We happened to be in the Bel Air neighborhood taking in the first mass since the earthquake at Our Lady of the Assumption. About 300 parishoners showed up to pray, sing hymns and look for hope in the devastation. Meanwhile, a gang in one of the roughest neighborhoods in Port Au Prince was just looking to survive.
Hours after hundreds gathered for an outdoor mass at the crippled National Cathedral, a group of young boys and men looted the home of the archbishop who was killed in the massive 7.0 earthquake 12 days ago.
It all began with a smoke signal. According to our security guard, Ralph, gangs burn tires to send a signal with the billowing black smoke that they have found a building to loot.
About 10 minutes later a group of 6 or 8 boys probably around the ages of 10-12 descended upon the deceased archbishop’s residence and emerged with 3 large cartons of powdered milk. As they came out a crowd began to form, the boys set up the cartons like they were running a lemonade stand. But instead of people spending 50 cents on a glass of lemonade they were paying the equivalent of $20 for a can of powdered milk.
Once they were done with their entrepeneurship, a band of roughly 25 men in their early 20s brandishing machetes arrived on the scene and broke down the loading dock doors of Centre De Pastoral D’ Ensemble (HQ Assembly of Pastors), a cathedral office building. The men took everything that wasn’t tied down ranging from food, to office supplies, furniture, and lanterns.
At times even fighting amongst themselves.