NOW!!!!- $$$ FOR FOOD ARE NEEDED REGULARLY! FAMINE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. HHE WILL BE SEEKING FOR SOURCES FOR A SEPARATE PROGRAM. YOUR HELP WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED. OUR PARTNERS WANT TO PROVIDE LUNCH TWO WEEKS A MONTH FOR ALL STUDENTS-310-NOT JUST OUR 68 STUDENTS = $10,000 ANNUALLY. We do not want to raise Food $$$ for this new program from our original sources. HOW ABOUT "GO FUND ME" OR SOMETHING SIMILAR? Email Tom Luce, HHE Coordinator : [email protected]
HISTORY: Due to the 2 months of no school this past year #13 (Sept '22-June '23), our schools decided to double classes each day--Nov,Dec,Jan-- with lunch! We had a special donation button on our St. Columba page and raised enough money for 2 months. $1,800 per month, $800 for utensils. Thank you!
UPDATE: For the 2nd half of year #14, Aug. '23-June'24, we raised $10,000.00 for the FFL - Food For Lunch, two weeks a month for the remainder of the year. We now have to seek another $10,000.00 for year #15 Aug. '24-June '25. HELP!!!
HISTORY: Due to the 2 months of no school this past year #13 (Sept '22-June '23), our schools decided to double classes each day--Nov,Dec,Jan-- with lunch! We had a special donation button on our St. Columba page and raised enough money for 2 months. $1,800 per month, $800 for utensils. Thank you!
UPDATE: For the 2nd half of year #14, Aug. '23-June'24, we raised $10,000.00 for the FFL - Food For Lunch, two weeks a month for the remainder of the year. We now have to seek another $10,000.00 for year #15 Aug. '24-June '25. HELP!!!
Articles on solutions for the Haitian Crisis! Scroll down to the # you want to read, the latest is the last one on top of the list! Sorry we can't just give you a link to the article you want to read.
#28 "Resolving Haiti's Violent Crisis - Nèg Mawon - TPC Transitional Presidential Council by Tom Luce covering the set-up of a temporary-transitional group to run the country with Acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned.
#27 "Combite For Peace and Development", CPD advocates for access to school in precarious neighborhoods (see* for definition of "COMBITE")
#26 Haitian lawyers against armed force summon Henry on treason, constitutional "betrayal" claims / EXCLUSIVE - AUMOHD Atty. Fanfan
#25 Haitian Diaspora Leaders Push Congess to Support Haitian-led Solutions
#24 Restoring the Capacity of Haitians to Feed Themselves - OPODNE
#23 Haitian Diaspora and Allied Organizations Demand the Cancellation of the Discussion with Helen Lalime in Miami (Dec 8, 2022) lists all the corruption of last two presidents of Haiti.
#22. "BAI" Atty. Mario Joseph against international military intervention
#21. "NHAEON", Elected Haitian Americans oppose US call for international military intervention.
#20. An ARTICLE BY Tom Luce, COORDINATOR OF HHE: "HAITI RISING FROM THE ASHES!", HIS PERSONAL ANALYSIS OF THE DECAY AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE CURRENT HAITI IN CRISIS.
Note: THIS PAGE BEGAN WITH ARTICLES ABOUT A COLLECTIVE SOLUTION TO THE "HAITI CRISIS"AFTER THE END OF THE ELECTED GOVERNMENT IN 2021.
THE FIRST 15 ARTICLES ARE CONCERNING THE "MONTANA ACCORD" A COMMUNITY-BASED COALITION SOLUTION TO TRANSITIONING TO A NEWLY ELECTED GOVERNMENT. THIS HAS NOT BEEN ADOPTED AS OF YET.
ARTICLES, #16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23....., DEALING WITH CONNECTED PROBLEMS.
SORRY WE CAN'T LINK YOU TO EACH ARTICLE. MAYBE LATER!
#27 "Combite For Peace and Development", CPD advocates for access to school in precarious neighborhoods (see* for definition of "COMBITE")
#26 Haitian lawyers against armed force summon Henry on treason, constitutional "betrayal" claims / EXCLUSIVE - AUMOHD Atty. Fanfan
#25 Haitian Diaspora Leaders Push Congess to Support Haitian-led Solutions
#24 Restoring the Capacity of Haitians to Feed Themselves - OPODNE
#23 Haitian Diaspora and Allied Organizations Demand the Cancellation of the Discussion with Helen Lalime in Miami (Dec 8, 2022) lists all the corruption of last two presidents of Haiti.
#22. "BAI" Atty. Mario Joseph against international military intervention
#21. "NHAEON", Elected Haitian Americans oppose US call for international military intervention.
#20. An ARTICLE BY Tom Luce, COORDINATOR OF HHE: "HAITI RISING FROM THE ASHES!", HIS PERSONAL ANALYSIS OF THE DECAY AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE CURRENT HAITI IN CRISIS.
Note: THIS PAGE BEGAN WITH ARTICLES ABOUT A COLLECTIVE SOLUTION TO THE "HAITI CRISIS"AFTER THE END OF THE ELECTED GOVERNMENT IN 2021.
THE FIRST 15 ARTICLES ARE CONCERNING THE "MONTANA ACCORD" A COMMUNITY-BASED COALITION SOLUTION TO TRANSITIONING TO A NEWLY ELECTED GOVERNMENT. THIS HAS NOT BEEN ADOPTED AS OF YET.
ARTICLES, #16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23....., DEALING WITH CONNECTED PROBLEMS.
SORRY WE CAN'T LINK YOU TO EACH ARTICLE. MAYBE LATER!
#28 TPC- Transitional Presidential Council
April 20, 2024
Dear HHE Supporter,
I have been studying for the last 3 weeks –– in French, Creole, and English–– the movement to solve the "Haitian Crisis.” Clearly the goal is to find a solution that is "Haitian-Led!" In this newsletter I present the basics of the struggle in which the US plays a different role than in the past which actually has contributed to the "Haitian Crisis." My conclusion is that the solution, “TPC-Transitional Presidential Council” is worth supporting in spite of the involvement of the US.
Thank you for your support. If this report is helpful, fine, but supporters don’t need to become informed of the details of Haitian civics!
Best loving wishes,
Tom Luce, Coordinator, HHE
I have been studying for the last 3 weeks –– in French, Creole, and English–– the movement to solve the "Haitian Crisis.” Clearly the goal is to find a solution that is "Haitian-Led!" In this newsletter I present the basics of the struggle in which the US plays a different role than in the past which actually has contributed to the "Haitian Crisis." My conclusion is that the solution, “TPC-Transitional Presidential Council” is worth supporting in spite of the involvement of the US.
Thank you for your support. If this report is helpful, fine, but supporters don’t need to become informed of the details of Haitian civics!
Best loving wishes,
Tom Luce, Coordinator, HHE
PART I - Haitian Resilience
NÈG MAWON /
RUNAWAY AFRICAN SLAVE
Statue at center of Port-Au-Prince in front of Presidential Palace
RUNAWAY AFRICAN SLAVE
Statue at center of Port-Au-Prince in front of Presidential Palace
This bronze statue in the Champ de Mars, in the center of the capital, Port-Au-Prince, was carved in 1967 to commemorate the abolition of slavery by “Neg Mawons” in Haiti in1804, the first slave nation to free itself.
The UN commemorated this historical act with postage stamps in 1989 as supportive of the UN’s "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" (1948 with Eleanor Roosevelt leading the team). Art. 4 stated: "No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms."
This slave has broken chains on his left leg, a machete in his right hand, and a conch in his mouth promoting freedom. Runaway African slaves existed for several centuries in the Caribbean.
In Haiti after gathering in the mountains, the Nèg Mawons led the revolt against France in 1804.
Sadly, since 1804 Haiti's leadership in quelling slavery has brought 200 years of revenge by established countries especially the United States with devastating results including this latest "crisis" of total government collapse and takeover by gangs.
The UN commemorated this historical act with postage stamps in 1989 as supportive of the UN’s "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" (1948 with Eleanor Roosevelt leading the team). Art. 4 stated: "No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms."
This slave has broken chains on his left leg, a machete in his right hand, and a conch in his mouth promoting freedom. Runaway African slaves existed for several centuries in the Caribbean.
In Haiti after gathering in the mountains, the Nèg Mawons led the revolt against France in 1804.
Sadly, since 1804 Haiti's leadership in quelling slavery has brought 200 years of revenge by established countries especially the United States with devastating results including this latest "crisis" of total government collapse and takeover by gangs.
CARICOM: 15 developing countries in the Caribbean including Haiti. The United States is not a CARICOMmember but has worked closely—with financial support-- especially regarding Haiti. Note: The US has been seriously criticized for its involvement.
“All CARICOM countries are classified as developing countries. They are all relatively small in terms of population and size, and diverse in terms of geography population, culture, and levels of economic and social development.CARICOM countries share similarities and challenges. On the one hand they are all in proximity to major markets in North and South American, and most countries, have had to make the transition from agriculture or mining to a service-driven economy, especially tourism and financial services. On the other hand, they have to overcome the challenges of frequent natural disasters, in addition to small size with associated lack of economies of scale and vulnerability to external shocks.”
“All CARICOM countries are classified as developing countries. They are all relatively small in terms of population and size, and diverse in terms of geography population, culture, and levels of economic and social development.CARICOM countries share similarities and challenges. On the one hand they are all in proximity to major markets in North and South American, and most countries, have had to make the transition from agriculture or mining to a service-driven economy, especially tourism and financial services. On the other hand, they have to overcome the challenges of frequent natural disasters, in addition to small size with associated lack of economies of scale and vulnerability to external shocks.”
Part III TPC-- The Transitional Presidential Council
-organized with CARICOM, a solution to Haiti’s violent crisis: absence of basic government
-organized with CARICOM, a solution to Haiti’s violent crisis: absence of basic government
A. CARICOM On March 11, 2024 initiated meetings with Haitian representatives from various groups--political, human rights, civic, religious-- and supported the plan that a 7 member voting committee with 2 non-voting members would take over the Haitian government. Much discussion and divisions were handled in this period. Then on March 28 this work was published for the Haitian government and the public. Thus began the work of the TPC-The Transitional Presidential Council:
- In a letter to the Haitian Prime Minister, Ariel Henry--((having agreed to resign with the establishment of the TPC- Tom Luce))--CARICOM has called for the immediate installation of the Transitional Presidential Council. This demand is part of an effort to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Haiti. The council, composed of representatives from various sectors and political groups, is tasked with restoring democratic order. Its responsibilities include organizing elections and deploying a multinational mission to combat the escalating gang violence in the country."
B. TPC-Transitional Presidential Council 9 member, broad-based, political, civic and community inclusive council
|
VOTING: 7
Political: pro PHTK, ("BALD" Party named after 1st bald President Martelly) last party in office, failed with no elections and takeover by gangs. 1) RED/RE, 2) Dec. 21 Accord; other political groups: 3) Jan. 30 2023 collective; denounced Acting PM Henry (click) 4) Fanmi Lavalas (Aristide's), 5) Petit Dessalin, "left wing nationalist" (click) Community: 6) Montana Accord (click) 7) Private Business Sector OBSERVER/NON-VOTING-2: 8) Civic groups 9) Interfaith |
So even with the 2 votes for the Bald Party folks, there are 4 votes for non-Bald Party–– Haitians organized for democratic justice–– plus the Montana Accord (click) certainly a representative Haitian-Led solution!
In my opinion it would seem that the representation of Haitians who would be classified as "majority, low-income, worker" Haitians will have supportive votes on the TPC.
I have personally been involved with Fanmi Lavalas and Petit Dessalin. In 2005 I worked with Petit Dessalin's founder, Moïse Jean-Charles, helping organize workers. This year Moïse went far out, proposing that Guy Philippe* be named acting president with a 3-member committee, but Petit Dessalin members rejected this and have joined the TPC! I have followed and supported the Montana Accord which is designed to cover all sectors, including peasants.
*see D. 4 below for more info
In my opinion it would seem that the representation of Haitians who would be classified as "majority, low-income, worker" Haitians will have supportive votes on the TPC.
I have personally been involved with Fanmi Lavalas and Petit Dessalin. In 2005 I worked with Petit Dessalin's founder, Moïse Jean-Charles, helping organize workers. This year Moïse went far out, proposing that Guy Philippe* be named acting president with a 3-member committee, but Petit Dessalin members rejected this and have joined the TPC! I have followed and supported the Montana Accord which is designed to cover all sectors, including peasants.
*see D. 4 below for more info
C. TPC clash with acting Prime Minister Henry and his government ministers.
Not surprisingly, after the March 28th CARACOL publication of the TPC, the acting Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry and his government ministers, in an attempt to control the TPC, published a re-write of the TPC design and withheld the actual officially named members. They claimed that they had entered more constitutionally correct language and required the submission of personal papers authorizing the already chosen TPC members to become official.
The TCP publicly rejected this attempt at changing anything.
For details of this conflict: "Stakeholders Reject the Henry government's re-write" April 13, (1.click English; 2.click French or email Tom Luce for translation) It seemed there was going to be a serious breakdown of the Haitian-Led solution to Haiti's horrible crisis.
However, due to the overwhelming public rejection of this attempt to control the TPC by Henry and his Government Ministers with their version of the TCP, astoundingly on April 16, 2024, they, the Henry-Haitian government issued their official endorsement of the original TCP (click), officially establishing the TCP members and structure!
Therefore, what came out a month earlier in March from CARICOM was finally publicly true April 16. "The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) welcome the news today of the publication of the decree establishing the Transitional Presidential Council in Haiti. The establishment of the nine-member broad-based, politically inclusive Council signals the possibility of a new beginning for Haiti." March 28, 2024
In recent news reports there have been reports about conflicting information as to when the TPC will actually begin, even though the TPC is actually continuing to work.
The TCP publicly rejected this attempt at changing anything.
For details of this conflict: "Stakeholders Reject the Henry government's re-write" April 13, (1.click English; 2.click French or email Tom Luce for translation) It seemed there was going to be a serious breakdown of the Haitian-Led solution to Haiti's horrible crisis.
However, due to the overwhelming public rejection of this attempt to control the TPC by Henry and his Government Ministers with their version of the TCP, astoundingly on April 16, 2024, they, the Henry-Haitian government issued their official endorsement of the original TCP (click), officially establishing the TCP members and structure!
Therefore, what came out a month earlier in March from CARICOM was finally publicly true April 16. "The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) welcome the news today of the publication of the decree establishing the Transitional Presidential Council in Haiti. The establishment of the nine-member broad-based, politically inclusive Council signals the possibility of a new beginning for Haiti." March 28, 2024
In recent news reports there have been reports about conflicting information as to when the TPC will actually begin, even though the TPC is actually continuing to work.
D.TPC: Naming Challenges-Survival
1. USA: Although not a member, the USA is considered to be the major influencer––if not a controller–– of CARICOM, and represents both problems for the TPC, as well as support and assistance.
a. The USA obtained a membership requirement for the TPC, namely, in order to be a member, applicants had to accept the entry into Haiti of the 1,000 Kenya soldiers that the USA would fund. Named the MSSM – Multinational Security Support Mission-- by the UN in 2023 and funded by the US with $200m. This became a subject of discussion among the TPC members who rejected it. Most Haitians leaders I know are also opposed to this military intervention. The Kenyan Supreme Court has ruled it is unconstitutional. However, in spite of the disagreement by the TPC the USA continues to insist on it. Probably most Haitians object to the entry, again, of foreign soldiers. The issue of controlling the violent gangs could be resolved another way as was discussed by the TPC. See below. It is not clear whether the TPCfeels forced to use this means to control violence
b. The Biden Admin supported the resignation of Ariel Henry with the creation of the TPC.
c. The USA is also providing many other $$$ for humanitarian assistance.
d. Check out the United States Institute of Peace (click) to see the amazing, community-based projects of this US funded organization! They have solid suggestions for Haitian-Led!
2. CORE GROUP: (click) Also other countries have worked with the USA- Canada, France. Thus, there are Haitian groups seriously opposed to having anything to do with the TPC. Yes, I do read “HaitiLiberté” (click) where Travis Ross wrote, “Washington Insiders Contemplate Troops and Mercenaries to Guard Haiti’s Unpopular Proposed Presidential Council.” And I also read the “AFG-Alliance For Global Justice” where James Patrick Jordan writes, “Haitians Demand that THEY Choose Government – Not US”
3.The Haitian gang leaders who control 80% of the capital are considered by some critics of the TPC as the source of a revolution e.g. "Barbecue", Jimmy Chérizier; Guy Philippe* ––who led the removal of President Aristide in 2004--now released last November from a U.S. prison after 6 years is organizing crowds to be named provisional president of Haiti.
a. The USA obtained a membership requirement for the TPC, namely, in order to be a member, applicants had to accept the entry into Haiti of the 1,000 Kenya soldiers that the USA would fund. Named the MSSM – Multinational Security Support Mission-- by the UN in 2023 and funded by the US with $200m. This became a subject of discussion among the TPC members who rejected it. Most Haitians leaders I know are also opposed to this military intervention. The Kenyan Supreme Court has ruled it is unconstitutional. However, in spite of the disagreement by the TPC the USA continues to insist on it. Probably most Haitians object to the entry, again, of foreign soldiers. The issue of controlling the violent gangs could be resolved another way as was discussed by the TPC. See below. It is not clear whether the TPCfeels forced to use this means to control violence
b. The Biden Admin supported the resignation of Ariel Henry with the creation of the TPC.
c. The USA is also providing many other $$$ for humanitarian assistance.
d. Check out the United States Institute of Peace (click) to see the amazing, community-based projects of this US funded organization! They have solid suggestions for Haitian-Led!
