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.
 

08.15.15 A sincere Thank you to Public Health Staff

Once again, we are told that the green boat men are without food. This time they have no rice either. Ivan, our coordinator for the TB/Hansen Disease program started a collection drive "A Penny for the refugees". He collected $51.00. That is a lot of pennies! My hat's off to him taking the initiative. Naty, one of the nurses on the health task force is also taking the initiative to get the chiefs involved again. One of our former PH staff is a chief, and she is going to invite him to meet with us to think of a few options that are permissible by law. There are a lot of good ideas, we need to have a few local people, like Ivan, Naty and others, to move this along for the men. It is not good to have so many young and able men just sitting and waiting for something to happen.

The food will last them a few meals. I bought a lot of local vegetables and a treat of coffee and tea. But 34 people is a lot to feed.

On Sunday I will get them food from the Seabees. Every little bit helps. Here is hoping the Chiefs have been updated on the situation soon. I was told that it is their culture to help those washed upon their shores. In the past, prior to good navigation or perhaps as a result of the weather, canoes washed up on different shores by luck or accident. It is customary to help them. These men "washed up" here by accident or luck and we are hoping the chiefs extend them the courtesy of this local custom.

BTW, they loved the pasta and are reading the books. And you all would be surprised and how their English is improving.

 

08.08.15 Smiles all around and Green Boat Men Fund

The food and books were delivered and the men were delighted. They will have a feast tonight. They invited us to join them.

One of the things I am trying to do is make this more sustainable. So we changed RocketHub funding site to be named "Green Boat Men Fund" and can use any money donated to buy food and essential items. Donations are made by credit card or PayPal. If you have access to the internet, you can access the fund and PayPal is a secure way to make a donation.

We have new Peace Corps Response Volunteers and I introduced two of them to the men, so there will be a nice baton pass to look after them. And Father John will be here, so we have continuity and some form of oversight.

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.

 

 

 

 

08.03.15 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.

07.21.15 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.
 

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.

04.17.15 health surveillance and recovery efforts: Mogmog, Fedrai (Ulithi atoll)

Mogmog is a very traditional island and Yapese men are required to wear a thu and women are required to wear a lavalava. Both genders are topless. With the destruction of the homes and pubic buildings, the ban on clothes has been lifted and both men and women are wearing shirts and hats for protection from the sun. In addition, the men now have nice heavy clothes to protect their hands from injury.
This was a good visit for us - they have a doctor here - Dr. Arthur, who is a very kind and helpful person. It was a pleasure to meet him.

Fedrai permits any type of clothes, women are very likely to wear a lavalava with a shirt, the men have mixed attire. Fedrai has no health assistant and the people depend on Dr. Arthur (Mogmog) or Mark (Falalop) for help with their medical needs. Dr. Arthur asked me to check on some, so I did.

Here are a few pictures from Mogmog:

The man on the left is Will, a Peace Corps volunteer teaching on Fais. He is helping with off loading the ship of supplies. Notice men with hats, shirts, gloves and one with a bandage on his ankle.

A Micronesian living in Hawaii who came home to help with the relief effort. He forgot his shirt and is really sunburned front and back. A very nice man whom I enjoyed a brief conversation. He used up all ofhis vacation time to help as well as all sick leave.

Hats and gloves and shirts are very helpful.

Melissa and Carlos setting up the tetanus shot dispensary. Yes, on the beach, under a coconut tree. In the shade and a breeze.

Love the hat, shades and thu. Modern and traditional.

Her home was destroyed but she still has a big smile.

Unharmed shrine.

Tetanus protection. He just received his injection.

 

 

Sun protection.

Cute little girl.

Couldn't resist looking for the puppies.

Americans are by nature very, very generous. There are donations on every island from Americans. These boxes include hygiene supplies. Wish USAID could provide some supplies to the asylum seekers - the menin the green boat. The best contributions are monetary so the needed supplies canbe purchased and delivered.

Fedrai:

Neighboring island to Fedrai. See the damaged trees. It is uninhabited.

Clarissa, a Peace Corps volunteer. She teaches in Fedrai and will stay there as her home is functional and the school is in session. Exccept, of course, when the ship comes to  shore.

It is not easy in a lavalava.

 Healthy and cute baby.

Men unloading the motor boat from the ship.

She is doing well and has her teddy bear. The children do not appear  tobe traumatized by the typhoon, but we will have to see what happens during the next storm. That  may be more telling. Right now, they are playing and doing normal childhood activities.

Trevor, my little buddy. He is my tour guide and helped dispense candies to the small children. When I gave Dixon (next picture) a task (distributing mosquito repellant) Trevor looked disappointed, so I had  to think fast. He was quite happy  as a tour guide and they both have givenme some very beautiful shells.

Clarissa, one of her students and Dixon, who wants to be a doctor. Hope he studies hards and makes the effort. Not an easy goal coming from the islands, but it is achievable.

Pink shirt and grass skirt, this young girl is hauling some supplies home.

 

 

Albert received his tetanus shot. Love Carlos with his head gear.

 

The Church was mostly undamaged. Roof remains intact.