Rony Delgarde is the founder of Global Paints for Charity, a nonprofit initiative that uses unused and left-over paint from the US and ships them off to countries in the South America, Africa, and the Caribbean to be used in rehabilitating building and homes. Delgarde received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the American Intercontinental University in Atlanta and has an MBA from Strayer University.

A Logistics Operation Specialist and a Management Consultant by trade, Delgarde also has a background in leadership and volunteerism. He attended Georgia’s Gwinnett Neighborhood Leadership Institute in 2002. Prior to launching Global Paints for Charity Inc, the entrepreneur and philanthropist co-founded the Volunteer Interpreter’s Program of Gwinnett in the early 2000s. That latter program recruited bilingual volunteers to accompany police and sheriff officers, and provide on-the-scene translation to non-English speaking crime victims and witnesses whose information is essential for investigations.

In addition to volunteering for some of the world’s biggest NGOs and nonprofit organizations—such as CARE International, United Way and Habitat for Humanity—Delgarde also serves a mentor for the Gwinnett Public School’s Community Program.

Delgarde at work in Haiti for Global Paints for Charity, Inc.

Kreyolicious: Every non-profit initiative had a beginning, usually with the founder or one of the founders having an epiphany of sort. Was there a particular moment that sparked your founding Global Paints?

Excellent question! On my very first day in the U.S, I landed at the Miami International Airport. I couldn’t believe what I saw that day. “This is a perfect adventure”, I said. I thought it’s remarkably beautiful to see a city where all houses and tall buildings were painted with amazing colors. But I was first inspired to collect paint in March 2010, when I took a trip to Kenya and Uganda to help donate basic health supplies and nutrition kits to mothers in the refugee camps. That’s where I realized the need to beautify global housing projects in the region. And I immediately started collecting paint after that Africa trip. In fact, I was shocked just to know how many gallons of paint were thrown away in the U.S. According to the industry sources, every resident in America has 4-to-5 gallons of leftover paint in their basement. More than one billion gallons of paint are sold for commercial use. Ten percent of that goes unused or ends up in landfills every year. Each year, hundreds of millions of gallons of paint are discarded in North America alone. Are we really throwing away that much paint at the expense of other people who don’t have anything? It just didn’t sound right.

When I started, I picked up all paint donations myself; I have gone to residences and businesses as far away from Atlanta as Macon and Savannah, Georgia to collect paint. Today as many as 500-to-6000 gallons of paint have been shipped at a time to developing countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Honduras, El Salvador, Guyana, Guinea, Ghana and Mexico. The paint has been used for housing rehabilitation projects including family homes, hospitals, schools, churches, and orphanages.

Would love to hear more about the work of Global Paints for Charity, Inc in Haiti. What has the organization achieved so far on the island?

Global Paints is fully involved in many regions in Haiti. Just last year, as part of the preparations to reopen La Citadelle Laferrière , I was invited to paint a wall, and I spoke at the official open ceremony and celebration on November 17, 2013. It was like a dream comes true. Moreover, Global Paint donated paint to support many rehabilitation projects in different regions in Haiti. We also sent some paints to those affected by the 2010 earthquake that killed over 200,000 people and left million others homeless in Haiti. And we recently nominated Nadege Telfort, one of the leading actresses based in Haiti, as Goodwill Ambassador. She is taking on the mission to provide high quality of paint to renovate schools, orphanages, hospitals, prisons and family homes in Haiti. In fact, one of my future goals is to build a paint manufacturer in Haiti. We recently opened a small paint processing center in Honduras and it is contributing to the beautification in the entire Central America. I believe we should do the same in Haiti without competing with the local paint companies

Above: Doing rehabilitative work at King Henri Christophe’s architectural wonder La Citadelle Lafèrrière in Cap Haitien, Haiti.

Kreyolicious: You received an award as AllState Champion for Good, a prestigious award for agents of change. What is the one change that you made to your life between the end of your high school years to now, that has made the biggest difference to your life?

