STORIES FROM PIGNON Darling – Part 1
We asked our friend, Darling Seriphin, to share a bit about life in Haiti. Originally written in French, and translated by our Loving Haiti team member Lauren Thompson, the following is the first in our “Stories from Pignon” series.
Darling wrote, “I am very happy to be a part of the Loving Haiti team and to have the opportunity to write to you in our April 2021 newsletter to share my experiences with the Pignon community in regard to our social, political, economic, and religious/spiritual affaires.” This month we include Darling’s comments about the local economy:
“The majority of families in the commune (community) depend on the planting of sugar cane and the production of alcohol (distillery), as well as on seasonal and forestry cultivation. It is these cultures that contribute to the educational development of children, (i.e., parents who own land tiles, cultivate cane, chop wood to turn it into charcoal (to cook food / sell for profits) to be able to pay for their children’s schooling or help someone enter a school). It’s not always smooth and easy. Small businesses are created with bank loans or mortgages or by selling property while seeking to increase their income.
We use products imported at exorbitant prices. The inflation rate is a hindrance to the economic life of the people of Pignon. Not everyone is allowed to shop for food on a daily basis.
For the last three years, two fuel stations have been operating in the city allowing people and surrounding areas to be able to use their vehicles and businesses to meet customer demands somewhat. A few years ago, whether it is a business, private or public vehicle owner, we all had to force ourselves to go to Hinche (32 Km) or Cap-Haitien (46.2Km), braving the danger to buy gasoline. Three (3) restaurants are available to serve the population. Many young people want to exploit their talents, to exercise their profession, they have a lot of capacity, they are available and willing but are unable to find any opportunities.
Loving Haiti is an organization that has not yet spread over the whole town, but as the first beneficiary of loans (micro-loan program) within the organization for the obtaining of materials allowing my small business (COPY DARSE / Printing Home) to operate without too many difficulties and the first young Haitian Pignonais met in this city, I find your work commendable. This has enabled me to meet the school obligations of my brothers and sisters from 2011 to the present day. In 2015 I started to explore these benefits because the profits are used to take care of and pay for my family’s school fees and to help some young people and adults / widows in the town. I want to assure you of the work of Loving Haiti in Pignon but also and above all, to give you an idea of the daily life of the people of the town without being exhaustive. Your physical presence at Pignon for more details while planning a visit according to your availability would allow you to better understand reality.”
