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Minor damage to Feed My Lambs’ school in Haiti

Charitable organisations in Haiti with Bermuda connections escaped major damage as Tropical Storm Isaac blasted the Caribbean nation this weekend.Philip Rego, who operates the Feed My Lambs Ministry in Montrouis, reported that a tree fell on their newly-constructed school building, breaking down one of the walls.The high winds also bent the building’s large metal doors, and the electricity and phone lines went down.Mr Rego said he is glad that those minor problems are all they will have to cope with in the aftermath.“We were more blessed than others. Some homes, schools and churches lost their roofs and everything inside was damaged by water. They don’t have [Bermuda insurers] BF&M or Colonial to collect insurance to repair any of that, so for them it will be a long time to get this back to normal.”Meanwhile Tiffany Keenan, an Emergency Room doctor at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, received reports of significant flooding around the Haiti Village Health clinic that she founded.The clinic is in the town of Jacmel on the southern peninsula, which had a direct hit from the tropical storm.“There was a lot of wind and rain in our village. As we are on the seashore, the waves were extremely high at night,” Ms Keenan said. “We are happy to report however, that there were no fatalities despite significant flooding in our village.“The road to our clinic is currently blocked so people must wade though the water to seek medical care.“Luckily there is an alternate route for us on the seashore though it adds 30 minutes to the trip, on foot.”Mr Rego said his organisation was able to offer a safe place to stay to some people living in his area.“Some of the folks weathered the storm at the orphanage. We had more than 25 people with us taking shelter from the storm,” he reported.“Some of their children have been there since Friday and most will return home tomorrow after their parents have cleaned up their homes from all the debris. In the meantime we were able to feed them all. Praise the Lord!”Many Haitians still live in tents or temporary shelters vulnerable to flooding, high winds and landslides after an earthquake in 2010 caused widespread devastation.Beyond homes or possessions, many residents had to worry about a more basic need — food.“All vendors closed on Friday after we started getting some heavy rains. Keep in mind 99 percent of the vendors sit on the street in the open air to sell their goods, so everybody packed up and went home,” Mr Rego said.“Most of those people buy their food daily because they have no refrigeration to keep their food from spoiling, nor any storage area that is airtight to keep the mice from getting into their food.“So I am sure some went without food for at least two days.”Mr Rego witnessed the hunger first-hand during the aftermath, distributing the food he had with him to people who stopped him on the street.“It’s so sad to see all this. Every time I think I have gotten used to the poverty, something happens that reminds me that for the Haitians, surviving is a way of life.“While most people are wondering what they’re going to have for dinner, most Haitians are wondering if they will have dinner.”He continued: “I want to once again express my deepest thanks and appreciation to all the people of Bermuda and expats that have sacrificed so much to help Feed My Lambs Ministry give an opportunity to some in Haiti.“Your donations go a very long way. Those that have come to Haiti with me know well that each dollar has been put to good use and has been effective in providing food, housing, education and medical help to many.”Tropical Storm Isaac had moved to the northwest of Cuba, and was continuing to travel to the northwest at about 14 miles per hour last night.“Weather forecasts predicted the storm’s wind speeds would increase to 80 miles per hour before Isaac next reached land, making it a Category One hurricane.Coastal areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama are within the storm’s projected path.Hurricane and tropical storm warnings have been issued for these regions, which Isaac is expected to reach early tomorrow morning.