Like the mythical Phoenix that rises from the ashes after being consumed by fire, an orphanage in Port au Prince has risen from the rubble of destruction aided by the love of their fellow human beings. On Sunday, April 29, 2012, a group of dignitaries, including Police Commissioner Marc Tardif; Canadian Ambassador, Henri-Paul Nomandin; and City of Langford, British Columbia Mayor, Stewart Young were present in Port au Prince, Haiti to help dedicate the orphanage, which had to be razed and rebuilt after the 2010 Earthquake.

Especially adding solemnity and dignity to the event was the presence and remarks of two special dignitaries, Luc Coates and Heather Gallagher, who both lost fathers in the line of duty in the earthquake. Luc is the son of former Acting MINUSTAH Police Commissioner Doug Coates, while Heather is the daughter of former Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Sergeant and United Nations Police Officer (UNPol) Mark Gallagher. The audience had to fight back tears while Heather sobbed as she spoke about her father.

The orphanage itself was something of a pet project that was adopted by Canadian UNPols beginning in 2008. Those UNPols donated approximately $1,000 a month to help provide food to the orphans. In the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake, the Mayor of Langford British Columbia, Stewart Young, reached out to assist the Haitian people. After linking up with the RCMP to find an outlet for assistance and determining the need to rebuild the orphanage, the Mayor and his City Council began a fundraising effort that eventually resulted in the collection of approximately $250,000. The money was coupled with the donation of time and effort in the construction project that followed, with Langford citizens paying their own way to Haiti to help rebuild the orphanage.

The orphanage itself is home to 40 children ranging from infants to age 17. Sister Alberte, who assists in operating the orphanage, stated that she has been with the Baby Jesus Orphanage since 1964. Her room is in the rebuilt chapel and contains only a simple bed, a chair, a lamp, and a picture of Mother Theresa on her wall. She estimated that, through the years she had been serving the orphanage, she has seen approximately 5,000 children come and go. One of the orphans who came through was a baby boy named “Ricardo,” who is now grown. Ricardo did not have a last name when he came to the orphanage and instead gave himself the last name of “Michel.” Ricardo is now grown, received an education, and currently serves the orphanage with Sister Alberte.

The restoration of the orphanage consisted of rebuilding the chapel and the construction of two dormitories for the orphans, a dining room, and a kitchen. The construction of these buildings incorporated earthquake resistant materials and construction techniques. The construction of the buildings took nearly two years to accomplish.

During the ceremony itself, the orphans sang the national anthem of Haiti to open the service. In a series of remarks, the theme of celebration and restoration was repeated. The small freshly painted chapel was filled to capacity. Windows were opened to allow a breeze to filter through the room. As Heather Gallagher spoke, the chapel became completely quiet, with just the sound of crying amongst the audience and the speaker. It was a moving speech, full of validation of her father’s life and his ultimate sacrifice for the Haitian people.

After the conclusion of the ceremony, a group photo was taken with a mixture of orphans, UNPols, and citizens from Langford. The newly restored orphanage continues in the business of salvation. Luc Coates remarked that he was “happy to see hope, not just providing food, but giving the kids a chance.” Heather Gallagher stated that she was “really excited to see how everything worked out.” It appeared that the day was therapeutic on many levels.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: Billy Young- MINUSTAH UNPol Journalist
PICTURES TAKEN BY: Michel Martin- MINUSTAH UNPol-PIO Chief