2. CORE GROUP: (click) Also other countries have worked with the USA- Canada, France. Thus, there are Haitian groups seriously opposed to having anything to do with the TPC. Yes, I do read “HaitiLiberté” (click) where Travis Ross wrote, “Washington Insiders Contemplate Troops and Mercenaries to Guard Haiti’s Unpopular Proposed Presidential Council.” And I also read the “AFG-Alliance For Global Justice” where James Patrick Jordan writes, “Haitians Demand that THEY Choose Government – Not US”
3.The Haitian gang leaders who control 80% of the capital are considered by some critics of the TPC as the source of a revolution e.g. "Barbecue", Jimmy Chérizier; Guy Philippe* ––who led the removal of President Aristide in 2004--now released last November from a U.S. prison after 6 years is organizing crowds to be named provisional president of Haiti.
My Opinion...
Because there is no viable alternative on the table to the TPC I believe people need to support this council especially for its members that are representative of the majority of Haitians and the impoverished who are suffering most from the violence and economic and social disruptions and food shortages. The divisions between the TPC members and the Henry government seem to have been resolved and for now the TPC is in control of Haiti’s immediate future.
While Haiti works to solve its crises within the country through TPC, there are very specific things we can do as citizen that profoundly affect what is happening in Haiti and to the lives of the children and families HHE (Hope For Haiti) supports with our scholarship and food programs. We can join with Faith-In-Action and the Quixote Center that both have long had programs in Haiti to ask our lawmakers to support laws and actions as below: Supporting the TPC is not yet being called for support officially from those of us outside of Haiti, but if and when it is called for, I will publish this and ask for HHE support. Just as all of us social justice programs.
I particularly support Faith-In-Action's program in Haiti (click)
Of course, I will continue to promote HHE! Our partners, Father Laguerre and Principal Noël, plus our students and families, have been able to keep substantial peace to continue holding classes. AND NOW, FOOD for lunches for all students!
See our St. Columba website for donations! (click)!
While Haiti works to solve its crises within the country through TPC, there are very specific things we can do as citizen that profoundly affect what is happening in Haiti and to the lives of the children and families HHE (Hope For Haiti) supports with our scholarship and food programs. We can join with Faith-In-Action and the Quixote Center that both have long had programs in Haiti to ask our lawmakers to support laws and actions as below: Supporting the TPC is not yet being called for support officially from those of us outside of Haiti, but if and when it is called for, I will publish this and ask for HHE support. Just as all of us social justice programs.
I particularly support Faith-In-Action's program in Haiti (click)
Of course, I will continue to promote HHE! Our partners, Father Laguerre and Principal Noël, plus our students and families, have been able to keep substantial peace to continue holding classes. AND NOW, FOOD for lunches for all students!
See our St. Columba website for donations! (click)!
ACTION 2: Quixote Click
ACTION 3: IJDH
#27 "Combite"* For Peace and Development", CPD advocates for access to school in precarious neighborhoods
“Combite* (to organize) for Peace and Development”–CPD advocates for access to school in precarious neighborhoods. Translated from the French by Tom Luce
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/245528/combite-pour-la-paix-et-le-developpement-plaide-pour-lacces-a-lecole-dans-les-quartiers-precaires
Le Nouvelliste
Par Jean Junior Celestin
24 novembre 2023 | Lecture : 2 min
More than 25,000 children are deprived of access to school in precarious neighborhoods in the metropolitan area, news deplored, on Magik 9, by Fritznel Pierre, executive director of “Combite for Peace and Development” (CPD)*, who spoke, on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, on the situation of these schools in the context of the celebration of the International Day of the Rights of the Child on November 20.
According to Fritznel Pierre, the armed violence reigning in the metropolitan area dramatically affects access to schools, which are located in particular in the districts of La Saline, Carrefour-Feuilles, Martissant, Bel-Air and in the commune of Cité Soleil.
“We work with a network of organizations in these neighborhoods. According to the data we have received, the majority of these children who no longer have access to school are prevented from doing so because of violence in their neighborhoods, around their school, or the occupation of school spaces by armed groups who do so in their “barracks”, said the executive director of the CPD, maintaining that this situation constitutes a serious violation of the rights of the child with regard to resolution 1612 of the United Nations Security Council in a period of armed conflict.
“The children of the Salesian Sisters School were stuck in the establishment for more than two days; “They have so far not been able to return to class since their evacuation thanks to the vigilance of CPD and UNICEF on October 15, 2023,” he recalled.
Fritznel Pierre says he regrets that while other schools in neighborhoods less exposed to gang violence continue to operate, those in working-class neighborhoods are closing their doors. “It is a situation which increases disparities between children, and which leads to an unequal society, a source of permanent tensions between social groups,” he denounced.
On the occasion of World Children's Day, November 20, 2023, the “Combite for Peace and Development”-CPD launched a cry of alarm and urges state officials to do everything possible to restore the rights of children to education. They must find ways to relocate public schools from precarious areas into secure spaces and provide children and parents with transportation and other incentives to facilitate access to classes.
CPD recalls that education is the engine of the socialization of children and the lever for social change, and the construction of a society with equal opportunities for all children. Lack of access to education hinders the best interests of children and compromises the development of society.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
*Combite means: “to bring into or join in a close union or whole; unite*”. “An informal cooperative group of Haitians helping a neighbor get work done to the accompaniment of drumming and singing” Merriam Webster. <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combite#:~:text=%3A%20an%20informal%20cooperative%20group%20of,accompaniment%20of%20drumming%20and%20singing>
Combite for Peace and Development (CPDHaiti) (@CombiteD) / X. Organization for the promotion and defense of human rights in Haiti. CPD holds consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council.
The “Combite for Peace and Development” was founded in April 2008 by 9 young men and women residents of the community of Pont-rouge.
“Our mission is to contribute to the construction of a rule of law focused on the material and psychological well-being of the entire Haitian population. It is defined through this slogan: Respect and protection for everyone and everywhere.”
https://cpdhaiti.org Téléphones+509 29 12 81 81 / 37 34 92 87 Headquarters: 3 Rue Amiral Killick,Delmas 19
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/245528/combite-pour-la-paix-et-le-developpement-plaide-pour-lacces-a-lecole-dans-les-quartiers-precaires
Le Nouvelliste
Par Jean Junior Celestin
24 novembre 2023 | Lecture : 2 min
More than 25,000 children are deprived of access to school in precarious neighborhoods in the metropolitan area, news deplored, on Magik 9, by Fritznel Pierre, executive director of “Combite for Peace and Development” (CPD)*, who spoke, on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, on the situation of these schools in the context of the celebration of the International Day of the Rights of the Child on November 20.
According to Fritznel Pierre, the armed violence reigning in the metropolitan area dramatically affects access to schools, which are located in particular in the districts of La Saline, Carrefour-Feuilles, Martissant, Bel-Air and in the commune of Cité Soleil.
“We work with a network of organizations in these neighborhoods. According to the data we have received, the majority of these children who no longer have access to school are prevented from doing so because of violence in their neighborhoods, around their school, or the occupation of school spaces by armed groups who do so in their “barracks”, said the executive director of the CPD, maintaining that this situation constitutes a serious violation of the rights of the child with regard to resolution 1612 of the United Nations Security Council in a period of armed conflict.
“The children of the Salesian Sisters School were stuck in the establishment for more than two days; “They have so far not been able to return to class since their evacuation thanks to the vigilance of CPD and UNICEF on October 15, 2023,” he recalled.
Fritznel Pierre says he regrets that while other schools in neighborhoods less exposed to gang violence continue to operate, those in working-class neighborhoods are closing their doors. “It is a situation which increases disparities between children, and which leads to an unequal society, a source of permanent tensions between social groups,” he denounced.
On the occasion of World Children's Day, November 20, 2023, the “Combite for Peace and Development”-CPD launched a cry of alarm and urges state officials to do everything possible to restore the rights of children to education. They must find ways to relocate public schools from precarious areas into secure spaces and provide children and parents with transportation and other incentives to facilitate access to classes.
CPD recalls that education is the engine of the socialization of children and the lever for social change, and the construction of a society with equal opportunities for all children. Lack of access to education hinders the best interests of children and compromises the development of society.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
*Combite means: “to bring into or join in a close union or whole; unite*”. “An informal cooperative group of Haitians helping a neighbor get work done to the accompaniment of drumming and singing” Merriam Webster. <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combite#:~:text=%3A%20an%20informal%20cooperative%20group%20of,accompaniment%20of%20drumming%20and%20singing>
Combite for Peace and Development (CPDHaiti) (@CombiteD) / X. Organization for the promotion and defense of human rights in Haiti. CPD holds consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council.
The “Combite for Peace and Development” was founded in April 2008 by 9 young men and women residents of the community of Pont-rouge.
“Our mission is to contribute to the construction of a rule of law focused on the material and psychological well-being of the entire Haitian population. It is defined through this slogan: Respect and protection for everyone and everywhere.”
https://cpdhaiti.org Téléphones+509 29 12 81 81 / 37 34 92 87 Headquarters: 3 Rue Amiral Killick,Delmas 19
#26 Haitian lawyers against armed force summon Henry on treason, constitutional "betrayal" claims / EXCLUSIVE - AUMOHD Atty. Fanfan
Overview:A group of Haitian lawyers have summoned the Haitian government to appear and answer to accusations of treason and violation of the 1987 constitution. Nov. 9, 2023 See Haitian Times site below
Evel FANFAN, President of AUMOHD <http://aumohddwamoun.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html> See Hurah- Human Rights Accompaniment in Haiti <hurah.org>
PORT-AU-PRINCE — While deployment of the multinational force to Haiti is being held up in Kenya’s highest court, a group of Haitian lawyers has joined the effort to prevent the deployment of police in Haiti by filing. On Nov. 6, the group summoned the Haitian state, represented by Prime Minister Ariel Henry and his government, to appear before the court of Port-au-Prince, accusing the government of acts of treason and violation of the Haitian constitution for requesting the presence of a foreign force on Haitian soil.
“We are bringing this action because the authorities have made no effort to make the country’s law enforcement agencies effective but prefer the deployment of a foreign force,” Evel Fanfan, one of the lawyers, told The Haitian Times. “We understood that this betrayal of the constitution for a force is a strategy for the prime minister to stay in power.”
The lawyers — about five of them working with a human rights organization called "AUMOHD", Action by Motivated for a Haiti with rights" (AUMOHD)— filed the summons with the Port-au-Prince Court of First Instance. They also argue that the United Nations-approved Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) contradicts the Haitian Constitution and constitutes a crime of high treason.
Among other reasons for the summons is the negative results of the past United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) between 2004 and 2017 as well as the responsibility of the Haitian State to set into action motions against all sanctioned Haitians suspected of supporting the country’s gangs, as cited in sanctions issued in UN Panel of Experts report.
Fanfan further emphasized the need to raise awareness among Haitians about the government’s actions both nationally and internationally. He called this legal action a reminder to the Prime Minister of Article 263.1 of the Haitian constitution and its consequences.
“This action is a pullover motion made to the Prime Minister to remind him that any act of treason is punished by forced labor,” he said.
As the issue of the deployment of force in Haiti remains unresolved, the Haitian National Police continue to confront gang violence throughout much of the country. These criminal groups, numbering around a hundred, have been responsible for numerous killings, robberies, and kidnappings. In a recent incident, the police officer Junior Berlus, Agent 4, is missing during the invasion of armed bandits in Mariani on Oct. 31. The bandits killed several residents and seized two PNH vehicles, reports the local press.
The legal petition case continues to be a focal point of attention as it unfolds.
As of this writing, there is no official statement from the Kenyan High Court, and the suspension continues until the judge issues a final order on the case. Efforts by the Haïtian Times to reach the Kenyan government, via Twitter, and Kenya’s permanent representative to the United Nations for comments on the matter have been unsuccessful as they have not responded to our messages.
BY JUHAKENSON BLAISE NOV. 09, 2023
https://haitiantimes.com/2023/11/09/haiti-government-treason-henry/?utm_source=Haitian+Times+Newsletter+and+Daily+Roundups&utm_campaign=b8f243253f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_11_10_02_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-b8f243253f-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=b8f243253f&mc_eid=ab98d3a0cf
Evel FANFAN, President of AUMOHD <http://aumohddwamoun.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html> See Hurah- Human Rights Accompaniment in Haiti <hurah.org>
PORT-AU-PRINCE — While deployment of the multinational force to Haiti is being held up in Kenya’s highest court, a group of Haitian lawyers has joined the effort to prevent the deployment of police in Haiti by filing. On Nov. 6, the group summoned the Haitian state, represented by Prime Minister Ariel Henry and his government, to appear before the court of Port-au-Prince, accusing the government of acts of treason and violation of the Haitian constitution for requesting the presence of a foreign force on Haitian soil.
“We are bringing this action because the authorities have made no effort to make the country’s law enforcement agencies effective but prefer the deployment of a foreign force,” Evel Fanfan, one of the lawyers, told The Haitian Times. “We understood that this betrayal of the constitution for a force is a strategy for the prime minister to stay in power.”
The lawyers — about five of them working with a human rights organization called "AUMOHD", Action by Motivated for a Haiti with rights" (AUMOHD)— filed the summons with the Port-au-Prince Court of First Instance. They also argue that the United Nations-approved Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) contradicts the Haitian Constitution and constitutes a crime of high treason.
Among other reasons for the summons is the negative results of the past United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) between 2004 and 2017 as well as the responsibility of the Haitian State to set into action motions against all sanctioned Haitians suspected of supporting the country’s gangs, as cited in sanctions issued in UN Panel of Experts report.
Fanfan further emphasized the need to raise awareness among Haitians about the government’s actions both nationally and internationally. He called this legal action a reminder to the Prime Minister of Article 263.1 of the Haitian constitution and its consequences.
“This action is a pullover motion made to the Prime Minister to remind him that any act of treason is punished by forced labor,” he said.
As the issue of the deployment of force in Haiti remains unresolved, the Haitian National Police continue to confront gang violence throughout much of the country. These criminal groups, numbering around a hundred, have been responsible for numerous killings, robberies, and kidnappings. In a recent incident, the police officer Junior Berlus, Agent 4, is missing during the invasion of armed bandits in Mariani on Oct. 31. The bandits killed several residents and seized two PNH vehicles, reports the local press.
The legal petition case continues to be a focal point of attention as it unfolds.
As of this writing, there is no official statement from the Kenyan High Court, and the suspension continues until the judge issues a final order on the case. Efforts by the Haïtian Times to reach the Kenyan government, via Twitter, and Kenya’s permanent representative to the United Nations for comments on the matter have been unsuccessful as they have not responded to our messages.
BY JUHAKENSON BLAISE NOV. 09, 2023
https://haitiantimes.com/2023/11/09/haiti-government-treason-henry/?utm_source=Haitian+Times+Newsletter+and+Daily+Roundups&utm_campaign=b8f243253f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_11_10_02_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-b8f243253f-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=b8f243253f&mc_eid=ab98d3a0cf
#25 Sept 21 Faith In Action DAY - Haiti: Haitian Diaspora Leaders Push Congress to Support Haitian-led Solutions·
October 10, 2023
· Chris Esh
· Faith in Action International News, Haiti, United States Policy
Seventy-five people from a dozen Haitian diaspora and faith-based organizations, including Faith in Florida, Faith in New Jersey, Faith in New York, Massachusetts Communities Action Network, Family Action Network Movement, National Haitian American Elected Officials Network, Institute for Justice and Development in Haiti, Mennonite Central Committee, Maryknoll Global Concerns, Quixote, and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee participated in a National Day of Action for Haiti on September 21. Charnette Frederic, chairperson of NHAEON, and Steven Benoît from the Montana Group joined in meetings with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other key Members of Congress.
Participants came from states and cities with large Haitian diaspora populations to demonstrate Haitian Americans’ political influence. They were able to meet with the offices of 33 Members of Congress, with seven face-to-face meetings with Representatives and Senators, including conversations directly with Senators Schumer, Booker, Cardin, and Markey, and senior staff for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Meetings included both Republican and Democratic Members of Congress, including staff for Senator Rubio (R-FL) and Reps. Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Lawler (R-NY), and Ryan (R-NY).
