Cadette is an area connected to Cazale but a bit further behind the village on the way up the mountain. Those in the area are proud to describe their village as a group of people that help each other as they can. The two main ways people make a living are gardens and commerce (buying and selling). There are a few strong personalities and elderly men who stand out among leaders, but they are not elected or voted. Locals believe in them as leaders due to their advanced education and their experience with them in representing the area. There are no government officials in the area, nor do they visit.
The inhabitants mostly tell the story of the hurricanes in 2008. Before the flooding that came with these hurricanes, they had a large, flat, open area used for an market. Many people made their living from buying and selling here. The raging waters coming off the mountains and flowing to the river washed all this ground away to the ocean. There were many people who lost their homes and all they had. It was a big disaster. This story has importance for them because it changed the lives of so many people. They are reminded people can take a lifetime building something and in only one day they can lose it all.
Many of those who fall ill go to the hospital or clinic. Most of them come to the RHFH clinic for help. There is not a clinic in their area. Most women deliver in their homes with the help of a traditional birth attendant or midwife. They are happy and count it a blessing to be in good health.
Some people who die are buried the same day or the next day. Others go to a morgue about 45 minutes away and are buried later when the family is ready. Most people have a wake the day night before the funeral.
There are all types of construction of houses and building. These include sticks/mud, sticks/clay, rocks/clay, rocks/cement, block/cement. Roofs are made of tin or cement.
Most children go to school. There are several schools in Cazale, but Cadette only has one school and it goes to 7th grade. Kids play games like hide & seek, jacks (with rocks), and jump rope. Another activity people do for fun is go to the waterfall to go swimming and have a picnic. These things are relaxing and bring joy.
There are two churches and on vodou temple.
There is a youth group who help initiate development projects in the area. They usually get everyone involved when their is work to be done and they all work together. The two biggest needs are a good road and electricity. A bridge to cross over the river would be helpful as well.
They grow beans, corn, millet, roots, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables and fruits. Most people’s favorite food is rice. It used to be grown in the area a couple generations ago, but has been replaced with imported white rice.
Locals enjoy the area because they feel at peace. Even if there are protests and insecurity, the village is tucked away in the mountains and protected from these issues. Even if the country had problems, they can stay in the area and live.
