Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, is facing insecurity due to gang violence, making it challenging for humanitarian workers to travel safely in and out of the city. UNHAS, managed by the UN’s World Food Programme, is now the only option for transportation of critical equipment and relief aid within the country. Robine JNBaptise, an aviation and booking assistant for UNHAS, and Christine Blais, a flight mechanic and crew chief for Construction Helicopters, shared their experiences of working in this high-conflict zone. They operate two aircraft in Haiti, a helicopter that can carry passengers or cargo and a fixed-wing jet that carries passengers. They work tirelessly to transport NGO workers and UN staff to safer parts of the country, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Christine Blais mentioned that on any given day, they would fly between two to six hours, moving people to and from locations in Haiti, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic. The aircraft are now based in Cap Haitien, but they have flown missions from various locations to serve the needs of the UN and other organizations. With a quick turnaround time of two to five minutes in Port-au-Prince, they aim to minimize the time spent on the ground to reduce risks. Despite the challenges they face, they remain flexible and responsive to the needs of the UN, ensuring the safety and efficiency of their operations.
One of the major challenges they face is overflying Port-au-Prince, where gangs are engaged in conflicts with each other and law enforcement. The risk of stray bullets hitting their aircraft is a constant concern, although they do not believe they are intentionally targeted. The dangers were highlighted when a security breach at the international airport led to shots being fired, hitting a commercial plane on the ground. The closure of the airport for weeks forced them to establish a landing zone elsewhere, but the threat of gangs taking over the area remains a concern, potentially disrupting their operations.
Despite the dangers and stress of their job, Robine JNBaptise and Christine Blais are accustomed to the risks they face. They ensure that safety protocols are strictly followed to mitigate any potential threats and maintain the efficiency of their operations. The rewarding aspect of their work comes from knowing that they are assisting in the transportation of essential personnel and relief aid to areas in need, both within Haiti and beyond. Their dedication and resilience in the face of adversity reflect the commitment of humanitarian workers to serve vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
In conclusion, the work of UNHAS and Construction Helicopters in Haiti plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of humanitarian workers and relief aid in a high-conflict zone. Despite the challenges and dangers they face, the dedicated staff continue to carry out their missions with professionalism and commitment. Their experiences shed light on the realities of operating in insecure environments and the importance of reliable transportation services for humanitarian operations.
