12.13.15 update on green boat me

Still no lift on visitor ban at last report. Am very sorry to say that there is no update of the condition of the men. More talks taking place with emphasis to lift this unhumanitairan ban.

08.19.15 Improvements for the green boat men

Wrote to and did receive a response from the UNHCR (UN refugee agency) who was unaware of  the conditions, and promised to look into the matter. Also met with the governor and lt gov about the refugees this week. We discussed living conditions, need for food and a sustainable plan until a plan is in place to move the men to a more permanent environment - wherever that  may be. We discussed that Yap was not their intended destination and how refugees just want a better life - they do not  want tobe a burden on other people or organizations. We talked about living conditions for some of the men at home. It was a good conversation and the governor in particular was willing to see what more could be done.

Today the men said they have enough food for the week, which is a major step forward. A while ago I heard stories that they were to be included in the feeding plan for the prisoners, which would also guarantee food on a daily basis. And the idea that has been floated around for some time, that the men be placed in a village - one refugee per village - is starting to be discussed more often. We talked about  the men working for their food - which they are willing to do - as one alternative to living on the dock and waiting for someone to assist them. So it seems like some things are pulling together - a health task force and a plan for food that may be sustainable.
 

08.08.16 My sincerre thank you .............................

My deep and sincere thank you to Mrs Paula G., Chris S. and Betsy, who have donated to help  the green boat men. The men now have food for the mind, food for the body, essentials for cleanliness and Father John provides food for the soul. I was so very surprised to see such generosity and I know the men will appreciate everything. I had been there this morning before the PC office delivered my boxes, but everything will be taken there this afternoon. I opened every box and I know they will enjoy the pasta meal. And the books are really interesting. I saw some of the men reading this morning so I know the books will be used well.

And my sincere thank you to Mrs. Marsha S., who made a very useful donation for  the women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I will give the package to a PH nurse who will know how to distribute. The women will be appreciative. It is not easy for them here once they are diagnosed and this gift helps them.

I am very touched by the kindness and generosity of Paula, Chris, Marsha and Betsy. With you, Yap is a richer and healthier place and you have demonstrated what we all know - Americans are kind and generous people.

Thank you all so very much. This is like Christmas - in August!

I posted a similar picture yesterday, but if they knew that books and food and supplies were coming they all would have been waving.

 

 

 

 

08.07.15. Green boat refugee men health update

One step at a time.

Two Public Health  nurses (Naty and Deborah) and Henry from Behavioral Health and Wellness and I went to visit the men. My role was to introduce them to the nurses and assure them that if needed, the hospital director stated that they would continue to receive health care. I did not mention IOM, hospital bills, etc as that is not my role. Then the nurses were to talk to the men and determine  if anyone needed to come to the hospital or if any care is needed. I do hope this system works and I am cautiously optimistic. It is so hard to keep everyone on the same page.

The  men are doing well, no one needed to go to the OPD,  but access to food  is still a major problem We delivered a lot of  food today donated from The US Navy Seabees. The Seabees also gave them some MRE (mealsready to eat) and the men love them. Mashed potatoes was a hit.

Met some new PCRV. They also donated for the men - will use their money to buy more soap and toothpaste. This new crew is in education, education accreditation and youth activities. They seem to be a great group and I wish I would have more time to interact with them. Took Shorty and Buddy with me (stated as if I had a choice!) and the boys were good while the volunteers talked. The President of Micronesia was at the hotel where we met for a special dinner hosted by  the Chinese, so a couple of us went upstairs to see. China has a very keen interest in Micronesia in general and Yap in particular. They are sending a medical delegation this weekend and we were told to accommodate them. However, the Chinese doctors only want to see a few patients.

Here are a few pictures of the green boat men and the PH staff.

Naty (has a cold) and Deborah.

Henry who is promising the men a surprise on Monday. He is like a rock star to them.

 

08.03.15 update on medical care for green boat men

Met with the hospital  director about the new regulations, particulary those regarding medical care. She reiterated again that the hospital will provide medical care  for the men. The plan now is for a Pubioc Health nurse to visit the men each week and record any medical and other problems. Those that require medical treatment at the hospital will be reported to the director and chief of staff. They will then contact IOM with the list so they kow who requires care and will treat them. We have that organized.
One major hurdle. In addition, The US Navy Seeabees have approved their medic to help provide care to the men.
So we hav that sorted out for now. The next thing is for food.
But we do need public awareness of this situation to find a workable solution and finality for the men.

