Paul Waggoner - UPDATE

On December 29, 2010, about two weeks after his incarceration, Paul was released from the National Penitentiary. I am so happy that this whole ordeal is over for many reasons: 1) LP is FREE 2) I don't have to endure the comments and the fakeness of some people. What admire about LP is, despite all he went through, he gave his first interview and did not bash anyone like some others would have done. This is what makes LP LP. He is different. I was happy to see how calm and collected he was. He even grew a beard and looks like he somehow managed to put on some weight or maybe it's the TV...

This person has been saying that "the Pauls need to leave Haiti ASAP because there are other places that need them, that would protect them and wouldn't treat them that way..." Fact of the matter is, this can happen anywhere to anyone. I have no doubt that there are other places that need them and wouldn't treat them like they were treated in that "shithole", as some people call Haiti when they are anonymously commenting on blogs (I have a feeling when not anonymous, they profess their "love" for it...). I hope, no matter where they choose next, none of the Pauls or anyone genuine, with good intentions and who REALLY helps would have to go through this again.

I want to thank LP & BP ~ Big Paul AKA Paul Sebring for all they've done in/for Haiti. It was a rough ride but I hope they at least have one good memory of the place. Hopefully, someday, they would be able to go back and visit a better Haiti that they have contributed to. I am not seeing a better Haiti anytime soon, but you never know. After all, miracles do happen.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King Jr

Free Paul Waggoner!

While volunteering in Haiti back in February 2010, I met Little Paul (Paul Waggoner). As soon as our group got inside the hospital, he introduced himself and I liked him right away. I usually don't "click" with people like that. It takes me time. But Little Paul was different. That same night, we sat at the balcony, joked, he let me use his laptop, we added each other on Facebook etc... I still didn't know all the names of those I went with. I still don't. Maybe two...

 Little Paul was simply special. He worked HARD, lived in a tent on the roof of the hospital with all of his possession in his backpack. LP came to Haiti on his own after the earthquake simply because he wanted to help. He didn't want to sit around and wait for organizations to call him up. Although LP has NEVER been to Haiti before that, he found his way there and never really left, except for one or two week.

I found LP in Haiti, I left him there and he had no intentions to leave. LP and I never lost touch. If he doesn't hear from me, he sends a message on Facebook or I call him. As a matter of fact, LP recently met my dad who still lives in Haiti and has a small orphanage there. My dad also liked him instantly, not because he was a "Blan", because my dad worked with missionaries all his life, travels in many states with some. So,  "Blans" don't surprise him or get him excited like that. After meeting LP, he told me "he is such a "cool" guy! He cares for people and don't act like some of them do". After that meeting, They talked on the phone again, and the last conversation between them, Paul was going to get him some books for the kids. But he didn't get to do it because he is now in jail, falsely accused of a bogus, ridiculous crime that he did NOT commit!

LP is charged with kidnapping of a dead child! Back in February LP assisted a father who brought an almost dead child to the hospital, Paul helped him. The kid got to the doctor and died. See the whole story here: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/12/17/haiti.american.jailed/index.html?hpt=T.2 . LP did NOT take this kid, had nothing to do with anything beside helping the dad.

As a Haitian, who met LP, who knows LP and still keep in touch with him, I am outraged by this case! This is pure BS and people trying to make money on someone who was really helping those in need, unlike some others! LP rescued children from very bad situations, who had no one, no name, no one would know they are missing, but he didn't take them. He helped them! Along with Big Paul, his friend and co-founder of their organization, which they founded recently, he has been doing a great job in Haiti (believe me if I say so!) I usually don't endorse organizations, but "The Pauls" were the only ones I tweeted, facebooked about, asking people to donate and support their great work in Haiti. They never asked me to do a thing. I took it upon myself to do so. I stopped tweeting about them after their organization became structured and had its own twitter page. I still endorse their organization, MMRC Global, as one of my favorites that does not waste money on "administrative fees", but despite their great work, they are greatly underfunded.

As a Haitian, I am disgusted with what they are accusing LP of and to see how someone can blatantly lie on someone else like that when he knows that he is innocent! Unless this man is absolutely crazy, clinically insane, it's sick that he is trying to accuse an innocent or trying to get money off of his dead son! I wanted to write this to tell all that LP is an innocent man sitting at the disgusting Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince, for no reason and needs to be released! LP is one man who filled rooms with food for hungry orphans, helped pregnant women, got blood for critically ill people; he personally helped a raped victim for me and my list can go one... LP is an innocent man.