Oh my goodness! Thank you. I am very blessed to be able to beat the odds. My ability to help others to understand the role their work and skills can play in problem solving is one of the many reasons I have received the award as 2013 AllState Champion for Good. Add to that my words of being a voice for the voiceless through my noble work of giving back, including dedicating my life to changing the lives of vulnerable people around the world. Also, I have experienced more than anyone should ever experience. English is not my first language and I have been struggling ever since I have move in the States. More pain, more turmoil, more humiliation, more strife and more need than most of people could even begin to imagine. But, when I was offered an opportunity, even as a volunteer, I also saw another opportunity; the opportunity of turning waste into hope – and change lives. The biggest changes in my life is that I have associated with people that can inspire me, people that have challenged me to rise higher, people that make me better. I don’t waste my valuable time with people that are not adding to my growth. My time is too crucial.

I started this organization in my one bedroom apartment; now we’re in a factory and known by a lot of people in the development community. There’s nothing as powerful as a small idea that has the ability to change the lives of people around the world.

Global Paints for Charity at work in Honduras.

Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to others on leadership and success?

Always make sure what you are providing is something that is going to help the people in need. If you plan to start your own organization, you need to be absolutely committed to and happy with what you are doing. If you’re not happy to take on the challenges that come with starting your own organization, you will not do a good job of helping others. If you’re looking to make high impact in the social change arena and have a new idea, enterprising plan on how to do it, starting your own programs could be a great choice for success. But you have to do the work. Start where you are and keep moving forward.

Kreyolicious: What are you most proud of?

I always hesitate to talk about myself. My heart is about giving, helping, and doing. At the same time, the help I provide is from my desire, my heart, to ease the pain and suffering of millions around the world. Nearly 1.6-billion residents in developing countries live in poor quality housing. They also have unpainted family homes, hospitals, schools, refugee camps and orphanages with dirt walls with bacteria, bad germs, mold, severe dirt walls and poor sanitation. Believe it or not, over 2.5- billion people live on less than $2 a day and a gallon of paint costs $35. I’m not a good at solving math problems, but I’m telling you I’m not going to spend that $35 on a gallon of paint. I’m going to buy some bread and sugar. I’m going to buy medicine. I’m going to do all the things I think are keeping me alive. But take a moment today and think about how many family’s homes, schools and buildings you see around you that need paint. I find myself in tears many times. Yes, something can be done. Yes, together we can paint the world and make a difference.

Above: Global Paints for Charity, Inc founder Rony Delgarde concentrates on pouring paint in a container for use.

Kreyolicious: In regards to Global Paints, what have you yet to achieve that you hope to achieve in the next 5 years?

Since I started the Global Paints for Charity, I have been to 18 different countries and I am blessed to say I am a citizen of the World. In the next 5 years I hope I can visit more developing countries to donate paint. When we are distributing the paint or painting a family’s home for the first time, I could see that there is a lot of excitement, joy, a lot of happiness.

But we also need to recycle more paint. We have received hundreds thousands gallons of paint from businesses, we have to turn them away because we desperately need affordable warehouse space. Even with affordable space, mixing and reformulating the paint is a huge hurdle. Right now, it’s often done by hand, by handful volunteers. Three great institutions, including students from Georgia Tech, have offered to help design a machine to process the paint. However, the costs vary depending upon our desired methods and technology. Our goal is to raise significant funding to build a plant where we will be able to process 3,000 to 5,000 gallons of paint a week, creating jobs not just in paint processing and recycling, but in transportation and logistics, as well.

As you can see, we need help. So by getting the word out you would help us a lot. It is most appreciated.

[All photos provided by subject.]

Keep Up With Global Paints on Twitter| CLICK to visit the Global Paint for Charity Inc Website| CLICK to visit the Company’s Facebook Page |

Carimi confirmed its breakup. Let’s say it one more time. The band Carimi has come to an end. Last night a press release that was distributed on social media confirmed what many fans and industry pundits and assorted Haitian music fans feared: After putting in work for fifteen years, the band was kaput.

