During the French-colonialism in the late 1700s, runaway slaves sought refuge on the island having escaped their owners - a safe-haven, cut off from the mainland. To date, la Gonâve remains isolated, meaning food and clean water are scarce. The island itself is largely made up of limestone, meaning the dry, barren soil has long prevented any agriculture development. Less than 5% of the households have power at night, as solar is an absolute luxury. Roads and infrastructure are poorly built and sewerage systems were never considered, leaving la Gonâve severely disadvantaged. The poverty is overwhelming. Unemployment levels are extremely high meaning few families have enough money to feed, house, medicate and educate themselves and their children.
Despite the debilitating conditions on the island, Gonâvians are wonderfully vibrant, generous, strong and kind people - forever grateful for the support they receive.