This baby was born prematurely and was not provided an incubator  "because there was none'. So, LP built one for him. he died almost a week later. But LP did what he could. He cried when this little guy died.This is the LP I know.

While sitting on the roof of the hospital, together, Paul once told me "I am not a saint. I have a past. But THIS is what I want to do. I finally know what I was born to do. I enjoy doing this! I'm not sure when I'll leave here." I responded to him "You'll become one of those "Blan Haitians" I will come to your house next time I come to Haiti." Paul's past is not a "revelation" to me. He beat up a pedophile and deserves a prize for it. Not a record (but that's just my opinion). We spoke last week, and he was inviting ME to Haiti for Christmas "You have to come, Charnie. It will be fun!' I couldn't stop laughing, thinking "He did become a Blan Haitian!" I am disgusted that someone can be so sick to frame him like this!

During this ordeal, last time I exchanged emails with Paul while he was incarcerated in a jail before his hearing, I told him "I hope you'll leave when you get out (not adding the "At least for a moment")",  LP's response to me was "I don't want to leave. I have 100 kids that depend on me and what we do for them. I won't be another wolf ticket to them".

Whatever LP did in his past, when I met him, he was a changed man. A man with a big heart! He protected me like he was paid to do it! He passed on going out with his friends one night to stay with me because he didn't trust some guy who was saying certain things to/about me. He sincerely told me that his reaction would be BAD if he came back and found out that he has even touched me (since I was the only one in my group left behind that night)! This is LP. He loves to protect people, especially children and women.


I'm praying for his safe and early release. LP already knows that I have a lot of love for him! Can't wait to hear his voice again as a free man!

Shame on Samaritan's Purse!

About ten months ago, Samaritan's Purse tweeted a job opening in Haiti. I immediately showed interest in the job because I have a cousin who matched the qualification requirements perfectly. It was about two months after the earthquake and a job was number one priority for everyone. As soon as I tweeted Samaritan's Purse about the job, they followed me and sent me a direct message, telling me what to do. I did everything they asked for, I even had him get the letter from the pastor of his church to show his involvement, as part of his "qualifications", which I found outrageous! I spoke and exchanged emails with Amy G. of HR who assured me that he is under "serious" consideration for the job and that we will get a request for an interview soon.

A month later, when I still did not receive the call, I DM'd Samaritan's Purse on Twitter, no response. I emailed that Amy G. of the HR department, no response. I called and left a message, never got a call back. I believed them when they told me that my cousin would at least get an interview. Maybe because they are "Christians" and somewhere in me, I believed that they would not blatantly lie like that. But when I tweeted about my experience, I found at least two other victims of Samaritan's Purse: just like my cousin, they were very qualified candidates who were promised interviews but never got the call. Haitians don't usually get jobs they are qualified for at some of those organizations, unless of course you know someone who knows someone... But if you want a driver, cleaner, run-errands job, they'll certainly hire you, despite having degrees that make you qualified for other positions.

Nonetheless, I never actually named Samaritan's Purse publicly as the organization who put us through this whole ordeal; but after seeing that they are bringing Sarah Palin to Haiti for a photo-op, I could no longer help myself. It's so despicable to see how so-called Christians and Christian organizations use the poor for their own gain. I grew up seeing "Missionaries" up close and very personal. While there were some who really cared and wanted to help, I met some who were all about their bank accounts, take pictures of poor children and use them in churches around the U.S. to collect money. I met some who were racists and thought Haitians didn't deserve the best. My father worked for more than one of these "Christian organizations" and many times he had to put his foot down to get paid to pay my school tuition because "the boss" didn't find it necessary that he is spending so much money on school for me, "it's not worth it" he said. But I'm sure his kids got proper education here, in the U.S. and he never thought it was not worth it.

Seeing how Samaritan's Purse is unscrupulously using the poor and Haiti to boost Sara Palin's image for political gains is sickening. I'm sure pictures of her holding a black baby, smiling or distributing gifts to "the poor Haitian people" will be all over her website as part of her "foreign and international" experience, besides being able to see Russia from her house. Shame on Franklin Graham for using Haiti like this for his personal gains. I am simply disgusted, especially when these people call themselves Christians.

