I am happy to say that there have been positive developments regarding support for Haiti in the local Caribbean community.

** NOTE: SEE CALENDAR FOR HAITIAN ASSOCIATION POTLUCK DETAILS click here ***

The TTCS held a meeting on Sunday, January 17th 2010 and took 3 decisions:

1. Partial proceeds from our Carnival Dance on February 13th 2010, are being forwarded towards Haiti earthquake relief.

2. The Society is actively collecting donations from community members, 100% of which will be forwarded toward earthquake relief. Donate here now.

3. The Society will support similar initiatives put forward by BCOCCA, our local Caribbean umbrella organization.

As of January 19th, BCOCCA has held a meeting to deal with the Haiti situation. A formal Earthquake relief fund is being set up by BCOCCA, with a commitment to provide support via carefully chosen channels, starting with a disbursement to an organization (to be named after due diligence) working in the area of health and medicine. So there is now a clear destination for those who wish to express their solidarity with Haitians by contributing to a uniquely local Caribbean fund.

Followup information will be posted on this Web site as it becomes official, including updates on a proposed Caribbean fundraising event that is in the planning stages.

There has been great support in the local BC Caribbean community for the Haiti situation. Let us not make this just a short-term effort. There is so much to gain on so many levels when our people walk together in unity this way.

Dave Smith

David Smith, President
Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society of BC