08.02.15 Update on the green boat asy;um seekers

Wish I had more good news to share. The men are still healthy but I think the governance issues are a major problem. They have only rice for food today - so the food issue has not been solved. In addition - someone - perhaps the AG office - have written new rules under the guise of security regulations. The distinct impression is that they don't want anyone to monitor the condition of the men.

Here are the new security regulations verbatim [my comments or explanations in brackets]:

Effectively immediately below regulations to be strictly enforced by those performing security for the Indian and Nepal green boat crews:

1. Not allowed to watch TV anytime
2. Not allowed to sit or gathering near the YFA [Yap Fisheries Authority] security rope at anytime. Confined to YFTI koyeng only [that is where they stay]. 
3. Not allowed to use cell-phone.
4. Not allowed to talk to outsiders only those authorize by the Office of Attorney General. [I was told that the AG office did not want Father John or me to be allowed to visit the men. We were both allowed admission this morning. This indicates to me and Father John that they do not want any one to monitor the situation. Remember, IOM was not going to provide the men with food for a week because of budgetary issues.]
5. Should go straight to restroom and straight back to YFTI, no stopping or talking to anybody.
6. Requesting to go to Yap memorial hospital is not permitted unless approved by IOM first. [Apparently IOM staff are not qualified physicians. too.] Medical personnel have their own schedule to visit YFTI. [No physician from the hospital comes here to see the men on any schedule.]
7. Washing of laundry is permitted only on Tuesday and Friday. (Evening shower time).
8. Curfew time is 10:00 PM, no movement on the dock after curfew. 

So these are the new security rules. Father John called the US Embassy two weeks ago when they had no food and the embassy official  said it was up to FSM government to take care of the men. FSM government in Pohnpei said it is up to Yap State. So it is just round and round in circles.

The hospital director said that the financial issues for medical care are between IOM and DHS, not DHS and the men. So she said that if anyone is sick, the hospital will take care of them. I do believe there are rules for humanitarian treatment, aren't there?

The men need someone who can advocate for them on a higher level than me. I can report what I see and hear and make IOM mad that they have to deal with this, but I don't  have the legal connections to do anything more substantial. I did bring them food today - fresh local vegetables. I am going to try to contact the AP. Maybe someone will be interested.

And I met the commanding officer of the US Navy Seabees in the grocery store and simply told them the men have no food. I worked with the last medic and and they took supplies. This is a new team. The commander said he contacted Guam and are awaiting a decision. HOW HARD IS TO BUY SOME FOOD AND DROP OFF AT THE DOCK?  Really.  Some locals have donated food, including a nurse from Public Health, but others are largely indifferent to their plight.

07.26.15 Update on Green Boat Men

They now have food for one week. IOM has exceeded its budget (by third hand report) and now the Migration Office is feeding the men, in addition to private donations. Their spirits are much better today than they were last week. Samuel sang songs for us today - he has an excellent voice and we all said a prayer. At  Mass yesterday evening Fathre John spoke of the men and being hungry so I hope that the local people also contribute. It is a difficult situation all around. The National government is responsible for calling the shots on this and many of us have the impression that they are far removed from the day to day activities here. Regardless of our faith or beliefs, let us all say a prayer that the outcome for the men with be one of safety and security. And that it will be soon.
We still need some action from some Human Rights organizations here. We cannot keep men on the island and not have food or health care provided to them. Was told this morning that a man cannot be taken to the outpatient department because IOM has not payed the bill. While I personally do believe the part about the bild not being pais, I do not believe that the hospital would refuse care. So I will discuss this with the Director tomorrow. She is a kind and generous woman and I don't believe she would refuse care to anyone. So we need to be patient while I check on that one tomorrow morning.
We also  have had no word from the UN HRC - refugee agency.
There must be someone out there in the human rights field that can help the men. Father John has called the US Embassy - this is out of their jurisdiction. But we need someone with some clout who can help make a difference on the bigger picture. My friends and I will continue to do what we can on the local level. Doctors without Borders help refugees, maybe they can help here? Can ask. Worse outcome is that they tell me no.