Is Sarah Palin on a "humanitarian mission" or a "campaign mission"? Where has she been since January 12th? Why haven't we heard Mrs. Palin at least mentioned Haiti in a speech or even a tweet or a Fcabook post? Why this sudden interest?

Below is one of the first pictures tweeted by her entourage.

 Shame on Christians like Franklin Graham who use Haiti like this. It's sickening and reprehensible how people constantly use the poor. No wonder they try their best to keep Haiti where it is by refusing to hire Haitians or pay them a decent salary. They only focus on handouts and offering them Jesus in exchange of a plate of food "if you join my religion, I'll help you". I wonder... WWJD?

Adversities Can Make You Stronger If You Use Them As Motivation...

On October 18th, I celebrate my birthday. I don't know where the years have gone but I can tell you that I am much closer to the big 30 than ever and life is getting better and better by the day!

So far I have not done much compare to other successful people my age, but I think I've done well for someone who came to the United States alone at twenty years old. I had a rough start in the United States. And I mean rough! I came from rarely spending a night outside of parents' home (except during summer time. I was always by my Grandparents, most of the time with mom or dad anyway) to moving in with a family member, related to me on both sides (my mom and dad side), where I ended up paying for a family feud that existed before I was even born. One man fathers kids with two aunts, one on each side (mom & dad); although I love both aunts very dearly, I am closer to one for many reasons: I spent ALL my summers with her; she visited us often and was the one taking care of mom when she was in her darkest moments. Unfortunately I ended up on he other side and I was caught in the middle of a nasty family feud that had nothing to do with me; I was forced to choose sides, refused and it ended up UGLY! I paid a HIGH price emotionally! (More details in my book. Coming out someday when I write it or if anyone is interested in reading it).

Long story short, my problems didn't stop there. I moved around on an island where I knew no one, but I had those angels who were placed right on my path, right when I needed them. I couldn't believe that someone had the nerve to do what she did to me. But looking back today, what she did motivated me to do better and better everyday, despite coming here with a clear vision and goals. I cried about it. I cried about being betrayed by own blood but I moved on. 

I moved around some more, got myself into a little bit more trouble but worked my way up to where I am today. I NEVER did anything that I won't be proud to tell anyone about. Although I chose not to move closer to uncle, auntie and cousins in NY, they supported me in their own ways. I also have awesome family members! But before I reached where I am today, I worked in a Deli making Sandwiches and cashiering. This job was mostly important because I needed to learn the difference between a nickel and a dime and gain some experience in something in order to get anywhere. Then, I worked at Walgreens as a cashier and from there I went up. 

Before Walgreens, I remember my struggle with my Godmother who wanted me to work at a fast food restaurant doing "whatever" because I was a "Just Come". I told her "No. I have potential. I came here speaking English, I am going to look for other things that I think are more appropriate with what I will want to do. Restaurants, cooking, cleaning etc... are REALLY not my things. I am not Chef potential. (I also had my work permit by that time too!)..." That's when the fights started! "When you all come from haiti like that with a little diploma, thinking you all that etc..." she said. I never knew she was so close-minded and backward. I never said these jobs were "low" as she put it. They were just not my field. I had a plans. I started INUQUA and BIWI in Haiti and I intended to achieve what I started. When she realized that I didn't need her to take care of things like a baby, (and I wasn'tt a fan of her idol, Aristide and couldn't stand listening to Piman Bouk all day talking BS on the radio like she did), things got worst... All for the better! I laughed at it then, I still laugh at it now!

All of these events happened so fast! Before I knew it, I was in College! Yes, I put myself to College as a full time student while working full time. I ended opting for Online classes and I don't regret it. If I have to do it all over again, I will. It was just a perfect fit and just what I needed! I earned a BA in Business Administration with a Minor in Accounting/Finance at American InterContinental University (AIU) and proudly graduated in 2009. One of my proudest moments! I can't wait to go for a Master's Degree, but I am taking my time. I have to choose wisely.

Although, more adversities came later, but nothing close to what I went through before. One day I will share my experience with other people, such as my "sister in law", a Jersey girl! or Maybe I'll talk about that in that book that I dream of writing someday. Will anyone be interested in reading it? TBD!

