An true lack of governmental support
Due to the lack of leadership, vehicles operate on the island without license plates; and worst of all, some drivers use plates registered in the Bahamas, their country of import!...
Despite the obvious poverty of the island, visitors quickly figure out how wealthy are some people who own commercial boats connecting Florida to Port-de-Paix. An individual even built a mini-sport stadium with his personal assets, and the support of the local population.
Awaiting for a tourist development project
Two radio-stations operate In La Tortue. The 4VET (Evangélical Voice of La Tortue) emits on 93.1 FM and connects the majority of the 4VEH's programs based In Cap-Haitien. The director of this small station is very outgoing and proud to offer a tour to the visitors. This station of 500 Watts, because of its position in the hillsides of " Pagne ", covers nevertheless a very large part of the island and its surroundings.It is 10:00 o'clock In the morning; on the microphone, three teenagers animate a holiday-varieties show dedicated for youngsters. The old one has a laptop computer and, with a stuttering voice, he reads an article in French pertaining to health issue. He is perhaps intimidated by the foreigners' presence.
At Tortuga Island, the population is friendly, but gives the impression of expecting everyday a good news or a great project for their region. Talking with an American woman in transit, one of the young people does not hesitate to question her: " Are you coming to the island to plan a tourist development project for us? ". Any realistic Individual touring the region would Immediately envision multiple possibilities that offer this Island... Imagine a moment this island inhabited by people from Quebec or Germany... Many similar projects exist in the world. Could we prevent ourselves from dreaming of Resorts, Marinas, golf courses, cruising boats, international airport, range of hotels in this beautiful place located only 1 hour and a half from Miami?... Should anyone prove the economic Impact to which, by Itself, this island could contribute to the development of Haiti?... Surrounded by an exhuberant vegetation, gorgeous sandy but secluded beaches, drinking water streaming from natural sources, and a pleasing temperature, Tortuga Island is Indeed a stunning gift of mother nature but, it is a waste of land, an unexploited paradise.
Palmiste, the vital point of the Island of La Tortue
Located In the heart of the Island of La Tortue, Palmiste is considered as the most developed village In the area. There Is a Police Station (with only of 6 police officers), a catholic church, at least a protestant temple, three cybercafés, a Community radio station of (Tortue FM emitting from Haut-Palmiste on 93.1 FM). The College Saint-Miguel of the Christian Catholic Schools (FEC), was founded in 1985. It is attended by a crew of 279 students. Besides It is the main secondary school of the island. The new director of this Institution, the young Christian Marc-Antoine Fleurisca, is proud to point out to the visitors that " his institution is the best In the island and any students who work hard will succeed, because we provide an excellent form of education here". Furthermore, on the same campus, is located the School Our Lady of Palmiste, also the most important primary school In the island, with a capacityr of 850 students.
Endowed with a magnificent view of the city of Port-de-Paix and all the North-western coast (described by many as being " the most beautiful sight of Haiti's territory ", particularly the area ranging from Cap-Haitien to Jean-Rabel), the telephone company of Haiti (Teleco) uses the rooftop of the christians' residence to install its communication equipments. This is a strategic position, since it is located across the Haut Piton's peak. However, besides the cell phones communication which can cover some parts of the island, Téléco does not offer any domestic services, and, for one year and a half, their public telephone system hasn't been working.
Visitors who want to go to Tortuga Island has an alternative: either they take a barge or they board a commuter flight whenever the two small runways located at Pointe Ouest and Haut Palmiste are in good condition. There is a third possibility, it's the " fly boat " or " fast boat ", a power boat. If the barge spends more than half an hour to make the trip from Port-de-Paix to Tortuga Island, the " fly boat " makes it possible for the busiest traveler to go there in less than 20 minutes.
Unfortunately the ports of the different villages in lle de La Tortue do not have a dock to accommodate the boats; passengers' transportation up to the coast, in 2007, Is still managed on people's back.
A participative population
At Pointe Oiseau, once the visitors arrive, they quickly notice the lack of governmental Infrastructures, no police presence, but only a vacant hotel " Princess Corporation ", whose name might be borrowed by the owner, after visiting the Bahamas, which boasts a great hotel of the same name. The only available infrastructure is a bridge built on the coast, connecting the road to the port. Pointe Oiseau has electricity, but hold It! it is thanks to the contribution and the agreement of the local residents who share the energy provided by their generators. Moreover, at night, one has even the feeling that there are more electrified houses on the island than In Port-de-Paix, the city from across La Tortue where electricity doesn't exist for such a long time.
To visit the island where run approximately fifty trucks and 4-wheel-drive vehicles, visitors can request the services of " Princess Hotel " which can provide them with a driver at their own expenses. The road, built by the population, is narrow and made out of dirt. Certain slopes are so steep that one wonders If they are safe when It rains…
All along the road, visitors are shocked to notice breathtaking constructions atop the hills and which probably belong to "diasporas" who lived In Turks and Caicos, Providentiales, the Bahamas or to former boat peoples who fled in Florida. There are running water and electricity In these private mansions, and sometimes satellite dishes overhanging their rooftops.