07.21.15 Update green boat men

Very little to report. IOM did deliver some food. (Operative word on "some".) More food delivered by a couple of good Samaritans. Also dropped off some food today, too.  Was told third hand that IOM "Overspent" their budget, hence the food shortage. This situation is not improving as it should.
No word from UNHRC.
Nothing else to add except the men are OK. Don't really like how this is all handled. Public needs to be more vocal. One woman with a social conscience has, after all of this time, finally become engaged and contacted the Lt. Governor. The local population needs to become more involved but many are afraid if the men are heped more refugees will come to Yap. Am not convinced that is a realistic argument not to help these men. On the other hand, the outer islands are sparsely populated.

07.18.15 Back to square one? Green boat men

Went to visit them today. No word from UNHRC. No visit from IOM as promised for Friday and they are down to some rice and a little flour.
Have contacted a representative from IOM to get them food and delivered a box of food to them today.
If you can send books for them as requested last week.
 

07.17.15 A good week

We have had a good week. Made another visit to the Green Boat Men. Every one doing well. We are still awaiting a decision by the UNHRC if they will give the men refugee status.

It has been a very busy week and I am feeling the pinch of having to wrap up projects. Have about 500 more charts to review before I leave. And I am seriously considering bringing back Shorty. Ever since he was chased by the man with the knife, I really don't want to leave him alone. So I ordered a kennel and brush him every night so he gets used to grooming. He is petrified of the brush, so this is a process. I tried a few months ago and he was so frightened of the brush (and broom and shower) that I let it go. He is getting a little better with the brush but it looks as if it will take a lot  of time. And he does not leash walk. A challenge I know. I am going to use a harness for him I think so at least I won't strangle him while he in training.

After work on Friday we all (Shorty, Buddy, and me. Scarback was with us until Buddy chased him away.) went to the park for a run.We were joined by White and Black. Late afternoon light, a nice breeze from the ocean and all is well with the world.

The walk home was typical. Shorty and I were joined by Buddy and Blondie and one of her grown up pups. Chocolate was not here this afternoon. Someone stopped me to ask if they all were my dogs. No, I said, they all think they are my dogs.

For dinner we had our usual Friday barbeque. There is a new place in town run by two really nice women that has a grill open on Friday afternoons, so we stop there and pick something up. Then after dinner a nice walk along the lagoon, met with friends Marie and Glenn, couldn't find Sheryl, then we went to  O'Keefe's on the waterfront for a late snack (I brought crackers) and beverage and watch the waves and stars. Later other friends Tiffany and Darrell joined us. Tiffany is the volunteer Assistant Attorney General, Darrell is a school teacher. Both are former Peace Corps volunteers who met then married. Nice story. They are going back to DC very soon. It was a very nice evening.

 This is a lovely Inn and I enjoy sitting in the waterside "garden" at night listening to the ocean. It is just five minutes from my  apartment, so a very safe walk. And they let Shorty join me, so he just curls up under my chair, or pokes his nose through the railing to watch the water, and then sleeps. He also  gets ie cubes and a treat. It is playing lovely classical music.

Here is the gramophone in O'Keefe's. Reminds me of a scene from Out of Africa - sadly without the handsome Robert Redford or Denis Finch.

 

06/07/15 Visit to asylum seekers

Shorty and I went to visit the men and Hope. They are doing well and still hopeful that a resolution is near. Phillip from IOM told them that the lady from the UN refugee organization will be here again this week. Let's hope something good comes from these efforts.
To Amit - please provide some documentation that you are indeed Naveen's brother. The men are not able to call anywhere.

They look healthy,  have planted a vegetable garden of pumpkins - you can eat the tips as a vegetable as well as the pumpkin when they ripen. They have set up two cooking stalls for roti and rice and vegetables. They do laundry, play chess, read books and play cards. It is a ery clean environment and as long as there are no more leaks when it rains they are quite secure. They feel that much has improved with IOM helping on a regular basis.

Here are a few pictures, taken with permission:

This is a police officer who has always been helpful.

