Mountain Majesty will be embraced as part of the core curriculum of books that open up Haiti for readers, sharing its promise, hope, and heartbreaking challenges. A must read.

Martha Johnson
Former Cabinet Member and Administrator – General Services Administration

Winings has thoroughly documented the beginnings of this most impressive project whose focus is long-term development as contrasted to so many programs in Haiti that provide short-term relief. Starting with Jack Hanna who launched this project, many others collaborated in bringing Hanna’s vision to reality. This book gives an account of the beginning and early years of CODEP. Reforestation along with the resulting diminishing of soil erosion has affected not hundreds, but thousands of lives in the watersheds above and in Léogâne.

Jim Sylivant
Retired IBM Electrical Development Engineer, Haiti Specialist

A compelling history and story filled with the human touch! This story shares how Jack Hanna, a man with a clear vision can help down-trodden folks dig their way back from what they perceive as hopelessness. Folks believe they have no chance of providing food and sustenance for themselves since all trees are gone and rains have depleted soils. But, a man with a proper vision and technical knowledge is able to show rural Haitians how technical knowledge and cultural mores can be integrated into a successful revival of reforestation, food production, and improved community livelihood. A great tribute to those who saw and continue to see the strength and determination of the Haitian people.

Robert E. Lee, PhD
Agricultural Economist/International Agribusiness Development Specialist

Mountain Majesty not only provides an excellent history of “what works” in the field of sustainability in Haiti, but eloquently recounts the stories of so many of the key animators in CODEP who have made the project successful. Reading John’s work transported us directly back to Haiti, into the heart of a project that we have loved and supported for so many years. Articulating the story of CODEP is a crucial step in furthering sustainable redevelopment projects with the goal of reinvigorating communities and raising up capable and committed leaders in Haiti.

Kevin & Michelle Wahila
Business Development, Ansaldo STS, A Hitachi Group Company, Paris, and Former Associate Pastor of the American Church in Paris

Long before “Toxic Charity” and from its very beginnings, the founders of the Comprehensive Development Project (CODEP) understood that the project must fit the culture or it would not likely work. Mountain Majesty tells the story of a group of Haitians and Americans who were willing to work with and listen to each other to be part of something that was life changing. It describes both the difficulties of project work in Haiti and the commitment it takes – both considerable obstacles to success. I personally have been lucky enough to witness the differences it has made in the environment – changing a dry, lunar landscape into lush forests. But, even more I’ve seen life changes among the people I consider dear friends.

Sally Harwood
Senior Consultant – Asset Management, New York. Ruling Elder, 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church

In a land known for failed projects, CODEP provides a story and a model for self-development that works. In a troubled country of land washed to the sea and the poor fleeing the countryside, CODEP is a story of renewal of the land and redevelopment of communities. It is also a story of the warmth and joy of rural Haitians. It is a story that needs to be told.

Rev. Dr. Bill Hathaway
Pastor – First Presbyterian Church, Annapolis, MD