Welcome to Port-à-l’Ecu International Airport, Northwest, Haiti
Regional chamber and civil society organization lead international airport construction
HAITIAN TIMES
by Guest Author May. 09, 2024
Overview:
The Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Northwest Department, in collaboration with civil society organizations, is taking the lead in initiating the construction of an international airport. These entities want to play a proactive role in driving significant infrastructure projects that can have a transformative impact on regional economies.
By Kervenson Martial
Haitian Times Contributor
PORT-DE-PAIX, Haiti — Traveling 19 miles west of Port-de-Paix, the primary city of Haiti’s Northwest department and about 135 miles of Port-au-Prince—-the capital, along the dusty paths of Routes 151/52, leads you to +Haiti/@19.9037023,-73.0987615,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x8eb66a5e65fc5dad:0x2b32e827a83d89ce!2m2!1d-73.0357313!2d19.9078761!1m5!1m1!1s0x8eb66694203c0919:0xd5a3cf67a8391d86!2m2!1d-72.8308692!2d19.9348887!3e0?entry=ttu">Port-à-L’Écu in just over an hour by car or motorcycle. As you near this serene and scenic coastal area, the soothing sounds of beach waves blend with the hum of heavy machinery from a construction site – the birthplace of an upcoming international airport.
Launched in early February by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with a consortium of Northwest civil society organizations, this project aims to stimulate tourism and ease travel for the Haitian diaspora. It particularly targets thousands hailing from the region.
For example, Florida, which is home to many Haitians from the Northwest, is approximately 600 miles away from Port-à-l’Ecu by airplane.
“It is necessary and urgent for the Northwest Department to have an international airport,” said Jordan Hérard Verdule, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Northwest (CCINW). “The work started thanks to the meager means that the CCINW has at the moment,” he added.
The project initiators aim to secure ample funding for the airport’s construction, relying on the support from the Haitian government, the Diaspora, and foreign financial partners like the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), which is currently offering expert advice.
The total cost for building an airport with the necessary, reliable infrastructure remains uncertain at this stage. Jean Énold Télémaque, an engineer from TPTC, explains, “There is no definite budget for the ongoing work. We’re operating on a step-by-step plan.”
Wisly Lorfils, the secretary of the CCIDW and a member of the construction committee, further clarifies the situation to the Haitian Times: “We can’t determine the total cost of the project yet. We’re waiting for the expert’s report to accurately provide cost estimates to the public.”
The initial costs for preliminary activities are projected to be around 20 million gourdes, approximately $15,000, according to Lorfils.
“We initiated the construction with the resources we had available, compelling the Haitian government to fulfill its responsibilities,” Lorfils added. “It’s incumbent upon the State of Haiti to finance this project. It’s not a handout but an investment. The citizens of the Northwest Department, who pay taxes just like everyone else, deserve an international airport.”
The timeline for the project’s completion remains unannounced. “Our primary aim is to finish the first phase of the project, which includes cleaning and constructing the runway to start accommodating local Sunrise Airways flights by the end of May,” explained Guy Marcénard, a member of the civil society group.
Port-à-l’Ecu deemed safer, won the project bid over other areas in Northwest
Before the construction began, the National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC) and the National Airport Authority (AAN) directed the Public Works, Transport and Communications Ministry’s departmental division (TPTC) to dispatch technicians and topographers to the region. Their task was to evaluate the site and analyze all potential risks associated with building an international airport.
Following the study, it was determined that only Port-à-l’Ecu—located between the communes of Port-de-Paix and Jean-Rabel—satisfied 90% of the criteria for constructing an international airport that is 300m wide and 1600m long.
View of the space designed to build the airport runway. Port-à-l’Ecu, February 3, 2024. Photo by Kervenson Martial
According to specialists from OFNAC and AAN, studies conducted on various other locations within the Northwest Department revealed too many risks to accommodate an international airport. Despite their popularity, these locations failed to meet the majority of the standards required.