I am in a good place in my life right now. And I am getting better by the day! No lie! What would I be without all of these adversities? I probably would have gotten so comfortable in my cousin's or godmother's house that I probably would never try to move out. I probably would never put myself to College. Yes, Ms. Sallie Mae is harassing me now, but it's all worth it! And if I, a foreigner can do it, you can too! Don't let your troubles keep you down or behind. Use them as motivation and you'll see how fast things will get moving forward!

"Obstacles can't stop you. Problems can't stop you. Most of all other people can't stop you. Only you can stop you". Jeffrey Gitomer

Shut Up! Take Your Compliment And Shove it!

An hour ago, I was at a convenience store getting couple of items, while I was inside, my phone rang and I started speaking in Creole with a friend I haven't heard in a while. As I was speaking, this man who was standing behind the counter was staring at me. As I was speaking on the phone, he was trying to get my attention by asking me SLOWLY "Miss, h.o.w. d.o.  y.o.u. s.a.y.  I.  l.o.v.e.  y.o.u.", of course I ignored him, since I was still on the phone. He asked again. "Why do you want to know", I asked. "Well, I wanted to tell you I love you". He proceeded to say "Buh, Miss! How come you smart! You coulda fool me", 
 "Excuse me, what do you mean?"
"Well, in farty years (he means forty), first time I meet a smat (smart) hation (Haitian)"
"Go s...", I wanted to tell him to go suck a nut, but I retain myself.
 "Maybe you should get out more, get off island a little bit. See the world before making your conclusions. As far as I know, Haitians are some of the most intelligent people on this earth. Because some just arrive here and don't speak your language yet, doesn't mean Haitians are stupid."
"Well, miss, I been arong de worl (around the world), I was in de aaamy (army), I been to Santo Domingo..."
"Santo Domingo is not Haiti. Anyway..." and I went about my business. The store owner told me "tell him again. Ignorant people like him need to know". But I didn't think it was necessary to continue because I was losing my cool.

These kind of comments are so common on St Thomas and the thing is, they expect you, the Haitian to say "Thank you". No. you're being disrespectful with your backhanded compliments! When will people realize that these kind of comments are not OK? Just because you make that one exception doesn't mean I will agree with you that all other Haitians, except me, are stupid! this is pure ignorance! I do regret not telling him something REALLY bad but at the same time, I am proud of myself for having self-control.

I should be used to these comments by now, I have been getting them since I moved here over four years ago. When I started dating the person I am still with right now, some family members had an issue with the fact that I was Haitian. When they learn to know me, one of them still had issues with Haitians "except me". She would introduce me to people and add "She is Haitian BUT she is smart. Yeah, very smart girl" but then she would ask me things like "How come ahyou Haitians so dark, mehson!" Or "Why dem people so stchupid! They can't even fill out a western union form and their names so hard to say and dey so retarted dey wouldn't wait for it. Then, I have to be calling stchupid names..." Right in my face. Me, the Haitian.

Then, there was the suspicion that I was with him for a green card! When they learned I had a green card before I even moved here, his cousin boldly asked me to show it to him Of course I asked him to get the *** out of my face, but how disrespectful is that?! And these are black, island people who are always ready to cry RACISM for any little thing or even a look from a white person.


I won't even go over everything I have heard from co-workers and other random ignorant people on the streets of St. Thomas. That same "in-law" person once said "there are no light-skinned Haitians". One day I was watching videos of T-Vice, CaRiMi, she swore I was lying about them being Haitians... One co-worker once told me "you're the first pretty Haitian I've met. I thought all Haitians were ugly". I again told him to get out more because "I'm far from being the prettiest Haitian out there" (really)! When my reaction was the total opposite of what he expected, he was puzzled. Seriously, when you have those kind of retarded, ignorant comments, keep them to yourself. Any Haitian in his/her right mind will NOT say thank you to your "compliment".

So far the worst behaviors and comments I have gotten have been from Black, Caribbean people. I have worked with people who automatically assumed I didn't know anything, that I was stupid etc... Coworkers got very hostile toward me because I'm Haitian and I  was getting higher salary then them. Some said it in my face, especially at that clinic where I was employed for almost a year in the administrative department. I had to work extra hard to prove myself. I was attacked, I was promised "a good beating" by immature pricks, all for no reason! I was only guilty of being Haitian and getting a higher salary, which I deserved!

