The amazing response and effort involved in the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Operation came in close focus with a talk from Paul Holder, who worked for a time as Director of Operations for the J/P Haitian Relief Organisation. This is dedicated to saving lives and bringing sustainable programs to the Haitian people quickly and effectively. Following the tragic earthquake of 2010, J/P HRO began working immediately to make a meaningful and lasting impact in Haiti. J/P HRO programmes focus on supporting the residents of the camps we manage and the surrounding areas transition from life left homeless by the earthquake to durable, sustainable and prosperous communities. Paul described how J/P HRO has implemented its mission through four integrated programs: Medical, Camp & Relocations Management, Engineering & Construction, and Community Development. They work with the support of and in collaboration with local and national government leaders, community-based organizations, other international NGOs, UN agencies, donors, and—most importantly—community members themselves.
Paul, who is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Logistics Corps and is currently Commanding Officer of the Scottish Transport Regiment based in Dunfermline, volunteered to go out to Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake in a civilian capacity. He used is annual accumulated leave allowance to work as part of the relief operation. Not surprisingly, once his skills set as a military commander and logistician became known, he rapidly became a senior member of the team providing the main effort for rebuilding and rehousing thousands of refugees.
Paul described the huge effort involved in clearing the rubble and repairing or rebuilding the homes to rehouse the 100,000 families in his area of responsibility. A temporary camp had been established on a golf course using whatever materials available for shelter. As humanitarian aid started to arrive it became possible to replace crude makeshift shelters with proper tentage, including that supplied by ShelterBox, who work in partnership with Rotary International. It was particularly satisfying to see ShelterBoxes from Rotary Clubs across the UK, including those funded by the Anstruther Club from donations collected in the East Neuk.
Charles Thrower, in giving the vote of thanks, congratulated Lt Col Holder on his magnificent work as a volunteer and thanked him for giving such an interesting and memorable insight into the rebuilding and recovery operation in Haiti.
