At almost 5 pm (ET) on Tuesday. I was wrapping up another day at my computer when the house started to sway. I knew immediately that it was a tremor and after the usual panic and dash for safety in the doorway, I laughed with relief that Jamaica had been spared a disaster it could ill-afford. Later I heard the news about Haiti.
Now the full horror of Haiti's plight is being painfully played out by the media. Our thoughts and prayers go to our neighbours there and especially to the artist community who have always been a vital part of the Caribbean's expression despite their hardships. Just last month, we were celebrating Haiti's Ghetto Bienniale when it seemed that again Haiti had overcome great setbacks to keep its art moving forward and to demonstrate its strength as a survivor and as a Salon des Refuses for the 21st Century.
No doubt, the country will overcome this too but it will take time and support from all of us. A aid effort on the part of artists and organisers related to the Biennale has been established and Ebony G. Patterson who has just returned from showing her work in the show is asking us all to do whatever we can. To give your support follow this link http://www.foundry.tv/haiti/ and remember '..there but for the grace of God go I.... '