Summary In this conversation, Jeff Frazier shares his personal journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an entrepreneur and technology innovator. He discusses his military service, the impact of self-education, and his transition into the tech industry, particularly in health technology. Frazier emphasizes the importance of understanding Haiti's complex issues and calls for collective action to address its challenges, aiming to engage listeners in meaningful activism. Takeaways ...

www.stimpack.org Summary This conversation delves into the complex history of Haiti, exploring the factors that have contributed to its current state of poverty. Jeff Frazier discusses the historical context of Haiti's struggles, the impact of isolation and crippling debt, the rise and fall of its golden age, and the consequences of dictatorship on investment and economic stability. The conversation culminates in identifying the missing piece necessary for Haiti's prosperity, emphasizing...

www.StimPack.org https://www.instagram.com/stimpack_haiti/ https://www.youtube.com/@stimpack_haiti Summary Season three of the podcast is finally here after a long break. The host expresses gratitude for the patience of the listeners and their eagerness to contribute to making progress in Haiti. The podcast aims to educate and equip listeners to address the issues in Haiti, particularly child exploitation and critical poverty. The host shares stories of abandoned children and the...

Summary In the finale episode of the Stimpak podcast, Mary and Jeff Frazier discuss their homecoming and the emotional experiences they had during that time. They talk about their journey to the airport, the reunion at the car, and their first moments together in America. They share their feelings of excitement, nervousness, and relief. They also discuss the physical changes they both experienced, such as weight loss and the need to adjust to normal eating habits. The couple reflects on the...

Jeff Frazier interviews Austin Holmes, who played a crucial role in negotiating and securing Jeff's release from kidnapping in Haiti. Austin is described as having the skill set and integrity needed for the job. The conversation covers their initial interactions, the challenges they faced, and the negotiations with the kidnappers. They discuss the importance of trust, the difficulties of communication, and the impact of external factors like the Bois-Caïman gang. Austin also praises Mary,...

Summary In this conversation, Mary Frazier joins the podcast to discuss the events leading up to her release from captivity in Haiti. They discuss the challenges of negotiating with the gang, the emotional roller coaster of day 28, and the efforts to secure her release through non-monetary means. They also touch on the involvement of politicians and the media in their efforts. The conversation ends with the discussion of the pivotal moment on day 38 when the gang is willing to negotiate a...

Summary Stephanie Dufort shares her experience of being kidnapped in Haiti and the harrowing moments she went through. She discusses how she was targeted because of the color of her skin and considered a rich person. Stephanie talks about the initial moments of the kidnapping, the fear she felt, and the attempts to escape. She also highlights the emotional toll it took on her and her loved ones. Despite the trauma, Stephanie's faith in God grew stronger, and she gained a deeper...

Summary In this episode, Jeff recounts his experiences on day 29 of captivity. He describes being recaptured after an escape attempt and being placed in a new cell. Jeff reflects on the guards' reactions and the fear they displayed. He then shares the brutal beating he endured, including being hogtied with cords and the intense pain he felt. Jeff also discusses the psychological impact of the beatings and his realization that his timeline for escape had been reset. He concludes by urging...

SummaryDay 28 of the Stimpak podcast continues the story of Jeff Frazier's kidnapping. Negotiations are ongoing, and Chef Rasta is now involved. Jeff's team has an agreement with the kidnappers, but the amount of money is not enough for them. Jeff and Stephanie plan to escape through the window, and they start preparing disguises and bending the bars. The kidnappers are partying and not checking on Jeff and Stephanie, which gives them the opportunity to escape. After successfully escaping...

Big Frazier news, Vigilante justice movements, Chef Jeff is 'fired', Billy is 'hired', Escape plans mature.

Jeff submits, keeping your mind right, escape planning continues.

Daily life in captivity, Introduction to the guards, Gunny agrees to delevery ransom money

Escape concepts. Confusion. Cash.

Miscommunication abounds. Phone call with Mary

Not long after I finish my call and Kervins finishes translating, seven or eight kidnappers storm in the room and tell Stephanie and I to lay face down on two separate mattresses. Bad Cop is there. I don’t quite understand what he wants me to do. I ask him a question. He punches me in the ear. I lay down and put my arms behind my back not knowing what’s going on. Maybe the $100k wasn’t enough.

The downside of that arrogance (amongst many other things) is that I can become a DIY guy when I aught not. It had not even occurred to me on Day 3, that Mary might be putting together a team of highly qualified experts who were preparing to lead my negotiations. Think of all you’d need in order to help me. You’d need to speak Kreyol, be a skilled negotiator, know about this gang and their specific tactics, style, capabilities. You’d need to know my finances, where our money is, how to get...

At 6:54pm I call Bill through WhatsApp. He gives me the number of someone he trusts in Haiti and tells me “He’s going to help you”. I try to get him to elaborate. Who is this guy? Is he a gang leader? Is he a negotiator? Bill won’t elaborate.

The soldier reached over to my side of the truck and grabbed my hat and covered my eyes with it and pushed my head down in an effort to keep me from seeing where we were going. I was able to turn my head to the right enough to look out the window and did my best to remember the route. I counted the number of lefts and rights as we ascended the hill in hope of providing valuable intel to someone at sometime. I wouldn’t remember any of it. 

As we went to each location, I expected to see the desperate and dying like I had seen on previous visits to Jacmel. However, it became clear by the afternoon that in the few months that had passed since my previous visit to Jacmel that food security in the area was improving. 

Within minutes I am taken aback by the destruction that has taken place since my previous trip through this city just 2.5 years earlier. Most businesses along the road are gone. The homes in sight are empty. 

I was kidnapped in Haiti on April 12th, 2023, and held for 43 days. I was beaten, terrorized and tortured. I escaped for about 8 hours but only made it about a mile before I was recaptured by a neighboring gang and returned to my cell. It was terrible. I lost about 50 pounds before being released on May 24th. Over the next six weeks, My wife Mary and I will share our story here.

There have been many books on development written and cited by academics from around the world. We will try to focus on those listed within the syllabi of respected universities. It is important for the reader to understand that StimPack is new in its mission to lead development efforts in Haiti. This is an audacious mission considering the many brilliant minds that have preceded us. However, our approach is far more humble than it might initially appear. We intend to stand on the shoulders...

[Update: This article was initially published January of 2023. Since then security in Haiti has descended to a point that makes all areas of development extremely difficult. This fact makes security the priority for development in Haiti. The points explored in this article will regain relevance once ‘Level 1 Security’ (major supply routes and adjacent police stations are reopened) is achieved.] This is a wiki of sorts, designed to house the best strategic thinking we at STIMPACK can...

Recent (post assassination) foreign policy statements from U.S. Officials have been widely condemned. Some demanding greater involvement in solving Haiti’s many issues and some demanding the opposite. I am here to both defend the wisdom of recent U.S. Policy positions, as well as advocate for the opportunity I see that awaits them.