Committee for the Advancement of Gressier - Haiti
"Gateway to a Better Future"
Gressier’s Profile Gressier is a small town with a population of about 25,000. It is located approximately 12.5miles (20 km) west of Port-au-Prince, the Capital of Haïti. With a total land area of 41.11 square miles (102.69 sq.km), it is bordered on the north by the Gulf of La Gonâve. On the east, Gressier is bordered by the town of Carrefour, on the south by the Momance River, and on the west by the town of Leôgane. It has three main rural sections: Morne à Bateau, Morne à Chandelle, and Petit Boucan.
Despite its proximity to the sea, Gressier does not have a humid tropical climate. The average temperature in Gressier for three fourths of the year is about 86° F (30° C). The temperature drops between December and January to 81° F (27° C). As with most of the Haïtian countryside, Gressier is also mountainous. About three fifths of the total land area is above 656 ft (200 m) in elevation. The soil, is for the most part, siliceous and porous limestone.
The peasants often use these resources as building materials for their houses. Three fifths of the land is arid and the remaining two fifths is very fertile due to the many springs, streams, and rivers. Those water resources help to support the market economy of Gressier that is largely based on agriculture. The following produces represent the predominant foodstuffs of the region and Haiti: corn (maize), rice, manioc, yam, coffee, sugarcane and millet. For this reason, Gressier could easily be the garret of Port-au-Prince if its land was properly cultivated.
To strengthen its economy, Gressier can to do several things. First, Gressier could begin the fight against erosion by planting more trees and building irrigation canals. A sound environment can lead to more fertile land, which may be used for agriculture. Secondly, an increase in tourism may also strengthen Gressier's economy. This increase in tourism could be achieved by attracting people to its magnificent beaches and its beautiful landscape. Our job as CAGH is to play a large role in helping to ensure the prosperity of Gressier.