Haïti

A few years ago, I was sailing the Caribbean Sea, following the southern shore of Hispaniola; on the Dominican Republic?s side, no problems, security was well cared for, harbours and islands were well guarded.
After passing the border that separates the Dominican side from the Haitian side, I followed precisely the advice given by those who had sailed before me this area : avoid going close to shores, except for the area of Ile à Vaches, where a new resort has been created, with a marina : my stay in Haiti has gone without trouble, as had the previous stops I hade made in this superb and endearing country; yet, during the same night, about fifty miles to westward, the crew of a small French sailboat, tired, decided to anchor to take some rest just offshore a small village in the strait : during the night, villagers attacked them, probably thinking they were drug smugglers and believing they were to find a fortune on board.

It confirms my conviction: Haiti is not an island one should pass by, but it?s better to get recent information, before you go there. And only visit safe areas. Ile a Vaches is part of these, as well as the area of Cap Haitian, to my knowledge.

For Haiti doesn?t deserve the bad luck that it has suffered since it has chosen, at th beginning of the 19 th century, to be the first black republic in America. I have flown very freely the island in a small plane (which one surely couldn?t do in Cuba !) I have sailed along its shores; I have had fun in Port-au-Prince?s Carnival, and found a refuge against the heat and the madness of the big city in the suburbs of Petionville or Kenscoff, or under the derelict verandas of picturesque Olofson hotel.

I will go back to Haiti, and I wish many of you discover in turn the unique beauties of this island.

1. Haiti

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Tourism in Haiti : www.haititourisme.org
Lonely planet : www.lonelyplanet.com
All about Haiti : www.easyvoyage.com
For sailors : www.noonsite.com