Each meeting focused on four concrete steps that Members of Congress can take to support the Haitian people during this crisis. These include:
- Help restore democracy in Haiti by ending U.S. support for the corrupt regime ruling Haiti and supporting a Haitian-led transition
Tell Secretary of State Antony Blinken to end U.S. support for the Henry regime and to support Haitian-led efforts to establish a transitional government actively. Henry has impeded the investigation into the assassination of Jovenel Moïse, failed to stop the spiral of violence destroying Port-au-Prince, undermined efforts by civil society and political leaders to craft a transition process to restore democracy and security, and has virtually no support from the Haitian people. - Help restore security in Haiti by passing the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act.
S. 396/H.R. 1684 requires the State Department to investigate and report on collusion between Haitian elites and violent gangs and impose sanctions on officials and private individuals supporting the gangs terrorizing Haitians. The full Senate must act on S. 396, and extraneous provisions added to H.R. 1684 must be removed. - Help fight rising hunger in Haiti by changing USAID’s approach to hunger in Haiti to support local Haitian farmers.
Over half of all Haitians face hunger due to the high cost of imported food and a decade of drought. Congress should use its appropriations, oversight, and legislative authority to change USAID’s approach to hunger and agriculture in Haiti to support small-scale farmers engaged in domestic production so that Haitians can feed themselves. An Open Letter to Congress on Haitian Food Sovereignty released this week spells out specific steps Congress can take through the Farm Bill and Appropriations process to align USAID agricultural programming in Haiti with the needs of Haitian farmers, - Halt deportations of Haitians and accelerate work permits for migrants who’ve received TPS and Humanitarian Parole.
Tell DHS and the White House to immediately stop deporting people to Haiti, given the extreme conditions in the country, and ask the Administration to accelerate the processing of work permits for Haitians who have received TPS or Humanitarian Parole and are often waiting more than a year to obtain work authorization.
An important outcome of the event was to build stronger connections between organizations in Massachusetts, Florida, New Jersey, and other states. Organizations that knew of each other but had not worked closely together were able to plan joint legislative visits. One next step is for the participants from each state to meet together and develop a plan to continue engaging their congressional delegations in support of Haitian-led solutions to Haiti’s overlapping crises.
A Way Forward in HaitiFaith in Action InternationalHaiti
#24 Restoring the Capacity of Haitians to Feed Themselves - OPODNE
January 26, 2023
· Gordon Whitman
· Faith in Action International News, Faith in Action Press Releases, Haiti
With hunger rising in Haiti, 300 grassroots leaders from the People’s Organization for the Development of Northeast Haiti (OPODNE) gathered in August 2022 to launch a campaign to fight hunger by supporting local Haitian farmers. Dozens of mayors, civic, religious, and community leaders signed onto OPODNE’s LET’S PLANT TODAY SO WE CAN FEED OURSELVES TOMORROW platform, which calls for providing farmer cooperatives with seeds, tools, irrigation, and technical assistance to adapt to climate change, so Haitians can feed themselves rather than being dependent on imported food.
Today, more than 5 million Haitians are going hungry because they can’t afford the price of imported food, while the land stays fallow. From March to May 2022, OPODNE surveyed 4,000 farmers in 22 localities about their experience and needs. From this listening process, OPODNE found that the most pressing issues are the inability to buy seeds, fertilizers, lack of water, and need for tools to make the land worthwhile to cultivate.
OPODNE launched its campaign, LET’S PLANT TODAY SO WE CAN FEED OURSELVES TOMORROW in August 2022 to organize stronger farmer cooperatives in communities across Northeast Haiti and equip local farmers with high-quality seeds, affordable tools, irrigation, and technical assistance from agronomist to help them adapt crops to climate change. With support from faith communities in the U.S., OPODNE is pressing USAID and foreign contractors in Haiti to change their approach to agriculture and hunger relief, to work through local farmers.
While OPODNE leaders are determined to get the government to work for ordinary people, they also used their August 2022 General Assembly to model and celebrate what accountable leadership looks like. In addition to signing the covenant, a team of leaders elected in each of 22 communities took an oath to serve their community, sang the national anthem, broke bread, and united in song.
Together OPODNE grassroots leaders are demonstrating the change Haiti urgently needs.
Gordon Whitman
· Gordon Whitman
· Faith in Action International News, Faith in Action Press Releases, Haiti
With hunger rising in Haiti, 300 grassroots leaders from the People’s Organization for the Development of Northeast Haiti (OPODNE) gathered in August 2022 to launch a campaign to fight hunger by supporting local Haitian farmers. Dozens of mayors, civic, religious, and community leaders signed onto OPODNE’s LET’S PLANT TODAY SO WE CAN FEED OURSELVES TOMORROW platform, which calls for providing farmer cooperatives with seeds, tools, irrigation, and technical assistance to adapt to climate change, so Haitians can feed themselves rather than being dependent on imported food.
Today, more than 5 million Haitians are going hungry because they can’t afford the price of imported food, while the land stays fallow. From March to May 2022, OPODNE surveyed 4,000 farmers in 22 localities about their experience and needs. From this listening process, OPODNE found that the most pressing issues are the inability to buy seeds, fertilizers, lack of water, and need for tools to make the land worthwhile to cultivate.
OPODNE launched its campaign, LET’S PLANT TODAY SO WE CAN FEED OURSELVES TOMORROW in August 2022 to organize stronger farmer cooperatives in communities across Northeast Haiti and equip local farmers with high-quality seeds, affordable tools, irrigation, and technical assistance from agronomist to help them adapt crops to climate change. With support from faith communities in the U.S., OPODNE is pressing USAID and foreign contractors in Haiti to change their approach to agriculture and hunger relief, to work through local farmers.
While OPODNE leaders are determined to get the government to work for ordinary people, they also used their August 2022 General Assembly to model and celebrate what accountable leadership looks like. In addition to signing the covenant, a team of leaders elected in each of 22 communities took an oath to serve their community, sang the national anthem, broke bread, and united in song.
Together OPODNE grassroots leaders are demonstrating the change Haiti urgently needs.
Gordon Whitman
#23 Haitian Diaspora and Allied Organizations Demand the Cancellation of the Discussion with Helen Lalime in Miami
To: Superintendent of the Miami-Dade Schools
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
1450 N.E. Second Avenue, Suite 912
Miami, Florida 33132
Dec 8, 2022
Dr. Jose L. Dotres,
It is with great shock and dismay that a flyer was brought to the attention of the Undersigned Organizations: “Haitian Diaspora Federation, Haiti Diaspora 360, Present, BINUH - United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti Mission, Informal Discussion… Special Guests: Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Haiti, Head of BINUH, Helen Ruth Meager La Lime'' at the North Miami Senior High School Auditorium in North Miami.
Such an initiative represents a slap in the face of Haitians at home and abroad. Ambassador Helen La Lime is the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General of Haiti since 2018, Leading the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).
While BINUH has been in effect in Haiti, we have seen the dissolution of the Haitian Parliament. We have seen women's rights leaders, journalists, the President of the Haitian Bar Association and other human rights figures, as well as a former President of the Republic, all assassinated, with no clear progress towards justice for those cases, more than one year later. During the mandate of BINUH, we have seen extremely violent gangs united to become a powerful federation called G-9, sparking unprecedented levels of violence, murder, serial rape / Gender Based Violence, kidnappings and other destructive activities.
There has been no adequate response from BINUH to any of these developments that have brought about pain and death to so many Haitian families. On the contrary, BINUH is on the record making the link between the federation of G-9 gangs in lower Port-au-Prince, and the subsequent decrease in criminality. This led many Haitian people to be shocked and in awe” upon learning of the Sept. 25, 2020 BINUH report, drafted by Amb. La Lime, which stated as much.
In October 2022, BINUH used the violent actions of gangs as a justification to request an armed international intervention into Haiti, strongly opposed by credible Haitian civic and opinion leaders, inside Haiti and in South Florida.
According to reports from former US Special Envoy to Haiti, Daniel Foote, international policy makers of the “Core Group” (led by the UN, and including the European Union, the Organization of American States OAS, and the governments of the US and Canada) are accused of interfering in the internal decision-making of Haiti’s political life, and contributing to an ongoing humanitarian disaster. He uses stinging expressions like “puppeteering”.
It is because of this legacy of destruction to the country of Haiti by international powers, and their lack of respect for the sovereignty of the Haitian people and their ability to decide their leaders and their country’s future, that we demand that the MDCPS not allow this event on its property. It is offensive, undignified, and indecent to the people of Haiti, offensive to the Haitian Diaspora, and offensive to persons who love justice.
The Haitian community leaders mobilized against a performance earlier this year scheduled at the Best of Haiti Music Festival, on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at the Little Haiti Cultural Center of former Haitian President Michel Martelly, citing Mr. Martelly as a security risk. He has been sued in a US Federal court by US plaintiffs for corruption charges in Haiti, and was recently sanctioned by the Canadian government for his role in financing gangs. The City of Miami authorities, after the outcry from the Haitian community, wisely took a stand. Mr. Martelly was ultimately banned from performing.
No publicly, tax supported institution should be used as a stage to promote already well-funded entities whose communications capacity provide ample other means to get their message out, yet whose policies have brought so much pain and despair to the people of Haiti. Based on BINUH’s track record in Haiti, this initiative, and the entity invited to speak, are not welcome in Miami Dade’s Haitian community, who would be outraged if a representative of BINUH were allowed to use a public school to promote their actions.
Yours sincerely,
[SIGNATORY ORGANIZATIONS]
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
1450 N.E. Second Avenue, Suite 912
Miami, Florida 33132
Dec 8, 2022
Dr. Jose L. Dotres,
It is with great shock and dismay that a flyer was brought to the attention of the Undersigned Organizations: “Haitian Diaspora Federation, Haiti Diaspora 360, Present, BINUH - United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti Mission, Informal Discussion… Special Guests: Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Haiti, Head of BINUH, Helen Ruth Meager La Lime'' at the North Miami Senior High School Auditorium in North Miami.
Such an initiative represents a slap in the face of Haitians at home and abroad. Ambassador Helen La Lime is the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General of Haiti since 2018, Leading the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).
While BINUH has been in effect in Haiti, we have seen the dissolution of the Haitian Parliament. We have seen women's rights leaders, journalists, the President of the Haitian Bar Association and other human rights figures, as well as a former President of the Republic, all assassinated, with no clear progress towards justice for those cases, more than one year later. During the mandate of BINUH, we have seen extremely violent gangs united to become a powerful federation called G-9, sparking unprecedented levels of violence, murder, serial rape / Gender Based Violence, kidnappings and other destructive activities.
There has been no adequate response from BINUH to any of these developments that have brought about pain and death to so many Haitian families. On the contrary, BINUH is on the record making the link between the federation of G-9 gangs in lower Port-au-Prince, and the subsequent decrease in criminality. This led many Haitian people to be shocked and in awe” upon learning of the Sept. 25, 2020 BINUH report, drafted by Amb. La Lime, which stated as much.
In October 2022, BINUH used the violent actions of gangs as a justification to request an armed international intervention into Haiti, strongly opposed by credible Haitian civic and opinion leaders, inside Haiti and in South Florida.
According to reports from former US Special Envoy to Haiti, Daniel Foote, international policy makers of the “Core Group” (led by the UN, and including the European Union, the Organization of American States OAS, and the governments of the US and Canada) are accused of interfering in the internal decision-making of Haiti’s political life, and contributing to an ongoing humanitarian disaster. He uses stinging expressions like “puppeteering”.
It is because of this legacy of destruction to the country of Haiti by international powers, and their lack of respect for the sovereignty of the Haitian people and their ability to decide their leaders and their country’s future, that we demand that the MDCPS not allow this event on its property. It is offensive, undignified, and indecent to the people of Haiti, offensive to the Haitian Diaspora, and offensive to persons who love justice.
The Haitian community leaders mobilized against a performance earlier this year scheduled at the Best of Haiti Music Festival, on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at the Little Haiti Cultural Center of former Haitian President Michel Martelly, citing Mr. Martelly as a security risk. He has been sued in a US Federal court by US plaintiffs for corruption charges in Haiti, and was recently sanctioned by the Canadian government for his role in financing gangs. The City of Miami authorities, after the outcry from the Haitian community, wisely took a stand. Mr. Martelly was ultimately banned from performing.
No publicly, tax supported institution should be used as a stage to promote already well-funded entities whose communications capacity provide ample other means to get their message out, yet whose policies have brought so much pain and despair to the people of Haiti. Based on BINUH’s track record in Haiti, this initiative, and the entity invited to speak, are not welcome in Miami Dade’s Haitian community, who would be outraged if a representative of BINUH were allowed to use a public school to promote their actions.
Yours sincerely,
[SIGNATORY ORGANIZATIONS]
#22 BAI - Atty. Mario Joseph, against international military intervention
MARIO JOSEPH, Atty., BAI - (Bureau des Avocats Internationaux) (click for website) MANAGING ATTORNEY,International Lawyers Office , has co-managed and managed the BAI since 1996, and has practiced human rights and criminal law since 1993. The New York Times called him, “Haiti’s most prominent human rights lawyer” in 2006. Mario spearheaded the prosecution of the Raboteau Massacre trial in 2000, one of the most significant human rights cases anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. He has represented dozens of jailed political prisoners, in Haitian courts and in complaints before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. In 2013, Mario was a finalist for the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders. In 2014, Mario and Brian Concannon were awarded the Salem Award for Human Rights and Social Justice. In 2009, Mr. Joseph received the Judith Lee Stronach Human Rights Award from the Center for Justice & Accountability and the Katherine and George Alexander Human Rights Prize from the University of Santa Clara Law School.Mario has testified as an expert on Haitian criminal procedure before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and in U.S. courts, and served on the Haitian government’s Law Reform Commission. Mr. Joseph is also an educator and a graduate of Haiti’s Teachers’ College. He has extensive experience teaching human rights and legal issues to grassroots advocacy organizations, human rights groups and victims’ organizations. Contact: [email protected]
Note: BAI is a partner with IJDH, Institute for Justice And Democracy in Haiti see: https://www.ijdh.org/about/
Tom Luce began working with the BAI in 2004 supporting human rights work in the Grand Ravine zone of Port-Au-Prince.
Atty. Mario Joseph. February 15, 2023
International Lawyers Office, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti
Dr. Carla Natalie Barnett
8th General secretary
Caribbean Community-CARICOM
Dr. Barnett:
We are writing to you regarding the armed international intervention in Haiti which was requested by Dr. Ariel Henry, the de facto Prime Minister of Haiti, and supported by the United States and Canada, to explain that any support for the Intervention by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) would violate CARICOM's democratic principles, betray the centuries-old struggle of Haitians for democracy and sovereignty, and implicate CARICOM in attacks on civilians exercising their basic human rights.
Since the intervention was proposed, Haitians have taken to the streets in their tens of thousands to oppose it. We have issued statements, spoken in the media and done everything we can to let the world know that the intervention is designed to support the unconstitutional, corrupt and repressive de facto government and stifle legitimate dissent.
De facto Prime Minister Henry took office not through the procedure required by the Haitian Constitution, but through an announcement by the US-led Core Group. He had been appointed by President Jovenel Moïse of the Parti Haïtien Tèt Kale (PHTK Bald Head Haitian Party), whose term had expired five months previously. The PHTK has not held fair or timely elections in the decade it has held power. The Haitian Parliament became inoperative in January 2020 and the terms of all local elected officials ended in July of the same year. The Court of Cassation (Supreme Court) of Haiti has not had the strength to constitute a quorum of five (5) Judges since March. This situation constitutes a sharp break with the right to a fair and open democratic system guaranteed by Article VI of the CARICOM Civil Society Charter.
The governance of PHTK has been obviously brutal. In April 2021, the Haitian Observatory of Crimes Against Humanity (OHCCH) and Harvard Law School released a report establishing that gangs and government officials have collaborated in deadly attacks on neighborhoods suspected of harboring political opponents. and voters opposed to the PHTK. During the current wave of protests, police have arrested dozens of activists engaged in legal protest activities and fired on legal demonstrations. Journalists have been beaten and killed. This repression constitutes serious violations of the rights guaranteed by Articles IV (Right to life, liberty and security of the person), VII (Assemblies, Demonstrations and Petitions) and VIII (Freedom of information and access to information) of the Civil Society Charter.
Throughout PHTK's rule, powerful members of the international community have refrained from criticizing the government's human rights record. In an exception that proves the rule, in early 2018 the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Haiti, Susan Page, issued a press release diplomatically urging the PHTK government to pursue notorious cases involving police killings and corruption. public. When President Moïse complained, Ambassador Page was removed from office, without any public support from the UN or any other member of the international community. At the same time, the same powerful members of the international community provided substantial diplomatic and financial support to the PHTK government. Haitians are convinced that the proposed intervention is an extension of this support, intended to protect the government against the massive protests demanding the departure of the PHTK and the return to democratic and constitutional order.
