The Mayor of Ganthier

I stayed with the Mayor, Ralph Lapointe and his three delightful little daughters, for a week in April. It was hot, no electricity, no gas, he had very critical tasks to attend to, but he was completely gracious in welcoming me to his home and town. Here he is holding court in his driveway trying to stay cool in the afternoon breezes.

Several months later his life was in danger by thugs trying to take over large areas of land in his town. The locals demonstrated and Mayor Lapointe went to court, but the battle of ownership is not over. It is a complex issue as much of the paperwork was destroyed in the earthquake. There is a need for new housing, but is shouldn't be on land that is occupied , especially for no compensation. See - http://goo.gl/ORcMO