The worst earthquake in the history of the American continent sought on 12 January Haiti home of some 300,000 people lost their lives, as many were injured. The failure of the telephone network and the congestion of satellite phones in addition to rescue operations difficult. This gap is filled amateur radio, most notably Jean-Robert Gaillard.
The 57-year-old informed not only the outside world about events in and around the capitalPort-au-Prince, but also sent requests from people who wanted to bring the fate of their relatives in the Caribbean state in experience. Moreover, he coordinated assistance and began to build up a ham radio network in southern Haiti, which he continues today.
Because he earned not only the international communications made but stood up well under extreme conditions of humanity, drew the town of Bad Bentheim, Jean-Robert Gaillard yesterday in the German-Dutch Amateur Radio Days (DNAT) with the "Golden Antenna" from .
After a brief word from the chairman, Dr. Volker DNAT Frey praised the deputy mayor of Bad Bentheim, Christel Somberg, the award recipient as a "prime example of an amateur radio operator". Gaillard go in using for his fellow man no effort from the road.
Visibly moved, the winners thanked the debate for the award and described in a moving speech, the events in Haiti on 12 January from his perspective. Silence reigned in the up to the last seat filled St. Catherine Church, as Gaillard told how he went shortly after the quake to the business district of the capital and saw hundreds of corpses. "I heard at 200 dead counting. I can not describe the feeling when one is unable to help, "he said in a trembling voice.
It was followed by further descriptions of the misery, but also the bright spots, which he had experienced during the disaster. Finally, Gaillard stressed the important role of radio amateurs in the relief efforts in Haiti and called for his country not to be forgotten in the face of other disasters:"Haiti still needs help!"
Well done my friend! you deserve that. Hope to see you some time in the near future. All the best from Co. Mayo and all the best from EI7DAR Dundalk Amateur Radio Society.
DE EI1429 Brendan Nutley
