Trusting Rain
A documentary by Kristin Alexander
HAVANA TIMES – Collecting rain-water is a way of life in Bermuda, like it could be in many countries including many parts of Cuba. Each household is responsible for their water supply.
Few travelers to the spectacular island are aware of this centuries old method of water conservation.
There are no natural rivers, streams or fresh water ponds in Bermuda. For the inhabitants, capturing rainwater is second nature, born of necessity and ingenuity.
However things are changing on the island; droughts, more people and international workers, as well as a loss of the cultural history of water collection are all contributing to an unsustainable path.
Set against the natural beauty of the island, the film reveals the complex relationship between densely populated areas like Bermuda and natural resources. Centuries of self-sufficiency unfold through personal stories from Bermudians. The film Trusting Rain portrays Bermuda’s own water conservation as a limited resource, a skill that could be cultivated by communities around the globe.
Trusting Rain premiered at the Bermuda International Film Festival in March 2012, where it played again in the Best of the Festival. Filmmaker magazine called Trusting Rain “visually entrancing”.
Trusting Rain from Kristin Alexander on Vimeo.
Again contributors to Havana Times, whether writers or commentators show such narrow vision. Beginning with this well intentioned article on Bermuda’s historic dependence on rain water, perspective is missing. As a U.K. tourist island, availability of water like other resources is not socialised. For example health care is not universal or fairly distributed and 2nd only to the U.S. in costs. Water is imported and supplied to those with tourist resources.
There are many in Cuba and in government who recognize the need to prepare for already impacting climate threats, in terms of energy and resources, so to argue that the level or response is solely due to “the communists” is both false and irresponsible. All over the world, including Cuba, building successful responses to climate change depend on both the public and leadership recognizing and committing to an eco-socialist approach. Absence of either and plans will fail and the most vulnerable will suffer.
Good observations. It comes from a poverty of imagination in the leadership.
It’s called, “advanced thinking!” That’s something the old regime hasn’t a clue!! Love how you can’t vote for change in Cuba!
I have often wondered why the Cubans don’t seem to collect rain water. All farms in Canada had cisterns 50 years ago, to get through the winter with snow. In Cuba no snow but seasons of drought. There is no technology required. Also with so much sun year round, why is Cuba depending on imported fossil fuels?