Hope is getting big! And he gets very excitedwhen Shorty is there.

Nepalese cooking station. They made me roti today.

Playing chess.

Pumpkin garden.

 

Two is fun.

Three even better!

Making vegetables for the roti.

Indian roti station.

Shorty and Hope trying to help.

Hope and Shorty playing. Hope does chase after Shorty .

 

05.31.15 Update on asylum seekers

Went by this morning to see the men from the green boat. They all look well. There was a representative from the UN refugee agency in Australia who interviewed them separately and as a group. She asked them why they left their own countries. At the end of the meeting, she said she could not promise thm refugee status (this is all second and third hand reporting  now), was not certain that they would qualify for refugee status, and that it could take four to five years for them to be relocated. On the one hand it is good that the UNHRC made contact, on the other hand it is extremely discouraging that the process - if they were confirmed to be refugees - could take so many years. These are youbng vibrant men who could lead productive lives if given the chance. They need that chance. They do not feel that they could go back home. It was suggested that they move fromt eh village to a city to avoid any reprisals, but that is truly wishful thinking. I do not believe that that is a workable option for them. And neither do they.

On a nice note, they are making roti and Indian/Nepalese types of food. I saw them with fresh vegetables too. They should be allowed to open a restaurant here - the ex-Pats in particular would love a good curry. And their little Hope  is not so little any more. He is growing up to be quite the active puppy. He can out wrestle Shorty! Wish I  had the camera but this was an impromptu visit. I'll take a few photos of them cooking next weekend.

05.08.15 A very special thank you.........................

......................... to a very special person. Thank you Mrs. Paula G for the most generous supplies for the asylum seekers. Heidi and I and the four kids took them to the men on Thursday and needless to say, they were thrilled. Heidi has a truck, which comes in handy for delivering boxes and boxes of supplies. She also had boxes herself, so between the two of us, we are keeping an eye out for them.

The men love seeing the kids. One carried baby Theo all around while Heidi spoke in the Indonesian language to a couple of men there and Tommy, Reina and Honora played with and chased Hope, their puppy and the men. I did an inspection of the typhoon damage and the food situation. Things are improving with IOM on board. Still - we must continue to work to ensure that they are treated with respect and fairness and hope that they will be settled somewhere with the opportunity for a better life. That is, afterall, how they ended up here, they want a better life for themselves and their family. No different than the rest of us.

05.04.15 green boat men asylum seekers

Had the opportunity to visit with the men twice this week (Sunday and Monday Yap time). Since I have been in touch with a situation report to the new hospital director, things have improved a bit. IOM is back at the table and has supplied them with some needs, although it seems not enough food. Medicines for the skin lesions remains lacking. A conversation was suggestive that IOM will replace medications used - which was the previous agreement. There is still a  need for them  to receive mosquito coils and repellant. A tarp was placed over the roof. However, another tropical storm is here with threats of heavy rain. Neither the men not  the police were aware of where they would stay during the storm. Have not heard from any human rights lawyers but am hoping someone is involved. On the last check, the UN refugee website still has not  listed them.
Three men asked for contact to be made with family in Nepal. They are aware of the earthquake and are worried about family. I sent email messages to those with addresses. I can also relay any messages posted here in the comment section to any of the men. People must know they are not forgotten.
BTW - the men are taking excellent care of their dog Hope. I do think he brings some of them some joy. He is a cute dog and will post another picture soon.

04.28.15 Working day

This week has started off being very busy. Am working on the school health data set, so lots of numbers to crunch. A urology team was supposed to arrive but missed the flight to Yap due to delayed arrivals. And today I was asked to go to the airport to examine a shipment of medications from MAP International, a great organization. They shipped 7 boxes of much needed medicines and all can be used. So a very special thank you to MAP International. BTW, this organization helped sponsor my very first trip as a medical volunteer. I went to Bangladesh as a medical student, so I am very fond of them. PMA has been very busy flying people and supplies back and forth.

Was then asked to attend the Emergency Operation Center meeting, where I presented our health assessments and plan for continued surveillance. This meeting took about three hours. There are concerns that an assessment report has not been sent to the Governor - and that translates into money.
My reports have been done. So there is a task force created to get the rest of the assessments into one report. I was able to state not only what we found, but what we need to prevent diseases so the chair was taking notes and I gave him my folder with the reports and list of needs. I really enjoy doing disaster relief work.