While small local planes usually land at two prominent specific sites evaluated – the circuits of Môle Saint- Nicolas and Port-de-Paix – these sites however were deemed unsuitable for constructing an international airport. High-risk factors, such as strong winds notably from the Windward Passage of the Atlantic Ocean that could cause an aircraft to crash at any time, were cited by the experts.
Construction began on February 3 after receiving the go-ahead. Several current and former government officials, entrepreneurs, and leaders of civil society organizations attended the event. Among the attendees were the TPTC’s director in the Northwest, Joseph Angelot Oracius, and Enex Jean-Charles, a former prime minister under Jocelerme Privert’s administration.
Port-à-l’Ecu has an aviation history
According to Andalasse Mertilus, a Haitian history and geography teacher who spoke with online reporter Stiven Michel during a Facebook live conversation, Port-à-l’Ecu has a history of accommodating flights. This began during the American occupation of Haiti from 1915 to 1934. However, the location was temporarily closed in 1946 under Elie Lescot’s government. It was indefinitely abandoned as an aviation space in 1957 by the order of former dictator Francois Duvalier for political reasons.
“Leslie wanted all major activities to be concentrated in Port-au-Prince, the capital city,” Mertilus explained. “Duvalier, on the other hand, saw a provincial airport as a threat to his power, as he was battling political adversaries, labeled as Camoquin.”
Northwesterners embrace the international airport construction project
Residents of the Northwest Department, especially those in Port-à-l’Ecu, are excited about the potential of having an international airport in their region. Both locals and members of the Diaspora believe that the construction should proceed without interruption, as the aviation industry could create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the area.
Known for its beautiful beaches, the region has the potential to attract local, national and international tourists. Wilfrid Mertilus, a local resident, expressed his long-standing desire for the project, saying, “Ever since I was a young boy, I’ve dreamed of seeing economic development and tourism thrive in Port-à-l’Écu. I hope all Haitian politicians will unite in support of this project.”
Bénoît Antoine, who left Haiti 29 years ago and has not returned since, shared his thoughts. “If this international airport is built in the Northwest, I would be delighted to visit my friends and family and bring many American friends to see the country,” he said. “It’s crucial for all of us [northwesterners] in the Diaspora to contribute to making this project a reality.”
Port-à-l’Écu, also known as Baie de Port-à-l’Écu or New Kiskeya, is considered a free zone. The idea to transform the area into a free zone to promote economic and social growth was proposed in 2006 by Robert Illusse, a well-known Haitian pastor and community leader. However, a project to build a tourist complex there was halted during the administration of former President René Garcia Préval.
A view of Port-à-l’Ecu Bay, February 13, 2024. Photo by Kervenson Martial
During a 2012 visit, former President Joseph Michel Martelly expressed his support for reviving the construction of the New Kiskeya touristic complex. He believed this project would enhance tourism and attract thousands of visitors to the region. In addition, he advocated for the construction of an international airport in the Northwest, a port and a wharf at Baie des Moustiques, a bay near Port-à-l’Ecu, and improvements to the 32.5-mile road section between Port-de-Paix and Jean Rabel.
The Northwest Department, one of Haiti’s ten departments, is rich in touristic potential. Many communities boast seas and beautiful beaches, such as “Reziyen” in Môle-Saint-Nicolas, La Basse Terre and Pointe West on Tortuga Island, La Plate Forme, “Gayak” and “Tilans” in Bombardopolis, and Energy Beach and Maigotte Beach in Saint Louis du Nord. Additionally, the Grotte “Twou Bon Dye” and “Twou Dyab” in Croix Saint Joseph, located about four miles from the Port-de-Paix seaport, are notable attractions.
