Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, is gripped by insecurity as a result of gang violence and now UNHAS, which is managed by the UN’s World Meals Programme (WFP) is the one choice for humanitarian staff to journey safely out and in of town and for essential gear and aid support to be transported and distributed inside the nation.
Robine JNBaptise, who works for UNHAS, and Christine Blais, who’s employed by Development Helicopters, the aviation firm working the plane, spoke to UN Information about their experiences of working in a high-conflict zone.
Robine JNBaptise: Now we have two plane right here in Haiti – a helicopter that holds about 19 folks or can carry two tonnes or cargo and a fixed-wing jet 45 that carries 9 folks. I’m an aviation and reserving assistant, so am answerable for getting folks on and off the plane. I additionally help with administration and securing working permits.
Christine Blais: I’ve served as a flight mechanic and crew chief flying missions round Haiti. On any given day, we’d fly between two to 6 hours. Our plane are actually primarily based in Cap Haitien, however we now have flown out of Turks and Caicos in addition to the Dominican Republic.
Robine JNBaptise: It’s a irritating job, however fortunately for me, I carry out very nicely beneath stress. On some days, we assist as much as 100 folks, primarily [non-governmental organisation] NGO staff, but in addition UN employees. We’re transferring folks to a safer a part of the nation, but in addition bringing important employees again to Port-au-Prince. Now we have relocated some 200 folks to locations exterior Haiti, so on the finish of the day, it’s a rewarding job.
Christine Blais: Once we land in Port-au-Prince, we hold the time on the bottom to a minimal so as to mitigate the dangers. We are able to land, load and take off inside two to 5 minutes, which may be very quick. Now we have an excellent floor crew who hold us secure. In a high-conflict zone, we now have to stay versatile always while responding to the wants of the UN.
![A helicopter flies over an urban location in Haiti. A helicopter flies over an urban location in Haiti.](https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Collections/Embargoed/09-05-2024-WFP-Haiti-02.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg)
© WFP/Theresa Piorr
A helicopter flies over an city location in Haiti.
Robine JNBaptise: One of many huge challenges we face is overflying Port-au-Prince, the place gangs are combating one another or with the police. There may be at all times the hazard that considered one of our plane will get hit by a stray bullet, though I don’t assume that our plane are being deliberately focused.
Christine Blais: Colleagues of mine have been on the worldwide airport when there was a safety breach. It was undoubtedly a harmful and scary second for them as pictures have been being fired as they have been engaged on an plane. A industrial airplane, which was on the bottom on the time, was hit.
Robine JNBaptise: The worldwide airport closed for some weeks, so we established a touchdown zone elsewhere. One huge concern is that gangs may transfer into this space and take over the touchdown zone which might cease our operations.
This generally is a scary job, however we are actually used to the risks and stress, though we ensure that to not take dangers. I’ve to understand that something can occur to me or the plane.
Christine Blais: In high-conflict zones, there are at all times unknowns, and we now have to pay attention to the threats always. I rely lots on our group and perceive that if one thing have been to occur, you simply must take care of it because it comes.
![A passenger arrives on an UNHAS helicopter. A passenger arrives on an UNHAS helicopter.](https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Collections/Embargoed/09-05-2024-WFP-Haiti-04.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg)
© WFP/Theresa Piorr
A passenger arrives on an UNHAS helicopter.
Robine JNBaptise: The service we’re offering is absolutely lifesaving, so if our touchdown zones have been shut down, it might be disastrous. At UNHAS, we at all times have to remind folks that we’re a humanitarian service and that we take no sides. Our function is to move humanitarian staff and aid support so as to assist folks in disaster.
I’ve by no means considered leaving the nation. If I depart, then who’s there to remain? As a Haitian and a humanitarian employee, I need to be right here and assist to get the nation again to the place it as soon as was.
Sooner or later, the state of affairs goes to enhance as a result of once we attain all-time low, there’s nowhere else to go besides up. That is my dwelling, and I need to be a part of a brighter future for Haiti.