Community Protection Brigade: young people trained to serve

“Our group was created in order to help and protect the population of Bel-Air, and to pressure local authorities their various interventions in the region whenever we receive a call.” According to Micheline Francois, one of the Brigade’s founding members, every young member of Viva Rio’s Community Protection Brigade is committed to fulfilling this mission.

For a little over a year now, the residents of Bel-Air count on the help of young people trained by the Brazilian military, part of the MINUSTAH peacekeeping mission, in first-aid, fire-fighting and post-disaster intervention. These teens also conduct awareness campaigns among residents, and promote responsible behavior to reduce risks in the event of disasters. Youths are very motivated and excited to be part of this mission to improve their own community.

According to Daniel Delva, responsible for Viva Rio’s institutional relations, the Brigade has been set up to strengthen the Government's actions and institutions. “The Municipal Government of Port-au-Prince, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civil Action, the Metropolitan Solid Waste Collection Service, the Minister of Public Works, Transportation and Communication and Haiti's National Police are key partners of this team,” said Delva.

“The role of the Brigade is to make the population aware of garbage issues, as well as to intervene in the event of disasters so as to prevent loss of life and minimize material damages. The Brigade is supported by the government and experienced international organizations,” said Delva.

The initiative has already yielded some results. Thanks to the awareness campaign conducted by the Brigade, Bel-Air residents have a better understanding of the importance of responsible garbage disposal. The members of the Brigade also participated in a number of waste management actions in the neighborhood and have been keen supporters of the project “Fatra pa gen Pye” (There is no room for garbage).

Motivated by the well-being of their community

Désir Myrtho explains that he joined the Brigade spurred by work he already does in the area where he lives. “For me it was a way to formalize my social commitment to the population”, he said. “I am from Bel-Air and I am proud to be part of the Brigade, so I'm not afraid to commit to protect my region, since people will trust me more because of my experience,” he adds.

The members of the Brigade were recruited among Bel-Air’s residents and selected for their experience and skills. Team members are residents from different parts of Bel-Air, including Delmas 2, Fort Touron, La Saline and Fort National. According to Jude Pierre, who evaluated the candidates, the recruitment strategy ensured that the team assembled reflects the outreach of Viva Rio’s different areas of intervention.

Founded less than a year ago, the Community Protection Brigade has already made a significant impact on some areas in lower Bel-Air, especially in Pont Rouge and Wharf Jérémie that witnessed the courage, determination and responsibility of the young team members in the aftermath of the 2009 floods.

However, a lot still remains to be done and the Brigade team members will continue to contribute to the revitalization and transformation of Bel-Air.

On the night of the 12th of January, Brigade members showed their commitment and solidarity with the people afflicted with the terrible tragedy that assailed the city. Mere seconds after the quake, they were already in action. “We worked 24 hours a day to help the population that was left impotent in face of the catastrophe,” said Ledesir.

Every neighborhood should have its own

In fact, over the months that passed after the earthquake, member of the Brigade were tireless in their participation in food distribution programs led by the World Food Program (WFP).

The Brigade, that had been trained in first aid, fire fighting, rescue at sea, and conflict resolution was also trained by the ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together) in gender and violence; community well-being; air rescue; group communication to cite a few topics.

Myrtho Ledesir states his satisfaction and stresses that community participation is key. “Brigade members cannot do their work well unless the community takes part. We are going to encourage different actors from the community to take part and I am certain that we will have even better results,” said Ledesir.

Brigade vice-coordinator Seide Marc Jean Mary believes that every at-risk neighborhood should have its own Brigade. “It would provide assistance and protection, apart from contributing towards training members of the community in quick responses that can save lives,” said Marc Jean Mary.

Three months after the quake, on April 26th a huge fire destroyed many parts of one of the largest shopping areas in Port-au-Prince’s historic center, near Bel-Air. According to Alain Augustin, General Director of Public Markets, fire engulfed 15 warehouses and destroyed great part of stocks of rice and wood.

The Brigade immediately presented itself at the site of the fire. “We went immediately and helped the fire-fighters work having to contend with no equipment and insufficient water,” said Morisset Guinson, responsible for the BPC’s section on Enviroment.

The Brigade has 31 members (both men and women) with representatives from each neighborhood and their work is split into four topics: environment, health, conflict management and domestic violence.