Haitians are well aware that the most recent international armed intervention to combat gang violence in Haiti, MINUSTAH, was a deadly and costly failure. MINUSTAH spent US$9 billion over thirteen years and left Haiti less democratic than when it arrived. MINUSTAH soldiers, under pressure from the United States, chased down suspected gang members – young men from working-class neighborhoods – and beat them, sometimes killing nearby women and children. The executions temporarily reduced crime, but undermined the rule of law and set the stage for the dramatic rebound in gang violence today. MINUSTAH further eroded the rule of law by illegally arresting dissidents and providing reinforcements for deadly police raids on political opponents.
The United Nations has also insulted the people of Haiti, caused enormous suffering and death, and flouted the rule of law by dumping cholera-tainted sewage into our rivers and refusing to comply with its legal obligations to repair the damage caused. Six years ago, UN human rights expert Philip Alston said the UN's response goes directly against the principles of accountability, transparency and the rule of thumb, a right that the UN itself promotes globally. The organization's continued failure to comply with its legal obligations today deprives it of any moral standing to promote the rule of law in Haiti.
The documented bad practices of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) during the PHTK regime and of the UN troops during the MINUSTAH mandate lead us to conclude that the proposed armed intervention will be involved in the repression of the legal activities and mobilizations for the Rights of Public Liberties and the summary execution of young men and boys in working-class neighborhoods.
We would be deeply saddened to see our CARICOM brothers and sisters come here to arbitrarily shoot, massacre and arrest protesters and support a repressive government at the behest of powerful countries that gained their status through the Atlantic slave trade. But Haitians have been fighting for freedom ever since we launched our revolution that spawned the first independent black republic. We will continue to fight with all the means at our disposal. Our sadness at the betrayal of our brothers and sisters in CARICOM, who have benefited so much from our struggle, would not diminish our resolve to defend our freedom against all who threaten it.
Haitians are grateful to CARICOM for providing the world with an example of principled support for Haitian democracy in 2004. As you know, following the February 29 coup, CARICOM refused to allow the unconstitutional government imposed by the United States to participate in large meetings. Despite substantial pressure from powerful countries now leading the initiative for armed intervention, CARICOM remained true to its principles and alongside the Haitian people, and ultimately helped force a return to democratic order in 2006.
The Haitian people are looking to CARICOM today to replicate the example the community set in 2004, not to betray it. We do not want our CARICOM brothers and sisters to come with arms to help powerful countries impose a repressive regime on us. We want our brothers and sisters to come in solidarity, respecting democratic principles. We want CARICOM to insist once again that the international community stop supporting an unconstitutional and imposed regime to allow Haitians to find a democratic and lasting solution to their political crisis.
In Solidarity,
Mario Joseph
November 4, 2022
International Lawyers Office, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti
Dr. Carla Natalie Barnett
8th General secretary
Caribbean Community-CARICOM
Dr. Barnett:
We are writing to you regarding the armed international intervention in Haiti which was requested by Dr. Ariel Henry, the de facto Prime Minister of Haiti, and supported by the United States and Canada, to explain that any support for the Intervention by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) would violate CARICOM's democratic principles, betray the centuries-old struggle of Haitians for democracy and sovereignty, and implicate CARICOM in attacks on civilians exercising their basic human rights.
Since the intervention was proposed, Haitians have taken to the streets in their tens of thousands to oppose it. We have issued statements, spoken in the media and done everything we can to let the world know that the intervention is designed to support the unconstitutional, corrupt and repressive de facto government and stifle legitimate dissent.
De facto Prime Minister Henry took office not through the procedure required by the Haitian Constitution, but through an announcement by the US-led Core Group. He had been appointed by President Jovenel Moïse of the Parti Haïtien Tèt Kale (PHTK Bald Head Haitian Party), whose term had expired five months previously. The PHTK has not held fair or timely elections in the decade it has held power. The Haitian Parliament became inoperative in January 2020 and the terms of all local elected officials ended in July of the same year. The Court of Cassation (Supreme Court) of Haiti has not had the strength to constitute a quorum of five (5) Judges since March. This situation constitutes a sharp break with the right to a fair and open democratic system guaranteed by Article VI of the CARICOM Civil Society Charter.
The governance of PHTK has been obviously brutal. In April 2021, the Haitian Observatory of Crimes Against Humanity (OHCCH) and Harvard Law School released a report establishing that gangs and government officials have collaborated in deadly attacks on neighborhoods suspected of harboring political opponents. and voters opposed to the PHTK. During the current wave of protests, police have arrested dozens of activists engaged in legal protest activities and fired on legal demonstrations. Journalists have been beaten and killed. This repression constitutes serious violations of the rights guaranteed by Articles IV (Right to life, liberty and security of the person), VII (Assemblies, Demonstrations and Petitions) and VIII (Freedom of information and access to information) of the Civil Society Charter.
Throughout PHTK's rule, powerful members of the international community have refrained from criticizing the government's human rights record. In an exception that proves the rule, in early 2018 the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Haiti, Susan Page, issued a press release diplomatically urging the PHTK government to pursue notorious cases involving police killings and corruption. public. When President Moïse complained, Ambassador Page was removed from office, without any public support from the UN or any other member of the international community. At the same time, the same powerful members of the international community provided substantial diplomatic and financial support to the PHTK government. Haitians are convinced that the proposed intervention is an extension of this support, intended to protect the government against the massive protests demanding the departure of the PHTK and the return to democratic and constitutional order.
Haitians are well aware that the most recent international armed intervention to combat gang violence in Haiti, MINUSTAH, was a deadly and costly failure. MINUSTAH spent US$9 billion over thirteen years and left Haiti less democratic than when it arrived. MINUSTAH soldiers, under pressure from the United States, chased down suspected gang members – young men from working-class neighborhoods – and beat them, sometimes killing nearby women and children. The executions temporarily reduced crime, but undermined the rule of law and set the stage for the dramatic rebound in gang violence today. MINUSTAH further eroded the rule of law by illegally arresting dissidents and providing reinforcements for deadly police raids on political opponents.
The United Nations has also insulted the people of Haiti, caused enormous suffering and death, and flouted the rule of law by dumping cholera-tainted sewage into our rivers and refusing to comply with its legal obligations to repair the damage caused. Six years ago, UN human rights expert Philip Alston said the UN's response goes directly against the principles of accountability, transparency and the rule of thumb, a right that the UN itself promotes globally. The organization's continued failure to comply with its legal obligations today deprives it of any moral standing to promote the rule of law in Haiti.
The documented bad practices of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) during the PHTK regime and of the UN troops during the MINUSTAH mandate lead us to conclude that the proposed armed intervention will be involved in the repression of the legal activities and mobilizations for the Rights of Public Liberties and the summary execution of young men and boys in working-class neighborhoods.
We would be deeply saddened to see our CARICOM brothers and sisters come here to arbitrarily shoot, massacre and arrest protesters and support a repressive government at the behest of powerful countries that gained their status through the Atlantic slave trade. But Haitians have been fighting for freedom ever since we launched our revolution that spawned the first independent black republic. We will continue to fight with all the means at our disposal. Our sadness at the betrayal of our brothers and sisters in CARICOM, who have benefited so much from our struggle, would not diminish our resolve to defend our freedom against all who threaten it.
Haitians are grateful to CARICOM for providing the world with an example of principled support for Haitian democracy in 2004. As you know, following the February 29 coup, CARICOM refused to allow the unconstitutional government imposed by the United States to participate in large meetings. Despite substantial pressure from powerful countries now leading the initiative for armed intervention, CARICOM remained true to its principles and alongside the Haitian people, and ultimately helped force a return to democratic order in 2006.
The Haitian people are looking to CARICOM today to replicate the example the community set in 2004, not to betray it. We do not want our CARICOM brothers and sisters to come with arms to help powerful countries impose a repressive regime on us. We want our brothers and sisters to come in solidarity, respecting democratic principles. We want CARICOM to insist once again that the international community stop supporting an unconstitutional and imposed regime to allow Haitians to find a democratic and lasting solution to their political crisis.
In Solidarity,
Mario Joseph
November 4, 2022
#21 "NHAEON" (Network of Haitian Americans Elected & Appointed Officials- nhaeon.org) opposes US proposed international military intervention.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Hon. Charnette Frederic, Chairwoman
2nd Vice President, Irvington New Jersey
Hon. Mary Estime-Irvin, Chair-Elect Vice Mayor, North Miami, Florida
Hon. Vanessa Joseph, Vice-chair City Clerk, North Miami, Florida
Hon. Sabrina Charles-Pierre, Secretary Vice-President, East Ramapo Central School, New York
Hon. Marie Woodson, Treasurer State Representative, Florida
Hon. Michael Joseph, Parliamentarian/Whip Commissioner, North Miami Beach, Florida
Hon. Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn, Historian Assembly Member, New York City, New York
CURRENT ELECTED MEMBERS
Hon. Christine Ellis, Council Member, Arizona
Hon. Junie Joseph, General Assembly, Colorado
Hon. Godfrey Azima, School Board Member, Connecticut
Hon. Diana Revolus, Council Member, Connecticut
Hon. Francise Jean-Louis, Commissioner, Connecticut
Hon Dr. Fred Pierre-Louis, Board Member, Connecticut
Hon. Claudette David, Commissioner, District of Columbia
Hon. Shelia Cherflius-McCormick, Congresswoman, Florida
Hon. Dotie Joseph, State Representative, Florida
Hon. Mack Bernard, County Commission, Florida
Hon. Marleine Bastien, County Commission, Florida
Hon. Alix Desulme, Mayor, Florida
Hon. Kassandra Timothe, Council Member, Florida
Hon. Samson Borgelin, Mayor, Florida
Hon. Regina Martin, City Commission, Florida
Hon. McKenzie Fleurimond, City Commission, Florida
Hon. Linda Julien, Council Member, Florida
Hon. Nancy Metayer, City Commission, Florida
Hon. Daniela Jean, City Commission, Florida
Hon. Donny Felix, Council Member, Florida
Hon. Reynold Dieuveille, Clerk Commissioner, Florida
Hon. Katia St. Fleur, Council Member, Florida
Hon. Antoine Darbouze, Council Member, Georgia
Hon. Lionel Laratte Commissioner, Georgia
Hon. Kwame Raoul, Attorney General, Illinois
Hon. M. Lynn Toussaint, College Board Trustee, Illinois
Hon. Kathleen J. Guillaume, Councilmember-At-Large, Maryland Hon. Dr. Natacha Clerger, Town Council Vice-President, Massachusetts
Hon. Vedna Heywood, School Board, Massachusetts
Hon. Gerly Adrien Councilor-At-Large, Massachusetts
Hon. Jean Senat Fleury, Council Member, Massachusetts
Hon. Eunice D. Zeigler, Council Member, Massachusetts
Hon. Andree Loudes Jean Jacques, Select Board, Massachusetts Hon. Wadner Oge, Town Meeting Member, Massachusetts
Hon. Jean Senat Fleury, Town Meeting Member, Massachusetts Hon. Jean Jeudy, State Representative, New Hampshire
Hon. Michelle Delisfort, Committee Member, New Jersey
Hon. Stanley Neron, School Board Member, New Jersey
Hon. Charlene Bathelus-Dorgely, School Board Member, New Jersey
Hon. Luis Antilus, School Board Member, New Jersey
Hon. Joseph Sylvain, School Board Member, New Jersey
Hon. Bergson Leneus, Council Member, New Jersey
Hon. Bertrand Louis, School Board Member, New Jersey
Hon. Sheila Etienne, School Board Member, New Jersey
Hon. Brianna Armstead, School Board Member, New Jersey
Hon. Michaelle C. Solages, State Assembly, New York
Hon. Clyde Vanel, State Assembly, New York
Hon. Kimberly Jean-Pierre, State Assembly, New York
Hon. Phara Souffrant Forrest, State Assembly, New York
Hon. Farah Louis, Council Member, New York
Hon. Mercedes Narcisse, Council Member, New York
Hon. Rita Joseph, Council Member, New York
Hon. Chi Osse, Council Member, New York
Hon. Zach Clerina, Village Board, New York
Hon. Ashley Leveille, School Board Member, New York
Hon. Jerry D. Jean-Pierre, School Board Member, New York Hon. Gamael Nassar, Councilor, Oregon
Hon. Carline Crevecoeur, School Board Member, Pennsylvania
To: The Honorable President Joe Biden President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500
The Honorable Anthony Blinken U.S. Secretary of State
2201 C St NW, Washington, DC 20528
OPEN LETTER
Dear President Biden and Secretary Blinken,
Date: September 22, 2023
The National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON) and FANM in Action write to strongly oppose your Administration’s proposed international military intervention in Haiti. Any military intervention supporting Haiti's corrupt, repressive, unelected regime will likely exacerbate its current political crisis to a catastrophic one. It will further entrench the regime, deepening Haiti’s political crisis while generating significant civilian casualties and migration pressure. If the U.S. is genuinely interested in stabilizing the political situation to avoid a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Haiti, it will start by ceasing to prop up the corrupt government and allow the emergence of a consensus transitional government with the legitimacy to decide how the international community can contribute.
The current unconstitutional de-facto government, led by Prime Minister Ariel Henry, has been ineffective and inept in governing and providing basic security to protect vulnerable Haitians. This regime has dismantled Haiti’s democratic structures while facilitating and conceding control of the country to many gang leaders. The PHTK governments did not run a fair or timely election. They have created a prevalent culture of corruption that deprives the government of the necessary funds to support the Haiti National Police and provide basic governmental services to the Haitian population. At least 21 Haitian officials linked to the PHTK Party face international sanctions for corruption or ongoing gang violence in Haiti. Harvard Law School and several Haitian human rights groups concluded in their 2021 study that many Haitian government officials have colluded with allied gangs to attack opposition neighborhoods, and their constant attacks have contributed significantly to widespread and politically motivated gang violence that constitutes crimes against humanity. For example, many gangs are currently operating in Haiti and controlling the country with the support of PHTK officials. The gang operations have displaced over 150,000 people due to their constant violence. PHTK corruption has looted Haiti’s entire economy: inflation hasexceeded 20% for three years, and over half of all Haitians face hunger, including over 100,000 children facing severe malnutrition. As a result, many capable and vulnerable Haitians are fleeing
the country to avoid political persecution.
A letter (an article in French, click here to download a translation) from at least 60 Haitian organizations and individuals to the African Union urges the rejection of the de-facto regime’s call for assistance from the international community to send foreign forces to Haiti. Many Haitians oppose any foreign intervention, and such a proposal is unlikely to gain any popular support to pursue gangs entrenched in neighborhoods affiliated with the de-facto regime. They will likely engage in significant firefights in hostile, densely-packed urban neighborhoods, leading to significant civilian casualties. (Click to see video, "It Stays With You" about the deadly UN legacy in Cité Soleil, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti.)
The U.S. must immediately stop propping up the unconstitutional de facto regime to stabilize Haiti’s current political crisis and encourage the building of a consensus government to move Haiti toward embracing a democratic process. Dr. Ariel Henry came to power not through a democratic process but through a declaration by the Core Group, which the U.S leads. The State Department insists that Dr. Henry must be part of any transitional government. Dr. Henry has used the U.S.’s indifference to clinch power and continues to veto any proposed consensus to create an inclusive transitional government without him. The State Department continues to promote Dr. Henry’s December 21 Accord as a viable path forward, even though not a single political party won more than 1% in the last elections, and the accord is broadly rejected as another unconstitutional power grab for the PHTK. If your Administration were to withdraw its support for Dr. Henry, he would have been forced to negotiate with Haitian civil society and other groups toward a peaceful solution to Haiti’s current political crisis.
We are confident that, given a chance, our brothers and sisters in Haiti will come together to develop a solution to the political crisis. Over the past three years, groups across the spectrum have gathered, often putting long-running political disagreements aside, to agree on practical, promising plans for a transitional government. But each time, the de facto authorities defeat the promising effort by refusing any compromise.
In addition to ceasing to prop up the current regime, your administration can contribute to security in Haiti by blocking arms shipments to Haiti and enforcing accountability for weapons traffickers and those profiteering from the violence in Haiti. Haiti does not manufacture guns and ammunition, but they originate from the U.S. and continue to destroy many lives, including U.S. Citizens. We strongly urge your Administration to effectively investigate armed trafficking to Haiti and provide more resources to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrols to inspect cargo leaving the United States to Haiti.
In summary, these are the actions for your administration:
NHAEON and FANM in Action thank you for your prompt consideration of our requests. Although Haiti’s problems are complex, we are confident that the country can immediately begin its journey back to the democratic process with your genuine support. We look forward to working with your Administration to help change the trajectory of Haiti’s political situation in both the long and short terms.
