Wall's International Guest House
To all our friends and guests of Wall’s International Guest House:
As many of you have heard, Wall’s International Guest House was badly damaged
in the earthquake; tragically, the middle building collapsed completely, killing five people.
Those lost included two Canadian guests, one American guest, and two of our staff. Among the dead
was Simerite Noel, father of Patrick, who was employed by “Madame Jack” since 1984. Our hearts
go out to each family as they mourn their loved ones and we hope that they feel the warm embrace of God
during this difficult time.
Although the rest of the staff has suffered losses, they are doing well, considering the
circumstances. Veniel and his family are all safe, including Velanda, who was welcomed into
the world on December 30th, a little sister for Venaika!
We want to take this opportunity to convey our heartfelt thanks for the many emails we have
received since the earthquake, offering concern and support. You have given us the energy
and motivation to find ways to keep the guest house running, so that we can continue our
important work as an uplifting place to call home for our international visitors. We take our role
as a gateway to the people and culture of our country seriously and now, more than ever, it is
crucial that we keep this experience alive. We know you many of you are eager to come and
help in the reconstruction of Haiti and we wish to still be your “cheerful place to stay while in Haiti”!
The house with the pool is still standing and we will undertake a structural assessment to
determine if it is salvageable. The Villa is sound and we are ready to welcome you there.
We will have running water, toilet and shower facilities shortly. If required, we can increase the
number of guests accommodated if you are able to bring your own tents. Unfortunately tents are I
n high demand right now and we are unable to source them locally. We are also in need of
towels, bedding, dishware, cutlery, etc., as all of these items were lost. We gratefully welcome
any contributions you are able to provide.
Welcome to Wall's International Guest House in Port au Prince, Haiti.
We are pleased to be your place to stay when you come to this beautiful little western half of the island of Hispanola. Ideally located about a fifteen minute drive from the Toussaint Louverture Airport in Port au Prince, we offer simple accommodation, good food, warm hospitality and our best service. We are known to be a cheerful respite for mission teams, medical teams, teaching and pastoral teams, adoptive families, volunteers, artists, photographers, journalists and adventure tourists. Our guests arrive at our door from all over the world to stay for durations from one night to several months. Our rates are reasonable and special rates are available for long-term guests who are here for research, mission or adoption processes.
Wall’s International Guest House (WIGH) is a non-profit establishment operating under the Foundation for International Development Assistance (FIDA) based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and productive cooperatives Haiti (pcH) which provides resources to rural communities in Haiti who desire to advance themselves economically by forming a productive agricultural cooperative. Established in 1984, it is estimated that over one million dollars in proceeds have been reinvested in rural Haiti through the thousands of guests who have chosen Wall’s as their home away from home while in Haiti.
On behalf of my wife, Siliene, and our staff, Bienvenu… Welcome to Haiti!
Veniel Jean
Manager