Belle-Anse

Belle-Anse Bèlans
Municipality
Country	Haiti
Department	Sud-Est
Arrondissement	Belle-Anse
Elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (7 August 2003)
• Total	51,707

Belle-Anse (Creole: Bèlans) is a municipality in the Belle-Anse Arrondissement, in the Sud-Est Department of Haiti. It has 51,707 inhabitants.

References

The previous name was Saltrou, a name that is still commonly used by some old timers. It is located at the bottom of several hills that surround on three sides. A condition that often creates flash flood during the hurricane and the rainy seasons. The name was changed during the 60's through the efforts of a well-know Deputy (Congressman) named Hugo Paul. He died in office during the presidency of Dr. Francois Duvalier. The inspiration came to Mr. Paul when coming down the hill of Tapion. (Mr. Paul was a graduate of "l'Universite de la Sorbonne". Though many claim that Belle-Anse is a new town, this is far from the truth. There is one house that goes back to colonial time, if not destroyed by hurricanes or the recent earthquake of January 2010.

Economy of Belle-Anse:

Though Belle-Anse is one the poorest cities of Haiti, many people survive by fishing. It is a fishing town that sell fish to other nearby towns and Port-au-Prince. During the 60's and 70, there was a group of middlemen who did very well by buying coffee from the local peasants and selling it to exporters in Jacmel and Port-au-Prince.

Health Care:

There is not a hospital in Belle-Anse. People rely on the St. Michel Hospital in Jacmel for acute medical care. A clinic in Belle-Anse provides basic medical care. It is only staffed by only one nurse most of the time. In some rare circumstances, it is the local Hougan who provides medical care by using his knowledge of natural medicine.