Sincerely,
Charnette Frederic Chairwoman NHAEON
Marleine Bastien Executive Director FANM in Action
About NHAEON:
NHAEON is the largest network of Haitian American Elected & Appointed Officials organization in the US. Our members represent millions of constituents all across the nation. NHAEON members are dedicated to supporting domestic policies, legislation & issues affecting Haitians living in the United States. NHAEON is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization that Engages Haitian Americans in the political process andamplifies our communities’ voices by enhancing Haitians’ lives through the advancement of civic engagement, social justice, equality, and equity.
1320 North Pine Hills Road | Orlando, Florida 32808 | Office: 407-505-4310 | E: [email protected]
NHAEON.ORG
About FANM in Action:
FANM in Action is a 501C4 organization. FANM in Action's mission is to work toward an inclusive, equitable, and just society for all. We train, educate, organize and mobilize grassroots citizens from the bottom up. We give them the tools to contribute to their own transformation, enfranchisement, and liberation. We encourage individual participation by citizens in political decisions and policies that impact their lives.
Contact us at [email protected] or call 954-851-2525.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Hon. Charnette Frederic, Chairwoman
2nd Vice President, Irvington New Jersey
Hon. Mary Estime-Irvin, Chair-Elect Vice Mayor, North Miami, Florida
Hon. Vanessa Joseph, Vice-chair City Clerk, North Miami, Florida
Hon. Sabrina Charles-Pierre, Secretary Vice-President, East Ramapo Central School, New York
Hon. Marie Woodson, Treasurer State Representative, Florida
Hon. Michael Joseph, Parliamentarian/Whip Commissioner, North Miami Beach, Florida
Hon. Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn, Historian Assembly Member, New York City, New York
CURRENT ELECTED MEMBERS
Hon. Christine Ellis, Council Member, Arizona
Hon. Junie Joseph, General Assembly, Colorado
Hon. Godfrey Azima, School Board Member, Connecticut
Hon. Diana Revolus, Council Member, Connecticut
Hon. Francise Jean-Louis, Commissioner, Connecticut
Hon Dr. Fred Pierre-Louis, Board Member, Connecticut
Hon. Claudette David, Commissioner, District of Columbia
Hon. Shelia Cherflius-McCormick, Congresswoman, Florida
Hon. Dotie Joseph, State Representative, Florida
Hon. Mack Bernard, County Commission, Florida
Hon. Marleine Bastien, County Commission, Florida
Hon. Alix Desulme, Mayor, Florida
Hon. Kassandra Timothe, Council Member, Florida
Hon. Samson Borgelin, Mayor, Florida
Hon. Regina Martin, City Commission, Florida
Hon. McKenzie Fleurimond, City Commission, Florida
Hon. Linda Julien, Council Member, Florida
Hon. Nancy Metayer, City Commission, Florida
Hon. Daniela Jean, City Commission, Florida
Hon. Donny Felix, Council Member, Florida
Hon. Reynold Dieuveille, Clerk Commissioner, Florida
Hon. Katia St. Fleur, Council Member, Florida
Hon. Antoine Darbouze, Council Member, Georgia
Hon. Lionel Laratte Commissioner, Georgia
Hon. Kwame Raoul, Attorney General, Illinois
Hon. M. Lynn Toussaint, College Board Trustee, Illinois
Hon. Kathleen J. Guillaume, Councilmember-At-Large, Maryland Hon. Dr. Natacha Clerger, Town Council Vice-President, Massachusetts
Hon. Vedna Heywood, School Board, Massachusetts
Hon. Gerly Adrien Councilor-At-Large, Massachusetts
Hon. Jean Senat Fleury, Council Member, Massachusetts
Hon. Eunice D. Zeigler, Council Member, Massachusetts
Hon. Andree Loudes Jean Jacques, Select Board, Massachusetts Hon. Wadner Oge, Town Meeting Member, Massachusetts
Hon. Jean Senat Fleury, Town Meeting Member, Massachusetts Hon. Jean Jeudy, State Representative, New Hampshire
Hon. Michelle Delisfort, Committee Member, New Jersey
Hon. Stanley Neron, School Board Member, New Jersey
Hon. Charlene Bathelus-Dorgely, School Board Member, New Jersey
Hon. Luis Antilus, School Board Member, New Jersey
Hon. Joseph Sylvain, School Board Member, New Jersey
Hon. Bergson Leneus, Council Member, New Jersey
Hon. Bertrand Louis, School Board Member, New Jersey
Hon. Sheila Etienne, School Board Member, New Jersey
Hon. Brianna Armstead, School Board Member, New Jersey
Hon. Michaelle C. Solages, State Assembly, New York
Hon. Clyde Vanel, State Assembly, New York
Hon. Kimberly Jean-Pierre, State Assembly, New York
Hon. Phara Souffrant Forrest, State Assembly, New York
Hon. Farah Louis, Council Member, New York
Hon. Mercedes Narcisse, Council Member, New York
Hon. Rita Joseph, Council Member, New York
Hon. Chi Osse, Council Member, New York
Hon. Zach Clerina, Village Board, New York
Hon. Ashley Leveille, School Board Member, New York
Hon. Jerry D. Jean-Pierre, School Board Member, New York Hon. Gamael Nassar, Councilor, Oregon
Hon. Carline Crevecoeur, School Board Member, Pennsylvania
To: The Honorable President Joe Biden President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500
The Honorable Anthony Blinken U.S. Secretary of State
2201 C St NW, Washington, DC 20528
OPEN LETTER
Dear President Biden and Secretary Blinken,
Date: September 22, 2023
The National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON) and FANM in Action write to strongly oppose your Administration’s proposed international military intervention in Haiti. Any military intervention supporting Haiti's corrupt, repressive, unelected regime will likely exacerbate its current political crisis to a catastrophic one. It will further entrench the regime, deepening Haiti’s political crisis while generating significant civilian casualties and migration pressure. If the U.S. is genuinely interested in stabilizing the political situation to avoid a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Haiti, it will start by ceasing to prop up the corrupt government and allow the emergence of a consensus transitional government with the legitimacy to decide how the international community can contribute.
The current unconstitutional de-facto government, led by Prime Minister Ariel Henry, has been ineffective and inept in governing and providing basic security to protect vulnerable Haitians. This regime has dismantled Haiti’s democratic structures while facilitating and conceding control of the country to many gang leaders. The PHTK governments did not run a fair or timely election. They have created a prevalent culture of corruption that deprives the government of the necessary funds to support the Haiti National Police and provide basic governmental services to the Haitian population. At least 21 Haitian officials linked to the PHTK Party face international sanctions for corruption or ongoing gang violence in Haiti. Harvard Law School and several Haitian human rights groups concluded in their 2021 study that many Haitian government officials have colluded with allied gangs to attack opposition neighborhoods, and their constant attacks have contributed significantly to widespread and politically motivated gang violence that constitutes crimes against humanity. For example, many gangs are currently operating in Haiti and controlling the country with the support of PHTK officials. The gang operations have displaced over 150,000 people due to their constant violence. PHTK corruption has looted Haiti’s entire economy: inflation hasexceeded 20% for three years, and over half of all Haitians face hunger, including over 100,000 children facing severe malnutrition. As a result, many capable and vulnerable Haitians are fleeing
the country to avoid political persecution.
A letter (an article in French, click here to download a translation) from at least 60 Haitian organizations and individuals to the African Union urges the rejection of the de-facto regime’s call for assistance from the international community to send foreign forces to Haiti. Many Haitians oppose any foreign intervention, and such a proposal is unlikely to gain any popular support to pursue gangs entrenched in neighborhoods affiliated with the de-facto regime. They will likely engage in significant firefights in hostile, densely-packed urban neighborhoods, leading to significant civilian casualties. (Click to see video, "It Stays With You" about the deadly UN legacy in Cité Soleil, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti.)
The U.S. must immediately stop propping up the unconstitutional de facto regime to stabilize Haiti’s current political crisis and encourage the building of a consensus government to move Haiti toward embracing a democratic process. Dr. Ariel Henry came to power not through a democratic process but through a declaration by the Core Group, which the U.S leads. The State Department insists that Dr. Henry must be part of any transitional government. Dr. Henry has used the U.S.’s indifference to clinch power and continues to veto any proposed consensus to create an inclusive transitional government without him. The State Department continues to promote Dr. Henry’s December 21 Accord as a viable path forward, even though not a single political party won more than 1% in the last elections, and the accord is broadly rejected as another unconstitutional power grab for the PHTK. If your Administration were to withdraw its support for Dr. Henry, he would have been forced to negotiate with Haitian civil society and other groups toward a peaceful solution to Haiti’s current political crisis.
We are confident that, given a chance, our brothers and sisters in Haiti will come together to develop a solution to the political crisis. Over the past three years, groups across the spectrum have gathered, often putting long-running political disagreements aside, to agree on practical, promising plans for a transitional government. But each time, the de facto authorities defeat the promising effort by refusing any compromise.
In addition to ceasing to prop up the current regime, your administration can contribute to security in Haiti by blocking arms shipments to Haiti and enforcing accountability for weapons traffickers and those profiteering from the violence in Haiti. Haiti does not manufacture guns and ammunition, but they originate from the U.S. and continue to destroy many lives, including U.S. Citizens. We strongly urge your Administration to effectively investigate armed trafficking to Haiti and provide more resources to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrols to inspect cargo leaving the United States to Haiti.
In summary, these are the actions for your administration:
- ● No military intervention and/or UN led mission in Haiti
- ● Withdraw support for the De Facto Dr. Ariel Henry Regime
- ● Support the Establishment of a Legitimate Transitional Government
- ● Block and investigate arms shipments to Haiti
NHAEON and FANM in Action thank you for your prompt consideration of our requests. Although Haiti’s problems are complex, we are confident that the country can immediately begin its journey back to the democratic process with your genuine support. We look forward to working with your Administration to help change the trajectory of Haiti’s political situation in both the long and short terms.
Sincerely,
Charnette Frederic Chairwoman NHAEON
Marleine Bastien Executive Director FANM in Action
About NHAEON:
NHAEON is the largest network of Haitian American Elected & Appointed Officials organization in the US. Our members represent millions of constituents all across the nation. NHAEON members are dedicated to supporting domestic policies, legislation & issues affecting Haitians living in the United States. NHAEON is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization that Engages Haitian Americans in the political process andamplifies our communities’ voices by enhancing Haitians’ lives through the advancement of civic engagement, social justice, equality, and equity.
1320 North Pine Hills Road | Orlando, Florida 32808 | Office: 407-505-4310 | E: [email protected]
NHAEON.ORG
About FANM in Action:
FANM in Action is a 501C4 organization. FANM in Action's mission is to work toward an inclusive, equitable, and just society for all. We train, educate, organize and mobilize grassroots citizens from the bottom up. We give them the tools to contribute to their own transformation, enfranchisement, and liberation. We encourage individual participation by citizens in political decisions and policies that impact their lives.
Contact us at [email protected] or call 954-851-2525.
#20 "Haiti Rising From The Ashes!" by Tom Luce June 27, 2023
HAITI RISING FROM THE ASHES. By Tom Luce
I am writing from my personal experience in Haiti. What I propose is not endorsed by HHE, but is meant to be informational and a source for helping those interested to respond to the crisis in Haiti that profoundly affects the lives of the children we are helping to educate and their families. HHE itself is not expected to get involved directly in the task of helping Haiti rise from the ashes,but I want to share my long experience as things continue to get worse every day for the citizens of Haiti. I've suggested ways to help as HHE, like signing on to petitions, etc. I now want to offer more in depth knowledge of what is happening in Haiti and ways some of you may want to do more. HHE is not expected to get involved beyond supporting our scholarship program. 6/27/23
"Haiti is in crisis After more than ten years of rule by a corrupt, violent, U.S.-backed regime the country's government has essentially collapsed. Gangs –operating with the support of politicians and elites–control many regions of the country, terrorizing civilians with kidnappings and massacres of entire communities. This gang rule has led to shortages of food water and fuel, and a spreading cholera outbreak. The situation is dire." American Jewish World Service 12/15/
I believe Haiti can rise from the ashes of all it has endured since overthrowing slavery in 1803 that involves being undermined continuously by the international community, particularly France and the US, the imposition of dictatorships, the overthrow of legitimate, democratically elected leaders, economic embargoes, foreign interference, earthquakes, famines, to name a few.
But to rise from the ashes, it has to be governed by Haitians– not by the elites supported by the U.S. in these last 10+ years. HHE has experienced the latest severe disorganization of Haitian life in the ways education has been severely disrupted.
In my work for Haitian human rights and as a member of HHE and St. Columba Parish I have been closely connected to Faith-in-Action and their work in Haiti -Faith In Action-International-Haiti/ - that has engaged since 2014 an approach that has a proven record in helping Haitians rise out of the ashes of hundreds of years of oppression . I will be giving detailed information--including some ACTION work in Section B Below.
I began working on human rights in Haiti in the Spring of 2004 when I traveled to Haiti to learn the effects of the United States supported ouster of Pres. Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the first democratically elected Haitian President. See my human rights website - HURAH. (Human Rights Accompaniment in Haiti).
My conclusions arrived at with others on this mission were:
The structures Pres. Aristide had begun to create– a democratic, social justice, public education oriented government–were opposed by the elite, authoritarian systems including major countries like the U.S. Aristide was concerned with development of a different, social justice oriented government before he was elected as the first democratically elected president. Check out Wikipedia1 Wikipedia2 Wikipedia3 His ouster was denounced as a foreign controlled coup d'état. Click here: Democracy Now's Amy Goodman interview with Aristide.
My earlier human rights work through 2004-2010 was with a human rights group-AUMOHD - in the most impoverished sections of the capital–Gran Ravine and Martissant, where St. Bernadette is the Catholic parish that runs HHE's schools. We established non-violent, non-partisan Community Human Rights Councils/CHRC to deal especially with the street youth who were being arrested and otherwise maltreated.
Although my first decade in Haiti was tarnished with much violence due to the removal of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide with the U.S. support, it seems that now Haiti has been sunk into deeper chaos and violence. In my early years I was aware of tremendous violence: 8,000 murdered, 35,000 rapes, Click VIOLENCE for a report dealing with the statistics of this violence. And click ARISTIDE's RETURN for more information about relations between Aristide and the U.S. People who knew the Duvalier regime and his violence say that now is worse than those years.
In spite of these conditions the Haitian people are organizing at many levels and in different but complementary ways to confront the violence out of the deep belief that Haitians can find their own solutions and rise from the ashes of destruction. These are solutions embodied in the ground level development of leadership by the Faith in Action International-Haiti project. Below I attempt to present an overview of the four major initiatives taking place and the people involved in them.
SECTION A. HAITIAN ACTORS/FORCES – Claims and Limitations.
1. MPA-Montana/Pen Accord, country-wide organization for reconstruction of a democratic Haiti.
YES BUT!
2.HHCT - High Council of Transition, Acting Prime Minister Henry's plan. NO!
3.Gangs - controlling much of the capital and other parts of Haiti. NO!
4. BWA KALE - (Creole, "weaponized wood"),"Get your weapons!" a cry calling citizens to get their weapons and kill gangsters NO!
SECTION A
Haiti Rising from the Ashes: Actors and Forces for Change
There are four Haitian forces involved in some way in the rebuilding of Haiti.They are not cooperating. And the support of the U.S. for the past two presidents and the current illegitimate Acting Prime Minister, Dr. Henry, has continued support for the failing party - Bald Head (PHTK), even after the assassination of President Moïse.
I am offering an overview of the groups that currently that are vying to control the future of Haiti with my informed judgement of whether we should support or encourage The US government to support them.
1a. MONTANA-PEN ACCORD: This Accord is the result of the work of a country-wide organization including peasants to restructure Haiti with a democratic value system. Click MPA to read original; click PEN to see how PEN brought a strong political force to MPA. At this point MPA is still organized and promoting a redemption process, but with the U.S. publicly backing Acting PM Henry, there is no substantial support from the U.S government for the MPA Accord. However, the U.S. Ghas recognized that groups like Faith-in Action-Haiti promote MPA. *See FIAI-H in Section B.
1-b. Urgent Civil Society Appeal/UCSA: NO! This group of 9 well-known human rights organizations has issued an "Appeal" to international stakeholders with specific approaches to a "Haitian" restoration of democracy. I have worked with several of these groups and some of them are sign-ons to MPA, but it is not clear that all the groups support MPA. Achieving unity is a challenge. They have not organized as an action group like MPA. Click UCSA for their appeal.
2. HHCT-High Council of Transition: NO! Acting PM Henry's planThe Acting PM Henry has called for international troops to come support his government. But the failing regime he came from – supported by the U.S. and OAS (American States) –has failed miserably to control any government action to stop violence. His "official" group–HHCT– would use the failed administration's approach with the elites and no support of the vast majority. HHCT has only 3 members appointed by Acting PM Henry. Of late there has been serious division within the Henry organization. And there is growing resistance to Henry in the country. See above in introduction to Section A about the wife of assassinated President wanting Henry to be replaced. "new Prime Minister and a government of consensus." (article in French). Check out this "Hill" Article about the 100 organizations calling for his removal.
