Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Port-au-Prince (Agenzia Fides) – After the January 12 earthquake that devastated Haiti, Radio Soleil was no longer able to broadcast its programs. Since then, it has gradually resumed its activity, but very slowly. Today things are better, although it cannot be said to have returned to normal. According to information received by Fides, thanks to the generosity of Bishops of the United States and a number of benefactors of the Church in Germany, $ 100,000 were collected for equipment for a new studio that is being prepared in Petionville, a suburb in the hills above the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince where the station moved after the earthquake.
The equipment will replace what was lost when the building that housed the radio station collapsed during the 45-second earthquake that hit hard in the central part of town: the station was located across the street from the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, destroyed by the earthquake.
Jesuit Father Pierre Belanger, who coordinates the activities of communication for the French Jesuit Province of Canada and Haiti, pledged to return the station to its normal full-time activities and has also established closer links between Radio Soleil and the nine other Catholic radio stations across the country.
In addition to the contribution of Bishops of the United States, Radio Soleil also receives the support of German and international organizations. The equipment for the radio studio will be housed in two prefabricated modules in the courtyard of a sturdy building that has withstood the earthquake, reporting only minor damage. Even the offices of the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince are moving into this building.
Communicating with Haiti is still difficult, but the Director of Radio Soleil, Fr. Desinord Jean, has resumed its normal activities even after suffering a leg injury while fleeing from his tent during a strong aftershock. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 28/05/2010)