From Haitian Times
SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (May 12, 2024)
Acts 1:15-17, 20a, 20c-26; Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20; 1 Jn 4:11-16; Jn 17:11b-19
This Sunday falls between two major events in Jesus’ life, the Ascension and Pentecost. The Ascension was celebrated this past Thursday. It marked the end of Jesus’s earthly ministry and the enthronization of his glorified Human Body at the right hand of the Father. The Church is born. Jesus solemnly entrusts to the Apostles the continuation of His Mission. They are officially sent to Teach and Baptize. They are summoned to always preserve an unbroken unity... so that the world may believe.
Ten days after the Ascension, another stupendous event took place: Pentecost: the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles gathered in prayer with Mary the mother of Jesus. The task of continuing the very mission of Jesus is beyond mere human capacity. The Holy Spirit, the very Spirit of the Father and the Son is given to the nascent Church. Through that gift from above, the Church is endowed with divine power to accomplish its Mission. The Spirit is the soul of the Church, her indispensable Gift. Without the Spirit of Love and Unity, the Mission is impossible.
As we celebrate these two Feasts we forcefully realize that:
1. A Mission is entrusted to the Church to act with the authority and power of Jesus.
2. The crucial importance of Love and Unity to achieve the goal of Saving Mankind.
These two feast Days come as two blooming flowers stemming out of Easter. Jesus rose from the dead, returns to His Father, and involves those who believe in Him to form One Body and act as distributors of his treasures to all mankind. May we pray that we will always preserve that Gift from Above, the Holy Spirit of love and Unity without which the Mission is jeopardized!
Today more than ever let us pray with extreme fervor for a New Pentecost on all Christians. Let all realize that without Love and Unity, we betray our God-given Mission!
Implications of President Ruto's US Visit on Kenya's-Led MSS Deployment in Haiti
By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson
Introduction
President William Ruto's upcoming state visit to the United States, although no longer featuring a joint session of Congress, remains a crucial diplomatic engagement with significant implications for international security, particularly regarding Kenya's Multinational Security Support (MSS) deployment in Haiti. The focused meetings with US leadership, including a one-on-one with House Speaker Mike Johnson, provide a valuable opportunity to discuss and solidify support for Kenya’s role in Haiti [1,2].
Strategic Bilateral Security Discussions
Without the broad platform of a Congressional address, President Ruto's engagements will likely delve into specific security and defense cooperation matters. These discussions are critical, especially considering Kenya's commitment to leading the MSS deployment in Haiti, a venture that requires substantial logistical, financial, and strategic backing from the United States. The meetings with US officials will be key to securing the necessary support and coordination.
Enhancing US Support for the MSS Deployment
The intimate setting of the meetings with US political leaders allows for a deeper conversation on the specifics of the MSS deployment. President Ruto can directly articulate Kenya’s needs and expectations and negotiate for enhanced logistical, intelligence, and financial support from the US. This support is essential for the success of the mission in Haiti, aiming to stabilize a nation grappling with multidimensional political turmoil and security challenges.
Potential Outcomes of Enhanced Cooperation
A successful negotiation during President Ruto’s visit could lead to increased US assistance for the MSS mission, possibly including access to advanced surveillance technologies, training for Kenyan forces, and direct financial aid to cover operational costs. Such support not only bolsters the mission's effectiveness but also enhances Kenya's capability to lead complex international security operations.
Broader Implications for Regional Stability
Strengthening Kenya’s role in international peacekeeping, supported by US resources, has broader implications for regional stability and security. Effective leadership in the Haiti MSS deployment could serve as a model for future peacekeeping missions, reinforcing Kenya's status as a key security partner in international affairs. Additionally, it could lead to further opportunities for collaboration between Kenya and the US in other regions facing similar challenges.
Conclusion
President Ruto’s state visit to the United States, characterized by focused bilateral meetings, holds profound implications for the MSS deployment in Haiti. These discussions are pivotal for securing the necessary backing and cooperation from the US, which is essential for the mission's success. By strengthening Kenya’s international security role and deepening US-Kenya ties, this visit could significantly impact Haiti's path to stability and showcase Kenya’s growing influence on the global stage.