3. Gangs+ NO! Gangs including those supported by elites have taken over control of most of the capital. A large amount of financing and arms come from partisans in the U.S. Click here for a Georgetown University Article. Click PBS NEWSalso.
4. BWA KALE NO! Creole expression, "weaponize your wood," pronounced, bwah kalay is "Get your weapons," a challenge yelling used by civilian citizen groups who want to capture and kill gang members who have violated neighborhoods. In April there was a large group of gang members captured and killed. Wood weapons were not used, but metal knives. Obviously this is not an HRFA? project, but understandable with the total lack of government control of the gangs. Check World Politics Review for a critique.
SECTION B International Forces
1.FIAI-H YES!
2.NHAEON "National Haitian American Elected Officials Network" YES!
3. U.S. YES, BUT!
4. CARICOM NO!
SECTION B
HAITI RISING FROM THE ASHES: INTERNATIONAL ACTORS/FORCES
Traditional political thinkers have long hoped that bringing in international groups/nations – the UN mainly – to stop the violence would pave the road for restoring order in Haiti and achieving a functioning democracy. So far, though, the rejection by a majority of Haitians of bringing in armed forces has been accepted by the U.S. and Canada even though the Acting PM Henry--from the long line of US backed failed politicians– has called for this help. The historical memory tells us that all the military interventions have led to disaster, including the introduction of cholera to Haiti, degradation of the environment as well as abuse of and trafficking of women and girls. Guns are not conducive to civic participation and freedom of expression.
1. FIAI-H/Faith In Action International-Haiti. This on the ground organization, from my perspective, has the most to offer in positively helping Haiti rise from the ashes over 200 years of oppression and interference by outsiders, governments as well as the military. I describe this organization, founded in 1972, whose founder, Father John Baumann, is still active as its International Director, and lives here in Oakland. (Click for Bio. Fr. John Bauman) I have personally been involved with Faith In Action, Pico originally–Pacific Institute For Community Organization– in Boston and Vermont. HHE is a partner through its membership in FIAI-H. YES!
AN OVERVIEW:
1. FIA-National: 50 faith-based community organizations in over 150 cities in 21 states.
2. FIA-International has three international locations,
a. Haiti,
b. El Salvador plus other Latin American countries,
and Rwanda. Through these inter-faith, multi-ethnic, grass roots groups, more than a million families are involved in the work of community organizing, of identifying the needs of their communities, of finding their voices and of developing strategies to solve the problems they are faced with that are based on justice and full participation of the community. I believe that their approach can be the way Haiti rises from the ashes to a way of life that serves the needs of all. The very nature of this empowerment addresses the problem of systemic racism
Faith In Action International-Haiti-FIAI-H Yes is a strong, democracy promoting organization. What they have produced in the North of Haiti certainly provides models of action so HAITI MAY RISE FROM ASHES! It promotes organization for equality from the bottom up and among communities. And they are providing interaction among Haitian groups in the U.S.(Diaspora) and abroad for gaining support to pressure the U.S. in the correct way for redemption.
FIAI-H has developed a top-notch community based project--OPODNE/Interfaith Organization To Develop North Haiti –and also has been pulling Haitian diaspora groups to support HRFA? Check out "A Way Forward" that details the three critical ingredients to a reorganization by FIAI-H The three critical steps to HRFA? include
1. bottom up community organizing
2. building a powerful diaspora voice,
3. reshaping U.S. development and foreign policy.
"Faith In Action International"- FIAI is a global movement of people of faith and compassion organizing for social change from the bottom up. We're working together to create a world in which every person has access to clean water, good schools, health care, decent jobs, and a say over the decisions that shape their lives.
Faith in Action's mission has remained constant for the past 50 years—to develop grassroots leaders who exercise the power needed to build a more just and equitable society.” Click here for all the history and plans of FIA- FIAI
ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE!
3. UNITED STATES INVOLVEMENT. YES, BUT! I want to make clear that in my judgment the U.S.– going back to the removal of Pres. Aristide and then lobbying successfully for the "Bald Head-PHTK" party which has brought this current violent disorder– has been a major cause of HAITI'S DISASTER. I've personally worked in Guatemala and Nicaragua where U.S. dominance has caused much disorder--a big reason for the crowds of asylum seekers at our southern border. The U.S. goal may have had ideals of democracy in these relationships but in fact the US succeeded in killing the ideals of democracy, especially in Haiti.
The U.S. should not be supporting the illegal Acting Prime Minister Henry. Along with the OAS, the U.S. has recognized Henry until the present, basically continuing to support a completely failed government. The U.S. should be supporting a Haitian solution, peaceful, democratic, and equitable. The only existing Haitian plan and organization for such an interim government is the -MPA-Montana-Pen Accord. See again FIAI-H's promotion of Montana-Pen Accord: FIAI-H The HHCT plan of Mr.Henry --illegal Prime Minister–I have criticized above, represents an another elite process that brought Haiti to the hell it is in now.
Financial Aid: yes, $$ is important, if it is distributed to groups that promote a democratic structure– like the FIAI-H that its Haitian members are pursuing.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT ACTIONS ARE TAKING PLACE NOW?
4. CARICOM ASSEMBLY, JUNE 10,11,12, 2023 - NO! As a member of Caricom (Caribbean nations), Haiti has been a concern for Caricom. Finally an assembly was scheduled for June 10,11,12 this year. All interested stakeholders including Acting PM Henry and the MPA were invited to come and work out a cooperative solution to the Haiti crisis. Henry came and refused to admit that he would accept a "cooperative" solution and then he left. Members of his HHCT didn't even attend! The Caricom Assembly failed. Click for article from the CEPR, Center For Economic and Policy Research
I am writing from my personal experience in Haiti. What I propose is not endorsed by HHE, but is meant to be informational and a source for helping those interested to respond to the crisis in Haiti that profoundly affects the lives of the children we are helping to educate and their families. HHE itself is not expected to get involved directly in the task of helping Haiti rise from the ashes,but I want to share my long experience as things continue to get worse every day for the citizens of Haiti. I've suggested ways to help as HHE, like signing on to petitions, etc. I now want to offer more in depth knowledge of what is happening in Haiti and ways some of you may want to do more. HHE is not expected to get involved beyond supporting our scholarship program. 6/27/23
"Haiti is in crisis After more than ten years of rule by a corrupt, violent, U.S.-backed regime the country's government has essentially collapsed. Gangs –operating with the support of politicians and elites–control many regions of the country, terrorizing civilians with kidnappings and massacres of entire communities. This gang rule has led to shortages of food water and fuel, and a spreading cholera outbreak. The situation is dire." American Jewish World Service 12/15/
I believe Haiti can rise from the ashes of all it has endured since overthrowing slavery in 1803 that involves being undermined continuously by the international community, particularly France and the US, the imposition of dictatorships, the overthrow of legitimate, democratically elected leaders, economic embargoes, foreign interference, earthquakes, famines, to name a few.
But to rise from the ashes, it has to be governed by Haitians– not by the elites supported by the U.S. in these last 10+ years. HHE has experienced the latest severe disorganization of Haitian life in the ways education has been severely disrupted.
In my work for Haitian human rights and as a member of HHE and St. Columba Parish I have been closely connected to Faith-in-Action and their work in Haiti -Faith In Action-International-Haiti/ - that has engaged since 2014 an approach that has a proven record in helping Haitians rise out of the ashes of hundreds of years of oppression . I will be giving detailed information--including some ACTION work in Section B Below.
I began working on human rights in Haiti in the Spring of 2004 when I traveled to Haiti to learn the effects of the United States supported ouster of Pres. Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the first democratically elected Haitian President. See my human rights website - HURAH. (Human Rights Accompaniment in Haiti).
My conclusions arrived at with others on this mission were:
The structures Pres. Aristide had begun to create– a democratic, social justice, public education oriented government–were opposed by the elite, authoritarian systems including major countries like the U.S. Aristide was concerned with development of a different, social justice oriented government before he was elected as the first democratically elected president. Check out Wikipedia1 Wikipedia2 Wikipedia3 His ouster was denounced as a foreign controlled coup d'état. Click here: Democracy Now's Amy Goodman interview with Aristide.
My earlier human rights work through 2004-2010 was with a human rights group-AUMOHD - in the most impoverished sections of the capital–Gran Ravine and Martissant, where St. Bernadette is the Catholic parish that runs HHE's schools. We established non-violent, non-partisan Community Human Rights Councils/CHRC to deal especially with the street youth who were being arrested and otherwise maltreated.
Although my first decade in Haiti was tarnished with much violence due to the removal of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide with the U.S. support, it seems that now Haiti has been sunk into deeper chaos and violence. In my early years I was aware of tremendous violence: 8,000 murdered, 35,000 rapes, Click VIOLENCE for a report dealing with the statistics of this violence. And click ARISTIDE's RETURN for more information about relations between Aristide and the U.S. People who knew the Duvalier regime and his violence say that now is worse than those years.
In spite of these conditions the Haitian people are organizing at many levels and in different but complementary ways to confront the violence out of the deep belief that Haitians can find their own solutions and rise from the ashes of destruction. These are solutions embodied in the ground level development of leadership by the Faith in Action International-Haiti project. Below I attempt to present an overview of the four major initiatives taking place and the people involved in them.
SECTION A. HAITIAN ACTORS/FORCES – Claims and Limitations.
1. MPA-Montana/Pen Accord, country-wide organization for reconstruction of a democratic Haiti.
YES BUT!
2.HHCT - High Council of Transition, Acting Prime Minister Henry's plan. NO!
3.Gangs - controlling much of the capital and other parts of Haiti. NO!
4. BWA KALE - (Creole, "weaponized wood"),"Get your weapons!" a cry calling citizens to get their weapons and kill gangsters NO!
SECTION A
Haiti Rising from the Ashes: Actors and Forces for Change
There are four Haitian forces involved in some way in the rebuilding of Haiti.They are not cooperating. And the support of the U.S. for the past two presidents and the current illegitimate Acting Prime Minister, Dr. Henry, has continued support for the failing party - Bald Head (PHTK), even after the assassination of President Moïse.
- This party failed to hold important elections in the last ten years. Due to no elections for President or other chief positions such as the supreme court there are few elected officer working any more.
- Dr. Henry has continued a leadership and power vacuum that has failed the country and allowed gangs to take over even while acting to prepare for elections. In many areas of the country where gangs are in control there is no safety. His plan for rebuilding the country, HHCT - "High Council of Transition", is not constructed in a productive way and is not supported by the majority of citizens and civic groups.
- Even Mrs. Martine Moïse, wife of President Jovenel who was assassinated on 0 7/23/2021 is in favor of a "new Prime Minister and a government of consensus." (article in French).
I am offering an overview of the groups that currently that are vying to control the future of Haiti with my informed judgement of whether we should support or encourage The US government to support them.
1a. MONTANA-PEN ACCORD: This Accord is the result of the work of a country-wide organization including peasants to restructure Haiti with a democratic value system. Click MPA to read original; click PEN to see how PEN brought a strong political force to MPA. At this point MPA is still organized and promoting a redemption process, but with the U.S. publicly backing Acting PM Henry, there is no substantial support from the U.S government for the MPA Accord. However, the U.S. Ghas recognized that groups like Faith-in Action-Haiti promote MPA. *See FIAI-H in Section B.
1-b. Urgent Civil Society Appeal/UCSA: NO! This group of 9 well-known human rights organizations has issued an "Appeal" to international stakeholders with specific approaches to a "Haitian" restoration of democracy. I have worked with several of these groups and some of them are sign-ons to MPA, but it is not clear that all the groups support MPA. Achieving unity is a challenge. They have not organized as an action group like MPA. Click UCSA for their appeal.
2. HHCT-High Council of Transition: NO! Acting PM Henry's planThe Acting PM Henry has called for international troops to come support his government. But the failing regime he came from – supported by the U.S. and OAS (American States) –has failed miserably to control any government action to stop violence. His "official" group–HHCT– would use the failed administration's approach with the elites and no support of the vast majority. HHCT has only 3 members appointed by Acting PM Henry. Of late there has been serious division within the Henry organization. And there is growing resistance to Henry in the country. See above in introduction to Section A about the wife of assassinated President wanting Henry to be replaced. "new Prime Minister and a government of consensus." (article in French). Check out this "Hill" Article about the 100 organizations calling for his removal.
3. Gangs+ NO! Gangs including those supported by elites have taken over control of most of the capital. A large amount of financing and arms come from partisans in the U.S. Click here for a Georgetown University Article. Click PBS NEWSalso.
4. BWA KALE NO! Creole expression, "weaponize your wood," pronounced, bwah kalay is "Get your weapons," a challenge yelling used by civilian citizen groups who want to capture and kill gang members who have violated neighborhoods. In April there was a large group of gang members captured and killed. Wood weapons were not used, but metal knives. Obviously this is not an HRFA? project, but understandable with the total lack of government control of the gangs. Check World Politics Review for a critique.
SECTION B International Forces
1.FIAI-H YES!
2.NHAEON "National Haitian American Elected Officials Network" YES!
3. U.S. YES, BUT!
4. CARICOM NO!
SECTION B
HAITI RISING FROM THE ASHES: INTERNATIONAL ACTORS/FORCES
Traditional political thinkers have long hoped that bringing in international groups/nations – the UN mainly – to stop the violence would pave the road for restoring order in Haiti and achieving a functioning democracy. So far, though, the rejection by a majority of Haitians of bringing in armed forces has been accepted by the U.S. and Canada even though the Acting PM Henry--from the long line of US backed failed politicians– has called for this help. The historical memory tells us that all the military interventions have led to disaster, including the introduction of cholera to Haiti, degradation of the environment as well as abuse of and trafficking of women and girls. Guns are not conducive to civic participation and freedom of expression.
1. FIAI-H/Faith In Action International-Haiti. This on the ground organization, from my perspective, has the most to offer in positively helping Haiti rise from the ashes over 200 years of oppression and interference by outsiders, governments as well as the military. I describe this organization, founded in 1972, whose founder, Father John Baumann, is still active as its International Director, and lives here in Oakland. (Click for Bio. Fr. John Bauman) I have personally been involved with Faith In Action, Pico originally–Pacific Institute For Community Organization– in Boston and Vermont. HHE is a partner through its membership in FIAI-H. YES!
AN OVERVIEW:
1. FIA-National: 50 faith-based community organizations in over 150 cities in 21 states.
2. FIA-International has three international locations,
a. Haiti,
b. El Salvador plus other Latin American countries,
and Rwanda. Through these inter-faith, multi-ethnic, grass roots groups, more than a million families are involved in the work of community organizing, of identifying the needs of their communities, of finding their voices and of developing strategies to solve the problems they are faced with that are based on justice and full participation of the community. I believe that their approach can be the way Haiti rises from the ashes to a way of life that serves the needs of all. The very nature of this empowerment addresses the problem of systemic racism
Faith In Action International-Haiti-FIAI-H Yes is a strong, democracy promoting organization. What they have produced in the North of Haiti certainly provides models of action so HAITI MAY RISE FROM ASHES! It promotes organization for equality from the bottom up and among communities. And they are providing interaction among Haitian groups in the U.S.(Diaspora) and abroad for gaining support to pressure the U.S. in the correct way for redemption.
FIAI-H has developed a top-notch community based project--OPODNE/Interfaith Organization To Develop North Haiti –and also has been pulling Haitian diaspora groups to support HRFA? Check out "A Way Forward" that details the three critical ingredients to a reorganization by FIAI-H The three critical steps to HRFA? include
1. bottom up community organizing
2. building a powerful diaspora voice,
3. reshaping U.S. development and foreign policy.
"Faith In Action International"- FIAI is a global movement of people of faith and compassion organizing for social change from the bottom up. We're working together to create a world in which every person has access to clean water, good schools, health care, decent jobs, and a say over the decisions that shape their lives.
Faith in Action's mission has remained constant for the past 50 years—to develop grassroots leaders who exercise the power needed to build a more just and equitable society.” Click here for all the history and plans of FIA- FIAI
- I have represented HHE in FIAI-H's monthly meetings on Zoom. Click "A Way Forward" to read the details of work to change the U.S. approach to Haiti. This group includes all Haitian Diaspora and Faith In Action-FIAgroups in the U.S. I have especially promoted the MPA project which FIAI-H (click) has promoted to the Biden Admin on 2/7/22.
- FIAI-H has created an amazing community based program in the North of Haiti OPODNE Using the community organizing and interfaith approach, they are building a strong democratic approach as well as insisting that USAIDfund their locally based projects for farming and providing food to the people. They propose that USAID fund local enterprises instead of providing millions of $$ to US-based for-profit contractors and large international NGO's that undermine local Haitian civil society. Their approach is empowering justice based not charity.