On Tuesday morning of this week, Haiti-based host Carel Pedre announced that he would be interviewing the group’s manager, a businessman named Fito Farinen, on his morning radio show “Chokarella”. Over the course of the interview, the manager confirmed the breakup, all the while stating that he had not been able to get in touch with Micheal Guirand, the co-lead singer.

Meanwhile, the website Kompa Magazine had managed to get an interview with Carlo Vieux, one of the band’s lead singers and musicians. In the interview, the Carimi member reaffirmed his loyalty for his band, and conveyed that he doesn’t know what has led his bandmate to leave the band a second time.

Was the band anxious to give a formal statement? Did it feel pressured? After all, fans have been waiting to know certainties among all those rumors and speculations. It just seems from the statements made by the manager and of the lead singer that although a statement has been given…there just might be hope for the band.

All in all, it came across as…if tempers are given enough time to calm down…if emotions are given sufficient time to wane, something could be reached. This “something” could be…co-lead singer Micheal Guirand returning to Carimi…or members Carlo Vieux and Richard Cave coming to the conclusion that they can’t let things end this way, and that even with Micheal’s absence, they’d like to go on.

Maybe Micheal’s road has ended, but Carimi hasn’t as a band? But in past and present interviews, band members have emphasized the importance of Micheal’s role, and how indispensable he is. His signature voice is stamped all over the band’s brand and identity. So knowing this, more concrete steps should have been taken to assure his stability in the band upon his return. But to be fair, those measures were probably taken.

What gives? What really went wrong? What’s eating Micheal Guirand? What problems could these men—who are essentially brothers—have that can’t be solved, even with changing priorities, passage of time, etc?

Lawd.

Earlier this year, the band had shared photos in the studios, heightening fans expectations for an upcoming album. This music can’t go to waste. But if most of the album was done with the department member’s vocals! What a dilemma to be in!

Overall, though…

There’s this finality that’s lacking with this breakup. Did these members have sufficient time to come to this decision of breaking up? Could there still be hope? What if Micheal is planning to take a longer break and come back? What if a Micheal sound-alike is found by the other two members?

Let’s back-pedal a bit regarding the other lead singer. What if they make arrangements with Micheal to sing on occcassions with them as opposed to every performance? The two other members are very competent singers, and they can make do with the ballads and up-tempo songs.

But maybe all—or some—of these different scenarios were presented and discussed before the group decided that to disintegrate was the way to go.

Questioned by Kompa Magazine about going at it for a second time if Micheal returns, singer Carlo Vieux sounded leery. What if his bandmate returns only to leave again? But that can be taken care of with better risk management. Sign a contract—one of seven years to assure that CaRimi will make it past its 20th Anniversary, and the extra two years take care of business loose ends.

It’s easy to sit here and speculate, and offer suggestions after suggestions. We’re not privy to all the facts. And perhaps even Carimi members and personnel have not been able to get to the bottom of what’s wrong/what was wrong despite their best efforts.

So thank you to this band for making Haitian music known in places it may not have otherwise been known.

Remember when you started getting out of your American shell to become more Haitian? Did you name-drop Carimi (or T-Vice) in a conversation to impress your fellow Haitian-Americans about how “Haitian” you were? (*raises hand*). And was this even before you listened to any of their music or knew any of their songs?(*raises hand*)

There’s still a lot of their music that I don’t know, and haven’t listened to. Maybe this is the time to get to them.

At least all the members are alive and well. At least, none of them died…thank God.

It’s possible that Carimi can still go on. You never know. Again, there’s something about this announcement that’s not…I don’t know…final…

Save your Citizenship Certificate to Carimi Nation. You’ll need it to claim your rights when Carimi comes back hard!

It sounds like well-wishing, but it’s just a feeling…

Time will tell. This is your girl Kreyolicious signing off.

