Read Paul Biddle's Fifth Instalment from Haiti

The art of blogging, apart from being somewhat cathartic, helps makes the team here in Haiti feel part of the wider world.

Since the last blog much has happened.. Alex went to the Dominican Republic on leave. He came back to regale us with tales of interesting rest stops and motorcycle taxi rides. He has fallen in love with the island and we will, I am sure, be hard pressed to get him to leave when we finish. Following the Icelandic ash cloud, Bill got stuck in various countries as did Damien.

We welcomed Cherry and Imogen, the project review team who were looking at how our projects have progressed! René our Haitian translator has also been working tirelessly in the background. He is one of the nicest and most competent people I have ever met, a true gentleman.

We are still working with our Canadian and UN colleagues. Our work with the Haitian authorities is continuing with workshops on security, contingency planning and change management. We are working hard to promote the need for international minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners,

The building work is moving on apace with difficulties over door design and fitting now resolved. Whilst I was away,  the team tested the doors in situ to sign them off as secure.  This involved the team using iron bars to try to test the cells. It must have been a sight!

The construction side of the two projects has provided employment for over 70 unemployed Haitian workers and the impact on the local community has been significant.

On Monday we have more workshops, site visits and meetings. Our work here is only achievable through the strength and expertise of the team. We bear both our successes and challenges together.

Paul