- FIAI has other programs in El Salvador, Guatemala and Rwanda doing great work there too. Faith In action National has groups all over the U.S. As we have here in the East Bay – FIAEB. All doing community organizing, “Creating a World Where Every Belongs, Thrives, and Has A Say Over Their Lives!”
ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE!
- S.396/H.R. 1684 CLICK TO SIGN PETITION! Ask your members of Congress to co-sponsor the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act. (S.396/H.R. 1684). Ruthless gangs long-tied to powerful Haitian politicians and wealthy families and armed with U.S. weapons are terrorizing the Haitian people, kidnapping, raping, and murdering residents of Port-Au-Prince at will. The Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency COLLUSION ACT of 2023 would address the root causes of gang violence in Haiti by requiring the State Department to work with other agencies to investigate and sanction corrupt politicians and economic elites colluding with gangs. Ask your Senator to sign onto the bi-partisan bill S. 396 to help Haitians restore security and democracy in their country. Our senators and Rep. Lee have not yet signed! More Info: Click
- FARMERS: (Click) to sign a petition to tell Samantha Powers that USAID should support Haitian Farmers, not U.S. for profit contractors.With half of Haitians facing hunger, the People’s Organization for the Development of Haiti –OPODNE– is pushing USAID to support Haitian farmers with seeds, irrigation, tools, and agronomists to adapt to drought and climate change. Over the past decade, USAID has given 96 percent of its aid funding for Haiti to U.S.-based for-profit contractors and large international NGOs, undermining Haitian civil society organizations. Tell USAID Administrator Samantha Power to follow the lead of Haitians, not foreign contractors. FIAI-H (click) has promoted this and other actions.Click
3. UNITED STATES INVOLVEMENT. YES, BUT! I want to make clear that in my judgment the U.S.– going back to the removal of Pres. Aristide and then lobbying successfully for the "Bald Head-PHTK" party which has brought this current violent disorder– has been a major cause of HAITI'S DISASTER. I've personally worked in Guatemala and Nicaragua where U.S. dominance has caused much disorder--a big reason for the crowds of asylum seekers at our southern border. The U.S. goal may have had ideals of democracy in these relationships but in fact the US succeeded in killing the ideals of democracy, especially in Haiti.
The U.S. should not be supporting the illegal Acting Prime Minister Henry. Along with the OAS, the U.S. has recognized Henry until the present, basically continuing to support a completely failed government. The U.S. should be supporting a Haitian solution, peaceful, democratic, and equitable. The only existing Haitian plan and organization for such an interim government is the -MPA-Montana-Pen Accord. See again FIAI-H's promotion of Montana-Pen Accord: FIAI-H The HHCT plan of Mr.Henry --illegal Prime Minister–I have criticized above, represents an another elite process that brought Haiti to the hell it is in now.
Financial Aid: yes, $$ is important, if it is distributed to groups that promote a democratic structure– like the FIAI-H that its Haitian members are pursuing.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT ACTIONS ARE TAKING PLACE NOW?
- The promotion of USAID by FIAI-H OPODNE to support Haitian farmers instead of NGO's is a step in the right direction.
- FIAI-H –click to see the website for donating to FIAI-H programs
- U.S. just finally appointed, an Ambassador to Haiti, Dennis B. Hankins
- HP- "Humanitarian Parole", a new program for allowing Haitian asylum seekers–who have the financial support already in the U.S.–to come for two years. Our liaison, Gentilhomme Jean-Gilles has obtained HP for his wife. His 3 young boys also have received HP but are not yet allowed to come due to large numbers– The wife and boys have been in danger of their lives where they were living in the Capitol. Click here HP to learn more. Due to immense applications--1.5million– the U.S. department has had to set limits. This new program has become organized privately with WELCOME.US (click)
- VP Harris announced several programs for Haiti in June at a meeting in the Bahamas. Click HARRIS
- Biden Admin still pushing for a "multinational action force" NO SUPPORT IN HAITI FOR MILITARY, EXCEPT PM Henry
- Program to combat arms trafficking, "Haiti Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit/TCIU. HARRIS YES
- $54 million for vulnerable Haitians in famine and other assistance. Click HARRIS YES
4. CARICOM ASSEMBLY, JUNE 10,11,12, 2023 - NO! As a member of Caricom (Caribbean nations), Haiti has been a concern for Caricom. Finally an assembly was scheduled for June 10,11,12 this year. All interested stakeholders including Acting PM Henry and the MPA were invited to come and work out a cooperative solution to the Haiti crisis. Henry came and refused to admit that he would accept a "cooperative" solution and then he left. Members of his HHCT didn't even attend! The Caricom Assembly failed. Click for article from the CEPR, Center For Economic and Policy Research
#19 "Crisis: Rejection of any new military intervention in Haiti", the Montana group reiterates to American emissaries
October 13, 2022
https://www.alterpresse.org/spip.php?article28710&fbclid=IwAR1BQp8EK17El46N325XIAVIyY2UjeFZizNCa91d2HsB62HnMB9fw6DoRPQ
The chaotic situation in Haiti is, in large part, linked “to the international supervision of the State and the establishment of an economic system based on money, corruption and the criminal violence of corruption”
Emmanuel Marino Bruno
P-au-P, Oct. 13, 2022 [AlterPresse]--- The Monitoring Office for the Agreement of August 30, 2021 (BSA in French, Bureau de Suivi), known as the Montana Accord, comes out against any new military and police intervention in Haiti, during a meeting with the American emissaries on a two-day visit to the country, on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 October 2022.
The BSA (in French, Bureau de Suivi, Monitoring Office) says it justifies its position, by evoking the deep after effects, both at the level of the State and of Haitian society, left by several US and UN interventions in the country, in a document of which the online agency AlterPresse has read .
The results of these interventions are 'insignificant' and 'counterproductive effects', it adds.
The BSA (in French, Bureau de Suivi, Monitoring Office) emphasizes how the chaotic situation in Haiti is, in large part, linked “to the international supervision of the State and the establishment of an economic system based on money, corruption and criminal violence of Corruption.”
Putting an end, in a lasting way, to the climate of terror, maintained, with complete impunity, by armed gangs, requires the strengthening of security and national institutions, the BSA believes, which it declares, however, in favor of technical and logistical assistance to the Haitian State for the strengthening of the National Police of Haiti (PNH).
A political solution, aimed at a radical severing of the links between the political powers, the mafia economic sector and the armed gangs, is also imperative. The Monitoring Office for the Agreement of August 30, 2021, better known as the Montana Accord - BSA, denounces “the stubbornness of the international community, particularly the United States of America, in wanting to impose on Haiti a one-headed executive which in no way corresponds to the Constitution'.
Decried by the political and social sectors, the de facto Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, has contributed to the aggravation of the country's political and security crisis, the BSA criticizes.
Not content with having systematically refused the consensus, proposed by civil society and political parties, the head of the de facto government has called for a new foreign military occupation of the national territory, with a view to remaining in power at all costs, the BSA denounces.
At the beginning of August 2022, the members of the BSA decided to postpone political negotiations with the de facto power in place, after weeks of discussions, citing a lack of real will on the part of the de facto government to reach a broad consensus, with a view to resolve the socio-political crisis in Haiti.
Accompanied by a large delegation, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian A. Nichol's, met, on the evening of October 12, 2022, with Ariel Henry, the Montana group, officials from the private business sector and broader civil society groups.
“The time has come for Haiti's political leaders to put aside their differences, to find a path to lasting peace,” Nichol's said in a tweet after meeting with the de facto prime minister. Ariel Henry.
In the meantime, the United States is considering visa restrictions and other measures against Haitian officials and others involved in the activities of gangs and other criminal organizations, which are spreading terror in the country, the United States Department of State announces, on October 12, 2022, , in a press release.
These measures may also apply to members of the immediate families of these people, also reports the US State Department.
“At this time, the Department of State is identifying an initial group of individuals and their immediate family members who may be subject to visa restrictions under this policy,” the statement read Apr 10/13/2022 1:35 PM
https://www.alterpresse.org/spip.php?article28710&fbclid=IwAR1BQp8EK17El46N325XIAVIyY2UjeFZizNCa91d2HsB62HnMB9fw6DoRPQ
The chaotic situation in Haiti is, in large part, linked “to the international supervision of the State and the establishment of an economic system based on money, corruption and the criminal violence of corruption”
Emmanuel Marino Bruno
P-au-P, Oct. 13, 2022 [AlterPresse]--- The Monitoring Office for the Agreement of August 30, 2021 (BSA in French, Bureau de Suivi), known as the Montana Accord, comes out against any new military and police intervention in Haiti, during a meeting with the American emissaries on a two-day visit to the country, on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 October 2022.
The BSA (in French, Bureau de Suivi, Monitoring Office) says it justifies its position, by evoking the deep after effects, both at the level of the State and of Haitian society, left by several US and UN interventions in the country, in a document of which the online agency AlterPresse has read .
The results of these interventions are 'insignificant' and 'counterproductive effects', it adds.
The BSA (in French, Bureau de Suivi, Monitoring Office) emphasizes how the chaotic situation in Haiti is, in large part, linked “to the international supervision of the State and the establishment of an economic system based on money, corruption and criminal violence of Corruption.”
Putting an end, in a lasting way, to the climate of terror, maintained, with complete impunity, by armed gangs, requires the strengthening of security and national institutions, the BSA believes, which it declares, however, in favor of technical and logistical assistance to the Haitian State for the strengthening of the National Police of Haiti (PNH).
A political solution, aimed at a radical severing of the links between the political powers, the mafia economic sector and the armed gangs, is also imperative. The Monitoring Office for the Agreement of August 30, 2021, better known as the Montana Accord - BSA, denounces “the stubbornness of the international community, particularly the United States of America, in wanting to impose on Haiti a one-headed executive which in no way corresponds to the Constitution'.
Decried by the political and social sectors, the de facto Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, has contributed to the aggravation of the country's political and security crisis, the BSA criticizes.
Not content with having systematically refused the consensus, proposed by civil society and political parties, the head of the de facto government has called for a new foreign military occupation of the national territory, with a view to remaining in power at all costs, the BSA denounces.
At the beginning of August 2022, the members of the BSA decided to postpone political negotiations with the de facto power in place, after weeks of discussions, citing a lack of real will on the part of the de facto government to reach a broad consensus, with a view to resolve the socio-political crisis in Haiti.
Accompanied by a large delegation, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian A. Nichol's, met, on the evening of October 12, 2022, with Ariel Henry, the Montana group, officials from the private business sector and broader civil society groups.
“The time has come for Haiti's political leaders to put aside their differences, to find a path to lasting peace,” Nichol's said in a tweet after meeting with the de facto prime minister. Ariel Henry.
In the meantime, the United States is considering visa restrictions and other measures against Haitian officials and others involved in the activities of gangs and other criminal organizations, which are spreading terror in the country, the United States Department of State announces, on October 12, 2022, , in a press release.
These measures may also apply to members of the immediate families of these people, also reports the US State Department.
“At this time, the Department of State is identifying an initial group of individuals and their immediate family members who may be subject to visa restrictions under this policy,” the statement read Apr 10/13/2022 1:35 PM
#18 Haiti-Crisis: “ ‘The Haitian Solution’ consists in supporting the Montana Accord”, recommends the Consortium For Haïti to the Government of Canada
NOTE: THE "CONSORTIUM FOR HAITI IS A QUEBEC ORGANIZATION
October 18, 2022
https://www.facebook.com/concertationpourhaiti
https://www.alterpresse.org/spip.php?article28721
Open letter to the Canadian government Montréal, October 18, 2022
Canada is at a crossroads in its long relationship with Haiti. The Trudeau government must choose between continuing to support a corrupt, incompetent and murderous government, led by Dr. Ariel Henry, or implementing the oft-repeated phrase: a Haitian solution.
The Haitian solution is the disruptive transition, advocated by the Montana accord - made up of a wide range of representatives from civil society, opposition parties and the private sector, who are representative of Haitian society and who are reached a broad consensus. Canada must now stop supporting the government of Ariel Henry and put its full weight on this coalition, which is the only viable proposal for a transition that would allow Haitians to organize free and fair elections. To continue to support the current Prime Minister is to condemn the country to corruption, impunity, the continued domination of gangs and the worsening of ever-increasing food insecurity.
At the root of the current unrest is a legitimate and broad-based civil society movement, which began campaigning in 2018 for the government to investigate funds lent by Venezuela, known as of PetroCaribe funds. The move has prompted a pushback from an entrenched economic elite linked to the ruling Haitian Tèt Kale (Phtk) Party, which fiercely opposes any change to the status quo and has funded a campaign of violence gangs in the popular neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince, where the PetroCaribe movement was strong. Since the La Saline massacre in 2018, in which more than 70 civilians were killed and raped by armed gangs, the violence has escalated and the gangs now control the entrance to Port-au-Prince , killing and raping with impunity.
It is tempting for some to believe that a strong international military intervention will put the gangs out of action and allow Haiti to return to a more normal situation. This will not be the case. Those who have followed Haiti over the years know that the international missions of the UN and the OAS have failed to put the country on the path to progress and stability. Haiti's institutions remain weak and the powerful sectors behind the gangs oppose any real change that would challenge their economic and political privileges.
The time has come for Canada to consider Haitian proposals, including those from civil society, and to reflect on and evaluate its role in past peacekeeping missions. This time, he must not limit these discussions to the political class, but include all sectors, including civil society. The lessons learned should make it possible to formulate proposals for a more constructive role in the medium and long term, which will be more inclusive of all Haitians and which will contribute to real and more lasting solutions in Haiti.
To move forward now, we recommend the following priority actions for Canada:
The Canadian strategy is, for now, to build the capacity of the Haitian National Police. Ottawa provided approximately $30 million in funding in 2022, in addition to recently giving the green light to the sale of Canadian armored vehicles for its police officers, but its action must go further, in particular by recognizing the legitimacy of the solutions put forward and coming from Haitian civil society. Canada should also use its role and its influence within the Core Group, so that its other members also support the same courses of action in Haiti.
Haiti,
Marcela Escribano
Marc Édouard Joubert
For information:
Hélène Gobeil, 438 828-2965Consult ++
October 18, 2022
https://www.facebook.com/concertationpourhaiti
https://www.alterpresse.org/spip.php?article28721
Open letter to the Canadian government Montréal, October 18, 2022
Canada is at a crossroads in its long relationship with Haiti. The Trudeau government must choose between continuing to support a corrupt, incompetent and murderous government, led by Dr. Ariel Henry, or implementing the oft-repeated phrase: a Haitian solution.
The Haitian solution is the disruptive transition, advocated by the Montana accord - made up of a wide range of representatives from civil society, opposition parties and the private sector, who are representative of Haitian society and who are reached a broad consensus. Canada must now stop supporting the government of Ariel Henry and put its full weight on this coalition, which is the only viable proposal for a transition that would allow Haitians to organize free and fair elections. To continue to support the current Prime Minister is to condemn the country to corruption, impunity, the continued domination of gangs and the worsening of ever-increasing food insecurity.
At the root of the current unrest is a legitimate and broad-based civil society movement, which began campaigning in 2018 for the government to investigate funds lent by Venezuela, known as of PetroCaribe funds. The move has prompted a pushback from an entrenched economic elite linked to the ruling Haitian Tèt Kale (Phtk) Party, which fiercely opposes any change to the status quo and has funded a campaign of violence gangs in the popular neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince, where the PetroCaribe movement was strong. Since the La Saline massacre in 2018, in which more than 70 civilians were killed and raped by armed gangs, the violence has escalated and the gangs now control the entrance to Port-au-Prince , killing and raping with impunity.
It is tempting for some to believe that a strong international military intervention will put the gangs out of action and allow Haiti to return to a more normal situation. This will not be the case. Those who have followed Haiti over the years know that the international missions of the UN and the OAS have failed to put the country on the path to progress and stability. Haiti's institutions remain weak and the powerful sectors behind the gangs oppose any real change that would challenge their economic and political privileges.
The time has come for Canada to consider Haitian proposals, including those from civil society, and to reflect on and evaluate its role in past peacekeeping missions. This time, he must not limit these discussions to the political class, but include all sectors, including civil society. The lessons learned should make it possible to formulate proposals for a more constructive role in the medium and long term, which will be more inclusive of all Haitians and which will contribute to real and more lasting solutions in Haiti.
To move forward now, we recommend the following priority actions for Canada:
- End support for the government of Ariel Henry, whose legitimacy is widely disputed, since his rise to power, and support the Montana Accord;
- Strike a blow against impunity by supporting an international commission, responsible for investigating the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 and punishing the perpetrators, and by supporting Haitian justice in emblematic cases such as the assassination Judge Monferrier Dorval in 2020;
- Offer technical assistance to Haiti in the PetroCaribe corruption case, the case of which has been completed by the Superior Court of Auditors and which could allow the State to recover at least part of the sums embezzled;
- Impose sanctions in Canada, including revoking visas and freezing the assets of those who fund and control gangs.