CLICK HERE TO READ PAST ARTICLES ABOUT CARIMI

Epilogue: There’s nothing like a targeted Haitian music playlist to get your mind going….

The only upside about misfortunes and tragedies is that they gear your mind into a state of self-reflection. These days, it’s Hurricane Matthew and its aftermath in Haiti that’s lingering on many minds. Next week, it may be something else.

What’s important is that we use moments like these to do serious self-reflection. No finger pointing, no wagging of the fingers at outside forces. Look inward, not outward, as the self-help gurus command.

So, get your mind in the right frame, and take a listen at these songs, curated by your fave chick Kreyolicious.

[Note: the complete title for this playlist was actually: The Playlist For The Haitian/Haitian-American Who’s Disheartened By What’s Happening In Haiti And Wants to Do Some Serious Self-Reflection, While Remaining Grateful and Hopeful…but that’s quite, ahem, a mouthful…and considering I’m trying to simplify things…]

1. Ada, “Viv”
About this Song: Live! Don’t be so absorbed by your problems and personal issues that you forget to, well, viv—live. Viv!
Best Line(s): Viv! Nothing more needs to be said. Ever seen that quote about how some of us are alive, and yet we’re not living…ever read that?

CLICK HERE to purchase Viv by Ada!

2. Kreyol La, “Fòk ou Kwè”
About the Song: This Kreyol La track encourages one to keep pounding the pavement, and maintain a clear conscience while at it.
Best Line(s): “Gen de bagay ki rive’w/Wap mande ki jan ou pral soti ladann/Fòk ou k/Ba gen miray ki pap kraze/Nap soti/Ti pa/Ti pa.”…There’s some situations you find yourself in/You ask yourself how will you find your way out of it/But you’ve gotta believe/There’s no wall that you can’t unravel/We’re gonna get out somehow/Little by little.

CLICK HERE to purchase “Fòk ou Kwè” by Kreyol La!

3. Emeline Michel, “Mèsi Lavi”
About the Song: “Mèsi Lavi”…A simple expression of gratitude! Yes, there are problems going on. Yes, so many lives have been lost, and crops, and tangible property have been swept away. But so many are still alive, and can rebuild, and hopefully rebuild stronger.
Best Line(s): “Mwen di mèsi pou de grenn je’m/Pou kè’m ki nan mitan kò’m”—I’m thankful for my two eyes/I thank God for that heart that’s centered in my body.
Notes: Thanking God for one’s two eyes, and one’s heart! Simple, it seems doesn’t it? But when you start to ponder on those lines…you realize that a whole hall of library books of thoughts are conveyed. We rely on our eyes for so much. Heck, I’m typing this little sentence here…how would I manage had it not been for my eyes! Goodness, gracious. We really have to be thankful for everything we have! Everything, including our vital organs. The song also mentions our hearts, which needless to say, is the core of our being and our soul. Our hearts allow us to feel compassion, and allow us to feel empathy for others, not to mention give and receive love. Alright, Emeline, girl.

4. Zin, “Kouraj”
About the Song: Kouraj…that’s like courage, and goodness knows people going through hard times need a potent dose of that.
Best Line: “Yon jou konsa farinaj bonè gen pou li anvayi kè’w”—A day like this happiness finna come at your heart like rainfall/Stay strong/You hear?

What a faith-strengthening message! The song preaches the need to keep going, and to go about one’s business—no matter what. Deliverance soon cometh, the song preaches!

CLICK HERE to buy “Kouraj” from Zin!

5. Zenglen, “Tout Bagay Posib”
About the song: The title’s translation: All things are possible. Ain’t that the truth! Tables flip, tables turn, tables reverse. It’s good to keep that in mind on a personal level. This song emphasizes the need to stay focused and the need to keep the faith, for you never know when things might change for you—for the better.
Best Line: “Men’m lè mwen pa wè anwo/Men’m lè pa wè anba/Li gen yon denye opsyon se lafwa/Tout bagay posib”—-Don’t know up from down/Can’t see nothing from up here/But there’s always that last option called faith/Everything’s possible.

