April 24, 2008 (Our First Day)

We were hosted by Paul "Loulou" Chery, the general secretary of the CTH.  We visited the main building of the CTH, INAFOS (the National Institute for Social Training) where they used to train members in foreign languages (Spanish, English and French) as well as cadres that would go to the countryside to help organize for the union.  The union has been suffering a low period over the last 5-6 years and the builiding has fallen into disrepair due to a lack of resources.  They are in need of $25-30,000 for renovations and also need a steady income of $4-5,000 a month for operational costs.  For the moment some of the space is being rented to other organizaions who need limited space.