The rest of the day was spent chatting with two nurses who have a wealth of  information. That was fun as we are usually busy withour own projects.

Shorty, Blondie, Buddy, and Scarback are doing well. I am trying to get Scarback adopted - today he let me rub his tummy and rub his paws - a major feat for a dog who has been terrorized by people.

No more news on the men from the green boat. I did stir the pot and IOM was supposed to be asked to return to the table and help take care of them. Too much politics - all I know is that they need help and attention. Who said - "I'll be back"? which is how I feel about monitoring the situation. I'll be back to see how things are and keep bringing it up at meetings. Now that there was a devastating earthquake in Nepal, there could be no plans to return anyone there.

Today was Cute Baby Tuesday. Here is Roxy with a little one here for the immunizations.

 

04.22.15 Asylum seeker update

The immunization team went to see the men today. We immunized all 34 against the flu and tetanus and pertussis (Tdap).The skin lesions STILL have not  been adequately treated and they are still living under a leaky roof. I bought them some mosquito coils and the insects are becoming annoying to everyone and they have no protection. In addition, we have some rather terrible mosquito borne outbreaks here, so protection against bites is needed. Yap Catholic teachers Kate and Lupo donated some clothes - that will help so they can wash and wear and maybe use the big shirts as a sort of shade from the sun.
And little Hope was running around, he follows the men, tugged at my pants and slept on my shoes as I worked. I put a cute collar on him and gave him some dog food. He looks better today than he did on Sunday. Father John is also going to visit them tomorrow.
So far, no human rights activists have responded, but IOM  is being contacted again tomorrow. In my opinion, they are a very good organization, but must work with governments, they cannot act alone. And I know this is a delicate situation, but that does not mean it can go on indefinitely. Something really needs to be done before we have a major health outbreak.
The boat was pulled out of the water yesterday and I do hope that it is not the intention  that they sleep in that dilapidated ship.


Introducing Hope to our blog.  He's a cute puppy and the men like him. He looks good with the collar, too!

He is another powerful tail wagger like Bandit and Shorty.

Salvaged "green boat". The crane that lifted it out is  included. See the ladder along the port side?

Looks idyllic, right? Palm treess, thatched roof on the house, next to the sea. But it is hot as the dickens on the dock and the roof leaks. And the shelter is a men's house - without walls.

Martina and Carlos immunizing the men. Daniel and Melissa also helped.

Nice mosquito breeding grounds. Still water is the ideal place for breeding.

 

04.19.15 Asylum seekers

Yesterday I went to visit the men from the green boat. They are still doing well. I took Shorty to visit as dogs do have a positive effect on many people. It did work. And they showed me their own puppy - a starving stray dog about two pounds soaking wet. They are doctoring him with rice and baths! They did not name him yet, so I suggested "Hope". Now I know that is a girls name, but I  think hope is all we have to offer them. They jumped on the name and started calling him Hope as I  was leaving. I did not have the camera but will go back with some food and take a picture of this little puppy. They made a makeshift collar for him and a leash. I will bring htem a puppy collar soon.

But we cannot minimize or ignore this serious issue. As I saw the much needed aid being delivered to those affected by Typhoon Maysak, I could not help but think about the dire straits of these young men who paid $7500 for a better life. This  money probably amounted to all they and their families had worked hard to save. They are safe, fed and have bathroom facilities and clean water, but this situation is far from ideal. And they have been here since November 2014. Does it really take this long to find them a place to live?

Several of us are deeply affected by the lack of evident progress. We hear comments like "they are spoiled" - really eating rice and salt is being spoiled? They had yet another outbreak of scabies and I am mocked everytime I ask for hygiene items like soap, shampoo and toothpaste. Comments are made that they should just jump into the sea if they want a bath - but some of these men do not swim. And I doubt anyone would be happy living as they do - their boat was sunk from lack of fuel to keep the pump running and that is where some slept, they now live under a tarp or under an roofed but open men's house.

If any of you who read this blog have any connections to human rights lawyers or any one else that may help, please ask them to get involved. Thank you.