Happy January GOEX Family!  It’s been awhile since we sent out a Haiti update but today we want to celebrate with you because the team is back at work!

 At the end of each year we close the factory for about three weeks as required by Haiti law.  Employees are paid for vacation time and we send them off with a holiday gift bag of special food items to celebrate the season with their families.

 This year that time off has been extended because we were not able to move a container of fabric from port due to security concerns.  However, we are excited to share with you that this past Saturday morning the container was delivered safely to the factory!  After customs inspection employees unloaded it yesterday and today we had navy triblend on the cutting table!

 To most apparel companies, this isn’t a big deal – fabric and garments come and go almost every day.  But as security in Haiti has eroded over the past months, it’s become increasingly difficult and risky to move containers back and forth between the factory and the port.  It’s also difficult to get messengers to move paperwork around Port au Prince as needed for clearance.  Logistics isn’t generally the most fun part of doing business but it’s extremely difficult for those of us who work in Haiti.  Nevertheless, because of our love for and dedication to, the amazing men and women who sew your garments, we keep at it!  We have shipped garments and fabric via smaller air shipments for several months but that was not a sustainable, cost-effective solution.  That makes us even more grateful that we were able to move the fabric and get the team back to work.

 All of this was happening while I was in Atlanta at a trade show with the Haiti Artisan Collective  The support from this amazing group of brands is sweet and life-giving.  I am so thankful for all of the men and women giving of their time and talents to bring Haitian-made products to market.  And I am equally thankful for the amazing and generous customers who support us.

 Cheers to 2024 and to creating and sustaining even more jobs in Haiti!

With love and gratitude,
Jessica