be honest though, I don’t enjoy working in Haiti, although I know it is a privilege to find work in this country, I don’t want to sound ungrateful. I personally believe that for me to be happy working in Haiti, I would have to be self-employed.

However, I have to say working as a writer for Magic Haiti has been my best experience so far, I am not sure I would be able to get that opportunity if I were still in the states.

I got to improve as a writer and I have had the chance to learn a great lot about the positive sides of Haiti.

TILÉ Y: Best thing about working in Haiti is the fact that I know I am making a difference in my own home to which I’m so grateful.

WESLEY LAINE: Being able to help your brothers and sisters is an honor. To see the reaction on their faces when it is someone who looks and talks like them who is helping– that really touched my heart and made me understand better my humanity.

STEPHANE VINCENT: The warmth of my resilient people in spite of trials. The overwhelming hope, the smiles at the sight of the smallest positive action towards a better community; such constantly fueled my drive to work harder for a better Haiti. A home where [we] would be most comfortable to raise the next generations.

DIMITRI LILAVOIS: Being amongst family and friends and sharing our working experience; keeps you sane.

DAVID RITTER: The best thing about working in Haiti are many of the life lessons you can learn. You can learn much about life and human nature and how the world really works. Most people hide little about what they think and feel—even if they lie.

AJANI HUSBANDS: The rum. Again, my family comes from the country that invented rum so we are very proud. At the same time, Barbancourt Rhum is something special, unique. It is a product that is fitting to be made in Haiti because its qualities define the very people who produce it.

It has a flavor unlike any other rum I’ve tasted. It’s even made a different way from other rums. Ah, but of course, rum—unfortunately—is not everything there is in life.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the artists. They embody creativity. Whether its metalwork, painting, woodwork, recycled material, or something entirely new, Haitian artists have a style that is all their own.

As I consider this question even more, I realize that, for me, the best thing about working in Haiti was getting a chance to share with people the side of Haiti they never knew existed. I encouraged my friends to come to Haiti for vacation. Yes, vacation.

And a few did, and their minds were blown at how gorgeous the country was. Everyone I told of Haiti expected to hear stories of poverty. Instead, I gave them stories of midnight rara bands and fresh coconut water on beaches, and blue waterfalls.

Would you be willing to go back to Haiti to work there again?
FENDY MESY: Yes. Haiti can use as many dedicated and devoted Haitians as it can get on the ground.

MAUREEN X: No, I really can’t see myself working in Haiti if I had the choice but I need to eat, so I work. [Laughter] My ideal situation would be having my own business, whatever it is.

I hope I didn’t come off to negative in my answers, I am in a mental place right now where work has drained me and I really want to try to sound as objective as I can.

WESLEY LAINE: I’d like to get more experience in another part of the world. When the opportunity to go back to Haiti presents itself, I will know it.

DAVID RITTER: I lived and worked in Haiti from 2005-2011. I have left for the past year, but will return soon. Most of my time and work in in the northern region [including] Cap Haitien, Haiti. But I can be found in Port-au-Prince as well.