Letter to the editor

My name is Maggy Dartiguenave-Peck. I have been working at the College since September 2004 as the Administrative Assistant to the South Campus President. I also teach a Student Life Skills (SLS) 0005 class.I was born in the province of Tiburon, Haiti. At the age of 7, I moved to the capital of Port-Au-Prince and then at 9, I was sent to Massachusetts to live with my father. Many of my family members still live in Haiti, including 2 brothers. My mother lived in Haiti all of her life up until 4 months ago when she moved here to Florida.

When the quake first happened communication to the capital was nonexistent. We could, however, make contact with those who live in the outskirts of Port-Au-Prince, such as Tiburon. We have gotten word of at least seven deaths involving my family members, one of which is my first cousin. My mother gets calls daily informing her of lost friends or their loved ones.

Like the tragedy of 9-11, I will never forget where I was when I heard of the first earthquake having taken place in Haiti. I was just signing off for the day at work and a news alert was received about the tragedy. It wasn't until I got home that I was able to see and read about the full impact of this devastating phenomenon. When one hears about a 7.0 quake, you know there will be ruins, casualties, and object destruction of homes and other structures.

When the media began to show the images out of Haiti, it was then that one got the full understanding of what actually took place on this ill-fated island. Those visions of thousands of humans being bulldozed into mass graves will be etched into my brain for the remainder of my life. However, to counter those images will be those of the infant being pulled out alive after days of being trapped and smiling up at his rescuer; the 24 year old man being rescued with barely a scratch after 12 days of being trapped under debris; the young girl pinned under rubble and while being rescued was letting her rescuers know that she is not afraid, she knows they will get her out and they did. These images will also be engraved in my mind.

Haiti is still experiencing aftershocks and every new one puts the already fragile infrastructure in more peril.

I think the support from the United States and the combined efforts of the United Nations has been one of the best responses to an international disaster ever witnessed in recent years. Haiti's SOS has been heard and the world has answered. Everyone from politicians, celebrities, NPOs, to individuals has come out with one goal and mission in mind: to save lives and to help the people of Haiti rebuild.

The Haitian population in Jacksonville, to include many students at FSCJ, has come out in droves to support any fund raising efforts being coordinated. My brother Wyster Desir and sister-in-law Eunika have been instrumental in coordinating drop off sites for Haitians and others to donate much needed items such as medical supplies, first aid kits, diapers, baby formula, water, blankets, towels, clothing, non-perishable food items, and money.

The Mission Harvest has agreed to be our vessel for getting the collected items to Haiti. Those at the college have also been giving from the heart. I have personally pledged a percentage of every sale made from my Avon small business to be given to HAAFA to go to Haiti. Much is still needed.

Organizations such as the American Red Cross, Unicef, Yele, Mission Harvest, and the Jacksonville nonprofit organization HAAFA have done an outstanding job in raising funds, awareness, and ensuring that the public trust is reinforced that if they give to this effort, their funds and other contributions will be used for the sole benefit of Haiti's inhabitants.

The real work is yet to come; the rebuilding of Haiti will be the real challenge for its people and all those who are dedicated and committed to seeing this country come out of this devastation bigger, stronger, healthier, wealthier, and a nation that others could be proud to be associated with. The people of Haiti are the epitome of resiliency. Their resolve to survive and prosper against insurmountable odds has been tested over and over again. Haiti will rebuild. "Wi nou kapab!" ("Yes, we can!")

To help, you can text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 through your phone. You can also contact the American Red Cross, Unicef.org or Habitat for Humanity at Habitat.org to see how you can help. Haiti thanks you.