Needless to say that Haitians who can't speak English and defend themselves like I can go through hell everyday at work. People who look like them but just happen to be more fortunate and speak another language put them through hell and do them some injustice.

I am so tired of this crap!  The same way you feel when you think you are a victim of racism, is the same way I feel when you discriminate against Haitians. You all need to stop it and stop it now! It's not pretty to be ignorant!

Why Does No One Cares To Protect Them?

How do you feel watching this video? The U.N men walking around with huge guns but never care to go to camps and other areas where they are needed to protect these defenseless women and children, why? Why does this young girl have to be in the streets getting raped? This is outrageous! If the U.N.is not there to protect the people, who/what are they protecting? Why are they there?

Where Are The Jobs?

I have not posted anything on this blog for the simple fact that I was hoping to have something different, something cheery to post about. But I searched, I looked and found nothing. So, I guess I will blog what's on my mind.

We all know that it's been height months since the January 12 earthquake and nothing - ABSOLUTELY NOTHING - has changed. People are still under sheets and tarps; millions in donations, the rubble is not cleared, the reconstruction has not yet started; many fancy meetings later between the "big people" who own the country, nothing concrete yet. I am a hundred percent positive that ten years later, we'll still be talking about the same things. I have no doubts.

The thing that has been bugging me for a while now is the job situation in Haiti. One would think that right now there would be no shortage of jobs for not only qualified Haitian professionals, but any Haitian willing and able to work in Haiti with all of these projects, work waiting to be done... But reality is, young people are applying for jobs but they are not getting hired. Despite presenting all the letters, resumés, qualifications, not even interview! This is so discouraging and infuriating! Especially when some of them are posting links on social media about how they have job openings and looking for applicants, but in reality, it's not true. They are not hiring. They simply have to go through the procedure of posting them.

I personally contacted an organization about a job posting they tweeted months ago. First, I called and spoke with a lady in the HR department. She asked me to email her my cousin's resume, who is very qualified for the job and has the experience required. I immediately called him and he emailed his resume, diplomas, letters and filled out the application online. The lady emailed me saying that she was very pleased with what she saw so far, and will give his application "special consideration" but first he had to show that he is a Christian and is involved in his church by providing a letter from his pastor, since the organization is a Christian organization and one of the requirements was that the applicant must be able to "spread the good news of God" as part of his work. My cousin who happens to be very involved in his church immediately got the letter and waited for the interview. He waited, and waited... We were so confident that he would at least get the interview that was promised to him. But it never happened! I tweeted them, I sent messages... At first, during a phone call, she said "don't worry, we will be calling applicants soon. He is THE FIRST applicant and meets all the requirements. He'll definitely get interviewed". I believed her. But when that email or phone call never came, I contacted her again via email, twitter, no answer. And then the organization simply unfollowed me on twitter and stopped answering any of my emails.

Months later, I checked their website, I saw new openings. I told two people that I know would meet the requirements, they applied but never even got a call. My cousin later got a job with MSF . Last time I spoke to him, he was still with them. I am not sure if he still has the job now, but really hope that he does.

All of this is to show that MANY organizations claiming that they are hiring but can't find qualified people in Haiti, are simply full of it. There is no reason for so many young men and women to be actively looking and applying for jobs but are not even given a chance of an interview. In the mean time, school is about to open in Haiti, everyone has someone who must go to school but has no resources, no money and so far, has no clue what to do or how it will happen. Most schools in Haiti are private, with exorbitant tuition fees and no regulations. They set their own prices when they want and however they want.

I am not going to blame the NGOs for not providing jobs because they are not there to fix anything; they would run out of business if they do. They are there to keep Haiti on foreign aid. This is why they exist; this is why they were created; this is how they make their money and receive praise and glory. I blame those useless leaders who are selling the country piece by piece to anyone with a green dollar. I blame the "President" for not setting any kind of rules on those organizations, demanding that they employ a number of Haitians in order to be established in Haiti. In the meantime, aid workers from some organizations are splurging money they receive to help the people on Dominican prostitutes in Petion Ville, new cars, fancy houses, restaurants, bars, while, just blocks away from them, the people they are supposed to be helping are dying for basic needs.