For everyone who has followed my story up until this point, we’ve witnessed the awe-inspiring advancement and outpouring effort across every front of Haiti’s rebuild. From the first shipments of medical and relief supplies transported on Royal Caribbean ships, to the housing camps and school construction and restoring a sense of order and decency back to daily life; the progress has been powerful.
In addition to these projects, I’m also working on the development of the Citadelle as a tourist destination for our guests. The Citadelle Laferrière is a large mountaintop fortress located near Labadee and the town of Milot. At the base of the Citadelle there are the ruins of the Palais de Sans-Souci, which was the home of King Christophe. These structures were built between 1805 and 1820 and were part of defense system designed to protect the country from incursions from the French.
The goal of this project is to develop the infrastructure so the sites can receive guests from Royal Caribbean, which in turn creates sustainable businesses and jobs in the area. To complete this task, we had to develop the logistical plan, safety enhancements, proposed tour routes, and timing along with identifying the basic infrastructure such as roads and waterside enhancements. I have included a link to what we have submitted to the Ministry of Tourism just to give you an idea of what this tour could look like. I have included pictures of the Citadelle itself. In this case, the pictures simply don’t do it justice.
No guarantee this tour will become a reality but we are pushing for it.
At this point I have completed my official assignment in Haiti but there is still a significant amount of work that has to be completed. More than likely, I will be involved with these projects as they develop so I will provide updates via Adam’s blog if I’m invited to do so again.
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Great job on the presentation. Why the horses? If it is too far to walk how about using some ATV’s or large golf carts? A lot of people will paas on this because of the horses I think.
Thank you for your comment Capt. Bob. Our proposed project of developing the Citadelle for Royal Caribbean guests is still under review and only in the initial stages of consideration. We appreciate your feedback and your suggestion. Hopefully, this project will be approved and the Citadelle can be restored to receive guests. Please keep checking back as we’ll be posting any updates we have on this project on the blog.
I think the Haiti Relief is a wonderful thing. Any time you have large businesses that are willing to use their product to help is a win win..not to mention…I certainly would support and look to purchase products and services from those that help others. I think the infrastructure for the Citadelle looks wonderful and am confident RC will provide for safe passage for all ages and limitations (ADA). It also is a win-win. It is important that the Haitians be helped in a way that they will be able to sustain on their own..and quickly. School, shelter, food and medicine are vital. Also, a thought on kids being kids. The Haitian children like any other child in this world..still need to be kids..they need to be able to smile and have some fun. Any news on anyone providing some avenues for fun and sports for kids in areas that were hit hard?
Lisa, we thank you for your comment and your thoughtful consideration of including sports and fun activities in the lives of Haitian children while the country is in the process of rebuilding. Many elements of the relief effort evolve during the progress, so we are open to suggestions that can be incorporated. Any new updates we have on Haiti, we will post on this blog, so check back for any new announcements.
Sadly the horse would pass on me…. lol. No horse would want to drag me up a hill like that, How abut some nice French carriages that the horse could pull.
Jamie, we’re sure the horses would be delighted to carry you up the hill, but carriages sound like a great suggestion. We will definitely take it into consideration.
Thank you so much for the updates with regard to Haiti.
On the first two sailings of the Allure in December, the International Critters,who are all members of cruisecritic, will be doing their bit to try to help out the children of the Labadee school.
All the money from the sale of our Critters Allure Inaugural lanyards will go towards buying some school supplies for the Labadee school.
It is our way of Giving Something Back.It is our way of trying to help the children of Haiti.
Elizabeth, we’re so pleased to learn of your efforts (along with International Critters) to help raise funds to donate school supplies for the children of the Labadee school. Thank you for sharing and it’s great to hear that you enjoyed reading John’s blog updates from his travels to Haiti.
Elizabeth,
What a great idea, “Giving Something Back” from the International Critters to help these children in Haiti! I will be on the inaugural sailing of the Allure and will be happy to bring along some supplies for the children’s school. I know many strides have been made, but it is far from over for the Haitian’s. We are so fortunate to be able to cruise, this is the least we can do.
I need another “WOW” factory fix, like the one I felt on the Oasis Inaugural. I look forward to being another part of history on this historical maiden voyage.
Royal Caribbean sure knows how to get it right and help some many others at the same time. Kudos to Royal Caribbean!!!
My husband and I are still trying to lock down a cruise to the Carib. Are there any opportunities for passengers to help the day we port in Haiti? I just feel a bit guilty (ok..maybe a lot)coming in to port in a country that has been so devastated. My concern are children. As I said in an earlier blog post, they need to smile. I cant imagine my 5 yr old son having to go thorough that devastation and not have something as simple as crayons or even a macthbox car to play with-nothing. I want those kids to have what they NEED but also a sense of being a kid. I would really like to volunteer some hours in helping the day we arrive. I dont care if it is just to unload food/supplies. Can passengers bring items for children..lets say..Crayola Crayons and coloring books for children? Wouldnt that be a nice thing we could do? Maybe some new clothing..anything. What do you think? I think you will find people will open their hearts (and wallets) in some fashion.
Lisa, thank you for your comment. Since many elements of the relief effort are still evolving, we have noted your suggestion and will pass it along to the appropriate department. Please check back to this blog from time to time, as any new announcements we have that concern this matter will be included here. You can also see our other Haiti relief efforts, as well as how else you can help here: http://bit.ly/am9sXg
Oh..and one more thing! Step aside A-Rod, we have A-Gold!
Lisa, thank you for the compliment and the vote of confidence.
I am with the Amy Roloff Charity Foundation and we want to give John a very big Thank you for all that he did to make our day in Port Au Prince a success!
From the ship administration and Port coordinatiors, we were treated with kindness and professionalism..
We were able to film over there and we are truly going to make a difference for those kids!
Stay tuned to Little People Big World Season 6, it starts in 2 weeks…thanks again to all that helped!
Lisa, thank you for your kind words. We are happy to hear you had such a positive experience with us. We are looking forward to seeing the show in 2 weeks.
Bravo Royal Caribean!I take liberty to change Lisa’s vote from A-Gold to A-GoldHeart.My wife and I had our first cruise ever last may for our 25th anniversary. It was a WOW! moment for us on board of the OASIS.As a Haitian American,it gives me great satisfaction to do business with a company like Royal Caribean.The staff at Labadee have nothing but high praises for Royal Caribean.I think that your blog or some other venue of your choice can be a god place where the citizen from the Nation of “Why Not” can get actively involved in the efforts in Haiti.
Yves, thank you for your kind words. We are honored that you chose to celebrate your 25th anniversary with us. In reference to efforts in Haiti, you can find more information here . We hope to see you onboard again soon.