Lake Yields Fish, Hope in Haiti

By Heifer International

October 3, 2019

Last Updated: June 19, 2018

Lake Yields Fish, Hope in Haiti

In This Article

  • A lack of water was threatening lives and livelihoods in the town of Cabaret in northern Haiti.
  • Lake Verger filled with sediment and dried up years ago, leaving the town with no water source.
  • Heifer International helped Cabaret rebuild their lake.
  • Today, Lake Verger is providing fish and irrigation for crops.

An update from Heifer Haiti Director Hervil Cherubin:

Dear all,

We had the privilege of being invited last Friday to witness some fishing activities on Lake Verger in Northwest Haïti. As you may remember, this lake was built by Heifer as part of the REACH project to help the community face their challenges with some access to water. This lake was inaugurated in March 2016. 

Group of people gathered around a basket of fish.
Lake Verger used to be cracked, dry ground. Communities in the area struggled to acquire food and water. Now the lake is providing both for the struggling communities.

 

Heifer Haiti Director Hervil Cherubin dedicates Lake Verger in March of 2016.
Heifer Haiti Director Hervil Cherubin dedicates Lake Verger in March of 2016.

It was a wonderful activity where many people from this and neighboring communities, along with local and government officials, gathered to watch and to talk once again about the importance of this lake for the livelihood of the people in the communities.

The most moving part for me was when a group of kids was jumping and saying that they are going to eat fish that day, and to watch how various people from the community wanted to buy the fish (at an affordable price), go home and fix some good meals. A truly satisfying experience. 

In total the catch was more than 110 pounds and the fish (tilapia and carp) were very nice. 

We ended the day with a delicious fish dinner offered by the community. 

It is amazing what water and a lake can do. 

Cheers to all,

Hervil