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Photo Story by Benjamin Roberts

"Banking on Risk"

A small portion of Roatan residents spend their lives picking through our garbage. But do they know the dangers?

Truly these citizens know little about the health impacts amassed when working in such an environment. And although the majority of those residents the BIV has spoken with deny any issues with their overall well-being as a direct impact from spending their days here, many are not able to recognize such risks in general. Especially for those who live a stone's throw away from the materials we choose to throw away. These risks are numerous and may be further exasperated due to the lack of health care options in Roatan, as well as limited access to them. One serious risk for those working in close quarters of waste refuse is the presence of disease carrying insects and vermin. Mosquitos and flies coat this area and with the ever-present threat of malaria (the world's 4th highest cause of death according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control 2005 World Health Report) the danger is real. A young girl living in close proximity to the Roatan dump reported to the BIV that she recently contracted the illness, but she denied any association with her living environment. While adults say they try to prevent those under 18 years of age from working in the dump, this cannot always be achieved. Many dumps or landfills in more developed regions bury and enclose refuse to isolate such seepage because another substantial threat to those working and living amongst the island's waste is the contamination of water and the respective runoff into crops and fields, possibly affecting entire communities. Another concern is the constant exposure to inhaling the delicate yet constantly fuming methane gas which radiates from the decomposing garbage. And although little has been concluded about persistent exposure to this highly flammable gas, most officials concur that it is inherently unhealthy.
For now little can be done or said about these residents' occupational decisions, and while many consider the work undignified, the truth is the work they fulfill makes up for much of our wasteful and irresponsible lifestyles. An unfortunate paradox at best.

Children, many of them very young, live amongst the trash and vermin associated with refuse and garbage.

Hundreds if not thousands of bottles and other materials are scourged every single day.

The Roatan Municipal Dump has served the island's citizens for some time now as a place where the island's citizens can dispose of their waste with virtually no questions asked, and little, if any, restrictions. This place seems to take on a life all its own and the never-ending loads resemble the green mountainous area that surrounds it. The constantly bulging piles of trash seem to grow more and more each day, breathing in and out as the sun sets down. They wait patiently, as the caravan of garbage trucks comes rushing down the uneven dirt road till a necessary but seemingly random destination is reached. The anticipation rises, wondering what treasure could possibly be hidden amongst the piles and piles of waste. Glass, plastic, metal, even electrical wiring is amongst the material sought after. This is nothing new. A handful of Roatan citizen's toil day in and day out picking through our garbage. And with some effort and know-how the profits can be substantial, some reporting profits of around Lps. 8,000. However after hauling nearly six thousand pounds of plastic to San Pedro Sula many would ask if it is worth the effort. Especially with the potential health hazards associated from working in such a caustic environment.

Down Along the Valley

A Community Awaits.

Roatan provides higher wages, which attracts many immigrants from all areas throughout Honduras. Although minimum wages are indeed higher, around Lps. 7,000 per month in comparison to Lps. 5,500 on the mainland, the costs of living are substantially higher as well, thus the wage disparity. Many island immigrants do not take this into account. The case of Los Fuertes is a prime example. Many people came from the mainland because of a high demand for manual labor during Roatan's labor boom. When this period of rapid growth subsequently ended, the surplus of workers remained with nowhere to go. When it was time for the laborers to leave, shanty towns were set up. Government and various churches were forced to get involved and began to take the area by force in favor of the squatters. Hence the name: Los Fuertes.
Times have changed. Not so many are as eager to help, nor support those once thought less fortunate. Virtually all of Roatan is now privately owned and closely watched. On October 15 the residents of a small area in Oak Ridge were kicked out of their homes, their time was up. "Oak Ridge was a disaster," remarks a local Roatan attorney who has since moved out of realty litigation. "A disaster created mainly by the Municipal. They were more interested in receiving funds than keeping records." Although the residents were indeed paying taxes on their homes, the all important issue of "when" and "where" was never documented. The land owner nowhere to be found, the process went unchecked until the property was handed ultimately down, and the dispute came to light. The litigation process began, the property owner won, staking claim to his new inheritance, leaving dozens homeless and angered.
As for the family along the path, like so many other families along so many other ambiguous trails, snaking through the jungle, the end of their story here on Roatan Island remains open-ended. Will it be one of dispute or resolve? Perhaps both may emerge like so many other shacks and sheds one can find along the way down in the valley.

With no electricity, the sun seems to set more rapidly than usual

Many of these structures are compiled of mud, stone, and sticks. Whatever nature is able to provide, and traditionally known as "Bahreques."

Walking along what seemed to be a once beautifully ornamented drive, the weeds and grass have now taken over the carefully placed stones. The path curves around and ascends; it looks as though there should be nothing here, yet there is another piece of random and poorly planned construction, failing to proceed years ago. It is so common here in Roatan. This specific place doesn't even give the impression that it should exist at all. You reach the top, to the left is a large resort overlooking Caribbean and the other side, a shell of a building. Not so much resembling a skeleton nor solid structure, as the concrete walls surely someone's dream home way back when, such as the decrepit cobblestone drive would indicate. There is a path there, to the right, cutting just past the structure and moving down and through the tall grass and forest. You reach an opening just before you descend into yet another ambiguous valley yet another structure appears. This one is not made of steel or concrete, but wood and flat metal. Dogs, almost a dozen of them in all sizes, colors, and demeanor, show their teeth but only at first instance.
There are people here too, mostly children and young adults. The parents and patriarchs arrive after dark when they are done with work. Around 15 persons in total, ages ranging from 2 to 49 years, occupying four living-quarters attached at the seams, create what appears like an exterior dormitory. The small complex of enclosed rooms, clothes wires with garments strewn about, and a chicken leave much to be desired. Three of the four families are here with permission of the owner, a man named Marco. However friends in need are beginning to move in as well and most likely don't have his consent. They are all from the mainland and all have traveled here for a better life.

