Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, is gripped by insecurity as a result of gang violence and now UNHAS, which is managed by the UN’s World Meals Programme (WFP) is the one choice for humanitarian staff to journey safely out and in of town and for vital gear and aid support to be transported and distributed inside the nation.
Robine JNBaptise, who works for UNHAS, and Christine Blais, who’s employed by Building Helicopters, the aviation firm working the plane, spoke to UN Information about their experiences of working in a high-conflict zone.
Robine JNBaptise: We’ve two plane right here in Haiti – a helicopter that holds about 19 folks or can carry two tonnes or cargo and a fixed-wing jet 45 that carries 9 folks. I’m an aviation and reserving assistant, so am accountable for getting folks on and off the plane. I additionally help with administration and securing working permits.
Christine Blais: I’ve served as a flight mechanic and crew chief flying missions round Haiti. On any given day, we’d fly between two to 6 hours. Our plane at the moment are primarily based in Cap Haitien, however now we have flown out of Turks and Caicos in addition to the Dominican Republic.
Robine JNBaptise: It’s a aggravating job, however fortunately for me, I carry out very nicely beneath strain. On some days, we assist as much as 100 folks, primarily [non-governmental organisation] NGO staff, but additionally UN workers. We’re transferring folks to a safer a part of the nation, but additionally bringing important workers again to Port-au-Prince. We’ve relocated some 200 folks to locations outdoors Haiti, so on the finish of the day, it’s a rewarding job.
Christine Blais: After we land in Port-au-Prince, we hold the time on the bottom to a minimal with the intention to mitigate the dangers. We are able to land, load and take off inside two to 5 minutes, which may be very quick. We’ve an excellent floor crew who hold us protected. In a high-conflict zone, now we have to stay versatile always while responding to the wants of the UN.
© WFP/Theresa Piorr
A helicopter flies over an city location in Haiti.
Robine JNBaptise: One of many large challenges we face is overflying Port-au-Prince, the place gangs are combating one another or with the police. There may be at all times the hazard that considered one of our plane will get hit by a stray bullet, though I don’t suppose that our plane are being deliberately focused.
Christine Blais: Colleagues of mine had been on the worldwide airport when there was a safety breach. It was positively a harmful and scary second for them as pictures had been being fired as they had been engaged on an plane. A business airplane, which was on the bottom on the time, was hit.
Robine JNBaptise: The worldwide airport closed for some weeks, so we established a touchdown zone elsewhere. One large concern is that gangs may transfer into this space and take over the touchdown zone which might cease our operations.
This could be a scary job, however we at the moment are used to the hazards and stress, though we ensure that to not take dangers. I’ve to take into account that something can occur to me or the plane.
Christine Blais: In high-conflict zones, there are at all times unknowns, and now we have to pay attention to the threats always. I rely loads on our staff and perceive that if one thing had been to occur, you simply must take care of it because it comes.
© WFP/Theresa Piorr
A passenger arrives on an UNHAS helicopter.
Robine JNBaptise: The service we’re offering is admittedly lifesaving, so if our touchdown zones had been shut down, it will be disastrous. At UNHAS, we at all times have to remind those who we’re a humanitarian service and that we take no sides. Our position is to move humanitarian staff and aid support with the intention to assist folks in disaster.
I’ve by no means considered leaving the nation. If I depart, then who’s there to remain? As a Haitian and a humanitarian employee, I need to be right here and assist to get the nation again to the place it as soon as was.
In some unspecified time in the future, the state of affairs goes to enhance as a result of once we attain all-time low, there’s nowhere else to go besides up. That is my residence, and I need to be a part of a brighter future for Haiti.
