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Limerence Update #19 Project notes #1 March 10, 2001 Intrigued by the chance to visit El Salvador, and the fact that the popular new Barillas Marina offers security, we sailed into Jiquilisco Bay two weeks ago. When we toured inland, we were shocked and saddened by the massive damage to the country from the recent earthquakes, civil war, and hurricanes. Because of what we have experienced, our “cruise” has taken on a new life, and we find ourselves participating in a remarkable relief effort for Salvadoreno earthquake victims. Begun by several Canadian cruisers in January, and now supported by nearly every cruiser who ventures into this Bay, the homes of a small village are being redesigned and reconstructed. We visited the building site yesterday and the results of this hands-on project are remarkable. A bit of history. . . Several days after the January 13, 2001 earthquake, two Canadian cruising boats – T Tauri Wind and Aeolus - began asking what they could do to help the local people. Reinforced by the owner of the Barillas Marina – Juan Wright – they visited the nearby mountain village of Santiago de Maria. The Mayor of that town explained the international relief process for the cities, also telling them about 29 tiny villages tucked away in remote areas that would not receive ANY support. They decided to go to a village and investigate further. The devastation they found, and the hopelessness of the people, forged their resolve to move forward to offer assistance.
The small village of Hacienda Lourdes was selected and the cruisers began to bring in water, food, blankets, and clothing. With the use of the marina van for transportation, clean-up of the earthquake damage was begun, and some reconstruction. Within several weeks, the landowner of the coffee plantation halted the work. He did not want the homes rebuilt on this particular site. This created a major problem . . . the people were now homeless. The cruisers – through negotiations with the land owner – convinced him to deed over to the workers a small parcel of land. This act of kindness resulted in a victory for the poor workers who had no chance to buy a piece of land for themselves. An important paradigm was broken for the first time – individuals with no property rights, now have legal ownership. This is a first. This has the potential to be replicated on other coffee farms. As of this date, land for twelve homes has been cleared by the homeowners and cruisers, fill dirt has been trucked up the mountain and spread by a small earthmover loaned by the marina. The cruisers have set up a sort of factory under a corrugated metal roof, fabricating and welding metal forms for the foundation of the homes. Luckily, the project is under the leadership of both an architect and mining construction manager, complimented by cruisers with welding, earthmoving, and backgrounds. The foundations of the homes are beginning to be installed. Here is the site where the homes will be built with some neighborhood children helping with the project:
Here are some facts about the cruiser relief project. The land offers space for 12 side-by-side type homes made with earthquake resistant materials. The homes have two bedrooms, a small utility area, and a sitting room. The stone cooking stove is outside, under an eave. Each home costs $1500.00 for materials. All of the construction is being done as a team . . . the cruisers teaching the construction techniques to the people. It is expected that these newly learned skills will be utilized by the workers for other neighborhood homes. We feel fortunate to be here, and have the time and ability to participate in this project. If you are interested in learning more about this relief project, please e-mail us on our website, mailto:cruise2000@deckersailing.com and also check out the website cruiser’s developed to spread the word. . . www.barillasreliefproject.org. This may sound like a joke . . . but we really could use a small cement mixer. Not a very big one, but a cement mixer nevertheless. . . . . All of the local mixers are tied up in other efforts and we have twelve homes to build!
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