Roatan's Paradise Within

Carambola Gardens Faces Paradox

Even then, Bill Brady states one could witness the impact human progress was making upon the natural environment here. "At that time you could really see what development was doing to the island." Fearing the outspread of further commercial, industrial, and agricultural expansion, Brady's goal was to create a sanctuary for wildlife where Mother Nature could develop and sustain itself with little or no intervention. "We basically just overplanted and let nature do the rest." A visit to the Carambola reaffirms this testimony; a gardener of any type is rarely seen.
However times have changed for Brady and his tropical gardens. Roatan's second cruise ship dock at Mahogany Bay promises to dramatically increase the number of visitors to Carambola and with it, threatens the pristine environmental sanctuary that is its Gardens. As common sense would infer, the more people any natural environment sustains, the further its degradation. Yet, Brady remains unfazed. Trusting the consciousness of his guests as people who love nature, Brady speaks with confidence in regards to progress. "We have room to grow." Brady said. Explaining that his gardens have seen upward of 350 guests in a day and room for more, Carambola's secondary trails remain practically unexplored by the majority of visitors. When asked how many more guests Carambola could sustain Brady is certain with one point. "We will never expand our way out of what we made (the gardens) for."

Visitors trek along Carambola Mountain for an unfortgettable view atop its summit overlooking Anthony's Key.

Bill Brady dissects a thunbergia flower along the main trail.

When Bill Brady first began the Carambola Gardens in Sandy Bay, the idea was clear: Make an environmental sanctuary to teach and educate Roatan's residents and youths about the wonders of the Caribbean wildlife that make up the Bay Islands. However with the influx of tourism during the last two decades here on Roatan, the motive has shifted from merely the island's residents to citizens of all nations. "Nature is the star here," remarks Brady, who is constantly seeking a balance between sustainable environmental education and business promotion. "We could all use a little extra dime."
Brady found his way to Roatan while serving the U.S. Peace Corps in 1971, acting as an architect and engineer here on the Bay Islands capital. "Many of the buildings I designed are still standing here." After three years working on Roatan, volunteering for a an extra year after the initial two-year stint was up, Brady briefly revisited his home of North Carolina before returning to the island. A decade later, with money saved from his architecture firm, the Carambola Gardens were sectioned and planted years before cruise ships and the respective influx of tourists began adorning the docks of Roatan.

Saved by Grace

One Nurse's Contribution to the Island's Poor

Dawning a wooden Crucifix around her neck at all times, Stranges faith can be seen not only through her personal attire, but throughout her home and work. Peggy takes this one step farther, calling on herself to act in a manner of Christian ideals always. "If you have to ask if I'm a Christian I'm not doing a very good job."
Originally deemed as Project H.O.P.E (Healthy Opportunities Promoting Education), Clinica Esperanza quickly morphed from a small kitchen table in Peggy's home into a two-story facility that includes a triage center, pharmacy, dental lab, pediatrics office, obstetrics unit, and a general medicine wing. And that's just the first floor. Stranges plans to add a birthing and surgical center upstairs. "It's only going to cost about $1 million," Peggy says with a look of quiet confidence. Ever since Peggy started Esperanza she has relied on the help of others. Whether it be the land which her Clinic is built upon, the unsolicited help of experienced physicians, or simple money donations by friends and strangers, it seems that everyone wants to pitch-in. However Clinica Esperanza has been seriously impacted by the economic downturn and donations to the organization have been cut by more than half
When asked why Stranges had decided to drastically change her life from a RN and dental physician in the United States to now bearing the burden of the Bay Islands largest non-governmental clinic they answer is short and sweet, yet theologically complex. "I don't do what I do to get a higher place in heaven," states Stranges. "I'm a sinner saved by Grace."

Peggy sits and chats with a friend and Roatan teacher at her home only moments away from work which she visited several times during the day, a Sunday.

Ms. Peggy smiles while discussing plans for her surgical and birthing unit on the upper level of Clinica Esperanza.

Sitting in her living room nursing a tall cup of black coffee, Peggy Stranges sorts through files after committing herself to another day of countless favors and acts of sacrifice. Today is Sunday, and while most Roatan residents have spent the weekend relaxing after a long work week, Stranges' job is never, ever finished. Offering numerous trips to the airport for volunteers, attending a baseball game to support a neighbor, running back and forth to her work to wrap-up loose ends, and now babysitting responsibilities on Saturday and Sundays, the only payment considered is a couple ears of corn for lunch or maybe a few bananas to serve her guests in the morning.
Known affectionately on the island as Ms. Peggy, Stranges' never intended on offering health care at all. While visiting San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba on a mission trip in 2001, the Ohio native was asked to view Roatan by a friend and colleague. After chatting with a local pastor for a few hours, Stranges decided that she belonged here. In June of 2001 Stranges was visted by her daighter Lori he began "passing out bandaids" to those in need during her two-week stay with Stranges. While seeing-off her daughter and grandson, Nathan, in San Pedro Sula "The one thing that stood out was the great need for health care. What he was saying and what I had been feeling matched perfectly" The transition took six months from living in the United States, packing her things at home and moving to the largest island off the Honduran coast. "I had four vacations a year and drove a Mercedes at home, I was very content" Stranges commented. "But I am totally at peace with what I am doing."