CLICK HERE to buy “Tout Bagay Posib” by Zenglen.

6. Shabba Djakout, “Antann Nou”
About this Song: The title translates into something to the effect of—Let’s get along, let’s get our act together! Like several songs on this playlist, this song’s message is simple, but boy, does it pack a lot! Let’s try to get along with others—starting with our family, and carry that mentality in a wider sense…with our immediate neighbors, and with our extended neighbors. Harmony, harmony…HARMONY! I’m not into all this patriotic stuff and all that nationalistic stuff conveyed in the lyrics. Let’s be realistic. We may not be able to change others’ minds, or change the world, but at least we can attempt to change/adjust our individual minds.
Best Line: “Antann Nou”. I like the simplicity expressed in those two words. Let’s get along. It doesn’t necessarily pertain to a relationship with others…but a relationship with one’s self.

CLICK HERE to purchase Shabba Djakout’s “Antann Nou”.

7. Master Dji, “Tann pou Tann”
About this song: According to the user who uploaded this song, this track is from the 1980s, but it sends a timeless message. The concept of this song is something we should all swallow…don’t expect miraculous or overnight results in life.
Best Line: “Se tann pou tann”—you’ve got to wait. Of course that doesn’t mean sitting with your hands folded! Put some action behind your goals, and lots of work behind your vision.

CLICK HERE to purchase “Tann pou Tann” by Master Dji.

8. Disip, “J’ai Brulé Les Étapes”
About the Song: “J’ai Brulé Les Étapes” counsels everyone to stand firm in the face of overly critical people, personal shortcomings and overall downtrodden moments. The best is yet to come, bright lights are ahead! The song also makes it clear that trials and tribulations are a normal part of life, and are part of a character-building mission.
Best Line(s): “Soufri jodi a ak dignite/Pou demen ou ka souri ak fyète”–Endure with all your dignity intact today/So you can smile tomorrow with all your pride.

CLICK HERE to buy “J’ai Brulé Les Étapes” from Disip!

9. Abner G, “Lavi Pa Fini”
About the Song: It ain’t over, baby. Whether you’re being hit by personal obstacles that comes in the form of death, sickness, joblessness, heartbreak…well hang on! Don’t know where your next meal is coming from? No roof over your head? Well, don’t dezespere! That’s like…stay hopeful!
Best Line(s): Depi ou gen lavi/Ou gen lespwa/Pa sispann”—as long as you’re alive, there’s reason to remain hopeful.

10. Les Frères Parents, “Pa Dekouraje” [Don’t Give Up]
About the Song: This song encourages us all to
Best Line(s): Olye ou wè lavi ou ap avanse/Se rekile li rekile/…Ou konnen ou pa parese/Pouki lavi ou pa vle chanje/Vye frè fò ou pa dezespere”—Instead of moving forward/It’s like you’re taking steps back/You know you ain’t lazy/So how come your life ain’t going nowhere/But don’t you despair. Ain’t that the truth, folks? Every time you’re thinking you’re about to hit a milestone, the milestone becomes miles of stones. Hard stones too! Can I get a podyab?

Notes: I saw the song’s title on a sidebar and immediately wanted to listen to it, having judged it from its title. What I like about this song is how it encourages one to keep building stone by stone, and work towards the future, instead of expecting immediate results. And also, it hints that sometime you can be working hard not necessarily for the betterment of you personally, but of those who will come after you. Interesting perspective.

CLICK HERE to purchase music by the Les Frères Parents band!

So, there you have it folks…the ultimate Haitian music playlist for the Haitian/Haitian-American who’s awfully disheartened by what’s happened in Haiti (and elsewhere in the world), but wants to retain a spirit of gratitude, while at the same time doing some in-depth self-reflection—brought to you by your fave chick Kreyolicious.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE MUSIC PLAYLIST FROM YOUR FAVE CHICK KREYOLICIOUS!