Inevitably in a land as torn as Haiti, which has been severly crippled and devastated. The increase in gangs of marauders, looters. etc will occur. On that note Canada as well as other countries are sending blue helmeted troops to aid in security of agencies and food warehouses.
It is impossible to understand the severity of this earthquake on the hearts and minds of these poorest citizens of the western hemisphere. Overall Haitians are a devoutly christian nation. Catholicism plays an important role in their day to day existance. It certainly rings true that The Lord works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform Many may be questioning their faith at this time, yet relief efforts are coming from all nations regardless of belief.
Canada is at the heart of this disaster, with aircraft flying in personnell and supplies every few hours. Water purification, power, medical and food aid are the primary issues for Canadian Troops. Here is a little more of the Dart story:
DART consists of about 200 Canadian Forces staff who can ship out quickly to conduct emergency relief operations for up to 40 days.
Photos from previous missions.DND
The team has four main goals:
Provide basic medical care: Its tented medical aid station can serve up to 250 outpatients and 10 inpatients a day. The medical platoon treats minor injuries and tries to keep diseases from spreading, but doesn't perform surgeries. The aid station includes a lab, a pharmacy, limited obstetrics services and rehydration and preventative medicine section. Produce safe drinking water: Water purification staff can produce up to 50,000 litres of potable water a day, as well as chlorinating local wells and monitoring water supplies. Repair basic infrastructure: Engineers can fix roads and bridges, repair electrical and water supply systems and build refugee camps. Make communication easier: DART sets up facilities to make communication easier between everyone involved in the relief effort, including the afflicted country, non-governmental organizations and UN aid agencies. DART does not go into places where it will face organized resistance and tries not to step on the toes of aid agencies.
The team receives less money than any other unit in the Canadian Forces, with an annual budget of $500,000.
Superintendant Doug Coates
Supt Doug Coates of the RCMP has been located and Identified along with another Canadian. May they RIP.
Sadly the Identification of former MP was in error: There is confusion around the fate of Serge Marcil, a former Liberal MP believed to have been located after being reported missing in Haiti.
There were reports Marcil was found and flown to Miami for medical treatment. It now appears the reports were premature, according to the office of Quebec Premier Jean Charest.
Marcil's wife, Christiane Pelchat, had rushed down to Florida to reunite with Marcil at the hospital.
When she arrived she saw that he wasn't there, said Beatrice Farand, a spokeswoman for Pelchat, who is the president of Quebec's Status of Women group.
It was then, at the same time, when she learned that there had been an error. She's shattered.
So Canada be PROUD Of the Canadians Military and Civilian who are in this place of death and despair to give comfort to the living victims.
BREAKING NEWS :
Former military commander in Afghanistan to head Cdn relief effort in Haiti
Brigadier-General Guy Laroche speaks to members the media on Saturday April 5, 2008. THE CANADIAN PRESS/James McCarten THE CANADIAN PRESS
OTTAWA - Canada is turning to one of its recent commanders in Afghanistan to spearhead relief efforts in Haiti.
Brig.-Gen. Guy LaRoche commanded Canadian forces in Afghanistan for 10 months in 2007 and 2008.
He's also commanded Canadian forces in Bosnia and Cypress.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay says Laroche will be arriving in Haiti today to coordinate military efforts.
MacKay says roughly 200 military personnel are now on the ground in Haiti.
He says so far the military has brought in 100 tonnes of equipment and supplies to Haiti and two more aircraft will bring more personnel and supplies this weekend.
Two Canadian warships loaded with supplies are getting closer to Haiti and military officials expect them to be off the Haitian coast by Tuesday.
Remember Everyone Deployed and give a prayer for their safe return to Canadian soil.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
