A tour company in Prince Edward Island is offering Canadians an opportunity this spring to learn more about the religious culture of Haiti, while providing assistance with the country’s economic development.
Sagrado Tours has partnered with people in Haiti to produce the sacred Vodou Tour.
But so far few people have shown an interest in learning about vodou, said David MacKay of Sagrado Tours.
” There is a negative attitude towards sacred voodou and other African religions. Through its films, Hollywood has helped to create this negativity. Religious fundamentalists have also displayed a negative view about vodou,” he told the Caribbean Camera
“But I’ve found it, through my study and my experience, a very healing religion, a very positive religion.”
MacKay said he would like people who are interested in religion ” to know the truth about sacred vodou which is an important part of the culture of Haiti.”
Part of the tour will include a visit to a vodou ceremony at a temple and to the ” sacred waterfall in Saut d’ Eau.”
Some of the proceeds from the seven-day tour will go toward development in Léogâne, south of Port au Prince, where MacKay, an agro-business consultant, has been working on several projects.
“We focus on sustainable development,” said MacKay.
“Our research showed that the market for chickens is very good in the Caribbean and we started with a backyard poultry enterprise,” he said.
” So far, almost 30 families are engaged in the project.”
“We also have an egg laying barn with over 100 chickens,” he said.
“So we are working to provide jobs as well as food.”
Guyere Theodore of Léogâne, will act as cultural interpreter on the tour which is scheduled for
March 28 to April 4.