The Canadian strategy is, for now, to build the capacity of the Haitian National Police. Ottawa provided approximately $30 million in funding in 2022, in addition to recently giving the green light to the sale of Canadian armored vehicles for its police officers, but its action must go further, in particular by recognizing the legitimacy of the solutions put forward and coming from Haitian civil society. Canada should also use its role and its influence within the Core Group, so that its other members also support the same courses of action in Haiti.
Haiti,
Marcela Escribano
Marc Édouard Joubert
For information:
Hélène Gobeil, 438 828-2965Consult ++
#17 SPECIALIZED ARMED FORCE IN HAITI...
The government authorizes Prime Minister Henry to request the deployment of a specialized armed force in Haiti
Posted on 2022-10-07 | lenouvelliste.com
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/238461/le-gouvernement-autorise-le-premier-ministre-henry-a-solliciter-le-deploiement-dune-force-specialisee-armee-en-haiti
The Henry government made public the resolution taken in the Council of Ministers, Thursday, October 6, 2022, requesting the 'immediate deployment' of a specialized armed force in Haiti to stop the humanitarian crisis caused, among other things, by the insecurity resulting from the actions gangs and their sponsors.'
The Council of Ministers mandates Prime Minister Ariel Henry to:
The Council of Ministers, in its arguments to support its decision, indicated that it was:
“Alarmed by the risks of a major humanitarian crisis due to the sudden observation of the resurgence of cholera, added to the accelerated deterioration of the security situation throughout the national territory;
Considering that the blocking of oil terminals by armed gangs has catastrophic consequences on the functioning of hospitals forced to close their doors, on the availability of drinking water, on schools which are unable to accommodate students and on the supplying cities with foodstuffs;
Considering that this humanitarian crisis threatens the lives of many of our compatriots and, in particular, the poorest who were already living in precariousness and food insecurity;
Considering that it is imperative to restart activities in order to avoid the complete suffocation of the national economy;
Anxious to pursue the steps aimed at creating a climate conducive to the organization of free, transparent and inclusive elections, with a view to restoring democratic institutions and transferring the management of the country's affairs to elected officials freely chosen by the people Haitian;
Considering that it is imperative to put an end to these dangerous excesses, in order to restore the authority of the State
and to enforce the laws of the Republic. »
For the moment, Le Nouvelliste has not been able to obtain information on the entity to which the request was addressed. “It is not the chancellery that decides on a request for assistance. This decision falls rather within the competence of the Council of Ministers, which will decide on the channels to be used for the transmission of the request, ”replied to the newspaper Friday morning the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean Victor Généus.
According to an Associated Press (AP) dispatch, an official, who was not authorized to speak about the issue publicly, said a formal written request has not yet been submitted.
It was not specified whether the request would involve the activation of United Nations
Deputy U.S. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said Friday that the United States is considering a request for a humanitarian corridor to restore fuel distribution in Haiti and is coordinating with the Haitian prime minister and d other international partners to determine how best to provide additional assistance, reads this AP dispatch. peacekeeping troops, whose mission ended five years ago after 11 difficult years in Haiti.
'We strongly condemn those who continue to block the distribution of fuel and other necessities to Haitian businesses,' he said.
Mr Patel did not want to address the question of where the troops responsible for enforcing the corridor could come from, specifying that this reflection was only in its infancy, according to AP
The Haitian government's formal request came after Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States, tweeted Thursday that 'Haiti must seek urgent assistance from the international community to help resolve security crises, determine the characteristics of an international security force”.
Haiti's national police have struggled to control gangs with their limited resources and chronic understaffing, with only some 12,800 active officers for a country of more than 11 million people.
The gangs have only grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
On Wednesday, the office of the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti proposed a 'humanitarian corridor' to allow the delivery of fuel and aid to people in need. He noted that the country is also facing a new outbreak of cholera, with several deaths reported and dozens of patients treated.
“The most vulnerable people are the first to suffer from the lockdown,” the UN said.
At least 13 US congressional leaders have demanded that US President Joe Biden's administration stop showing support for Henry and suspend all deportations 'given the extreme physical security risks and the dire humanitarian situation'.
The signatories called on the U.S. government to support 'legitimate efforts to create a transitional Haitian government that respects the will of the Haitian people, and should make it clear to Henry that he will not support him if he blocks progress,' may -we read in this dispatch from the AP.
Roberson Alphonse With the Associated Press
Posted on 2022-10-07 | lenouvelliste.com
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/238461/le-gouvernement-autorise-le-premier-ministre-henry-a-solliciter-le-deploiement-dune-force-specialisee-armee-en-haiti
The Henry government made public the resolution taken in the Council of Ministers, Thursday, October 6, 2022, requesting the 'immediate deployment' of a specialized armed force in Haiti to stop the humanitarian crisis caused, among other things, by the insecurity resulting from the actions gangs and their sponsors.'
The Council of Ministers mandates Prime Minister Ariel Henry to:
- Solicit and obtain effective support from Haiti's international partners through the immediate deployment of a specialized armed force in sufficient quantity to stop, throughout the territory, the humanitarian crisis caused, among other things, by the insecurity resulting from the criminal actions of armed gangs and their sponsors;
- Quickly achieve a safe climate that should make it possible to fight cholera effectively, to promote the resumption of the distribution of fuel and drinking water across the country, the functioning of hospitals, the restarting of economic activities, free movement of people and property and the reopening of schools,
- Set up an interministerial commission responsible for quickly producing a document defining all the essential actions to be undertaken in parallel with a view to making the initiatives that will be taken sustainable. It remains understood that the Prime Minister will report to the Council of Ministers', can we read in a special issue of Le Moniteur # 29, dated Friday, October 7, 2022, worded 'the resolution of the Council of Ministers authorizing the Prime Minister to seek international support to deal with the humanitarian crisis”.
The Council of Ministers, in its arguments to support its decision, indicated that it was:
“Alarmed by the risks of a major humanitarian crisis due to the sudden observation of the resurgence of cholera, added to the accelerated deterioration of the security situation throughout the national territory;
Considering that the blocking of oil terminals by armed gangs has catastrophic consequences on the functioning of hospitals forced to close their doors, on the availability of drinking water, on schools which are unable to accommodate students and on the supplying cities with foodstuffs;
Considering that this humanitarian crisis threatens the lives of many of our compatriots and, in particular, the poorest who were already living in precariousness and food insecurity;
Considering that it is imperative to restart activities in order to avoid the complete suffocation of the national economy;
Anxious to pursue the steps aimed at creating a climate conducive to the organization of free, transparent and inclusive elections, with a view to restoring democratic institutions and transferring the management of the country's affairs to elected officials freely chosen by the people Haitian;
Considering that it is imperative to put an end to these dangerous excesses, in order to restore the authority of the State
and to enforce the laws of the Republic. »
For the moment, Le Nouvelliste has not been able to obtain information on the entity to which the request was addressed. “It is not the chancellery that decides on a request for assistance. This decision falls rather within the competence of the Council of Ministers, which will decide on the channels to be used for the transmission of the request, ”replied to the newspaper Friday morning the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean Victor Généus.
According to an Associated Press (AP) dispatch, an official, who was not authorized to speak about the issue publicly, said a formal written request has not yet been submitted.
It was not specified whether the request would involve the activation of United Nations
Deputy U.S. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said Friday that the United States is considering a request for a humanitarian corridor to restore fuel distribution in Haiti and is coordinating with the Haitian prime minister and d other international partners to determine how best to provide additional assistance, reads this AP dispatch. peacekeeping troops, whose mission ended five years ago after 11 difficult years in Haiti.
'We strongly condemn those who continue to block the distribution of fuel and other necessities to Haitian businesses,' he said.
Mr Patel did not want to address the question of where the troops responsible for enforcing the corridor could come from, specifying that this reflection was only in its infancy, according to AP
The Haitian government's formal request came after Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States, tweeted Thursday that 'Haiti must seek urgent assistance from the international community to help resolve security crises, determine the characteristics of an international security force”.
Haiti's national police have struggled to control gangs with their limited resources and chronic understaffing, with only some 12,800 active officers for a country of more than 11 million people.
The gangs have only grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
On Wednesday, the office of the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti proposed a 'humanitarian corridor' to allow the delivery of fuel and aid to people in need. He noted that the country is also facing a new outbreak of cholera, with several deaths reported and dozens of patients treated.
“The most vulnerable people are the first to suffer from the lockdown,” the UN said.
At least 13 US congressional leaders have demanded that US President Joe Biden's administration stop showing support for Henry and suspend all deportations 'given the extreme physical security risks and the dire humanitarian situation'.
The signatories called on the U.S. government to support 'legitimate efforts to create a transitional Haitian government that respects the will of the Haitian people, and should make it clear to Henry that he will not support him if he blocks progress,' may -we read in this dispatch from the AP.
Roberson Alphonse With the Associated Press
#16 CALL FOR SCHOOLS TO OPEN!
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/238436/nous-ne-pouvons-pas-sacrifier-lecole-sinon-cest-tout-le-pays-quon-sacrifie-salarme-le-professeur-patrice-dalencour
'We cannot sacrifice school, otherwise we are sacrificing the whole country', warns Professor Patrice Dalencour
Professor Patrice Dalencour calls for everyone's collaboration to save the 2022-2023 school year. He points out that the dysfunction of schools has considerable impacts on the educational quality in Haiti which, according to him, is deteriorating further.
Published on 2022-10-05 | lenouvelliste.com
While the multifaceted political crisis that the country is experiencing mortgages the start of the school year set for Monday, October 3, the former Minister of National Education and Vocational Training, Patrice Dalencour, is calling for the reopening of classes. “We have to find a way to open the doors of schools. The longer the crisis lasts, the more we will need to save the children. Can you imagine what it would be like if generations of children did not go to school? If we check the age of three quarters of the bandits in the gangs, you will see that they were formed when the schools did not work or worked badly. Each time the school ceases to operate, there is a wave of students who are out of school and who will no longer return to school. They will not have access to what they need in terms of training. Whenever we make reduced programs, especially at the primary level, we suppress good manners, morality, good citizenship. Barriers to curb the impulse to resentment. “, he analyzed during his participation in the program “Panel Magik” this Wednesday, October 5.
Mr. Dalencour points out that countries in similar situations are trying to protect schools and children. “We must try to save the children. Let's act for the students, for our children in Haiti. It's the only way. I do not believe that either those responsible for schools or the education system can solve the crisis situation that we are currently experiencing,” he urged, while encouraging all forms of solidarity with students. “Better to have a few functioning schools than to have none. Better to have educated Haitian brothers than to have none. We must maintain what can be. We must defend what can be defended. The future of the country rests with children. We must train them, protect them, ”claimed the professor.
Effect of school closures on teachers and schools
The teaching profession has become precarious. “Teachers are fathers and mothers who have responsibilities, needs, so we want to put them in a system that isn’t working they won’t be able to be harmed. More and more teachers are looking for other jobs because the profession has become precarious. A teacher cannot get a loan from the bank because he has no collateral. More and more qualified people are turning to other trades. Not to mention that discouragement reaches them, “said Professor Dalencour.
The Children are traumatized
'On the children's side. Honestly, the children are locked up in their homes and live with permanent trauma. It is later that we will measure the impacts,” said Mr. Dalencour, addressing the subject related to the drop in level indicator. “When we do incomplete school years, we set up light programs. At a minimum, the level of study gradually drops. And implicitly the educational authorities have recognized it, by what a student after having passed his baccalaureate in Haiti is obliged to spend a year of upgrading if he enters a university in Haiti. If he is asked to do so, it is a public admission that the state diploma called baccalaureate does not bring the student up to standard to enter a university in Haiti. “, explained Patrice Dalencour.
The school, eternal victim of socio-political crises
“I made the observation not only in relation to my career, but also in relation to the time when I was a student. In 1946 when Elie Lescot was ousted from power, the doors of the schools were closed. The movement had started from Damien, the high school students united, then the schools closed their doors for 3 to 4 days. With a particularity because the initiative came from the school world. In 1986, after three children were shot dead in Gonaives, a school closure movement broke out in protest. This movement developed until the departure of Jean Claude Duvalier. These two dates have one thing in common, because the initiative came from the school world. In November 1960, when Duvalier wanted to crush the student strike, he closed the schools for two or three months. In April 1963, after an assassination attempt on his children at Bird College, while he was massacring people, to solidify the terror, he closed the schools and prohibited private lessons. Political power has hit society through a sensitive point, the school,” recalled Professor Patrice Dalencour.
The balance has tipped. “Once the fall of Duvalier, the school becomes a political instrument in the hands of political sectors. Here I come to the time when I was Minister of Education, in 1987 came the Baccalaureate, 'rache manyòk' (pull up your crop, start over) a series of movements took place to prevent students from passing their baccalaureate after 14 years of study in the hope that this would result in the fall of the government. Indeed, after the horrible massacre which took place in the Vaillant alley, the school spontaneously ceased to function, but after all the activities resumed with the exception of the schools which began to function again from the month of January. Subsequently, 1988; 1989, every circumstance, every conflict, whether union or political, was used as a pretext to close the schools. In 1991, after Jean-Bertrand Aristide's coup d'etat, not only were the doors of the schools closed, but also those responsible were called in to make threats of fire. It continued, the government closed the schools after the earthquake, after the cyclones. Every time there is a problem in the country, the school pays the price,” said Mr. Dalencour. “The Haitian political class of all tendencies transforms the school into a means of action, a lever of struggle. One thing to sacrifice to carry out other projects. The highest peak is peyi lòk,” (country locked down) he said.
'We cannot sacrifice school, otherwise we are sacrificing the whole country', warns Professor Patrice Dalencour
Professor Patrice Dalencour calls for everyone's collaboration to save the 2022-2023 school year. He points out that the dysfunction of schools has considerable impacts on the educational quality in Haiti which, according to him, is deteriorating further.
Published on 2022-10-05 | lenouvelliste.com
While the multifaceted political crisis that the country is experiencing mortgages the start of the school year set for Monday, October 3, the former Minister of National Education and Vocational Training, Patrice Dalencour, is calling for the reopening of classes. “We have to find a way to open the doors of schools. The longer the crisis lasts, the more we will need to save the children. Can you imagine what it would be like if generations of children did not go to school? If we check the age of three quarters of the bandits in the gangs, you will see that they were formed when the schools did not work or worked badly. Each time the school ceases to operate, there is a wave of students who are out of school and who will no longer return to school. They will not have access to what they need in terms of training. Whenever we make reduced programs, especially at the primary level, we suppress good manners, morality, good citizenship. Barriers to curb the impulse to resentment. “, he analyzed during his participation in the program “Panel Magik” this Wednesday, October 5.
Mr. Dalencour points out that countries in similar situations are trying to protect schools and children. “We must try to save the children. Let's act for the students, for our children in Haiti. It's the only way. I do not believe that either those responsible for schools or the education system can solve the crisis situation that we are currently experiencing,” he urged, while encouraging all forms of solidarity with students. “Better to have a few functioning schools than to have none. Better to have educated Haitian brothers than to have none. We must maintain what can be. We must defend what can be defended. The future of the country rests with children. We must train them, protect them, ”claimed the professor.
Effect of school closures on teachers and schools
The teaching profession has become precarious. “Teachers are fathers and mothers who have responsibilities, needs, so we want to put them in a system that isn’t working they won’t be able to be harmed. More and more teachers are looking for other jobs because the profession has become precarious. A teacher cannot get a loan from the bank because he has no collateral. More and more qualified people are turning to other trades. Not to mention that discouragement reaches them, “said Professor Dalencour.
The Children are traumatized
'On the children's side. Honestly, the children are locked up in their homes and live with permanent trauma. It is later that we will measure the impacts,” said Mr. Dalencour, addressing the subject related to the drop in level indicator. “When we do incomplete school years, we set up light programs. At a minimum, the level of study gradually drops. And implicitly the educational authorities have recognized it, by what a student after having passed his baccalaureate in Haiti is obliged to spend a year of upgrading if he enters a university in Haiti. If he is asked to do so, it is a public admission that the state diploma called baccalaureate does not bring the student up to standard to enter a university in Haiti. “, explained Patrice Dalencour.
The school, eternal victim of socio-political crises
“I made the observation not only in relation to my career, but also in relation to the time when I was a student. In 1946 when Elie Lescot was ousted from power, the doors of the schools were closed. The movement had started from Damien, the high school students united, then the schools closed their doors for 3 to 4 days. With a particularity because the initiative came from the school world. In 1986, after three children were shot dead in Gonaives, a school closure movement broke out in protest. This movement developed until the departure of Jean Claude Duvalier. These two dates have one thing in common, because the initiative came from the school world. In November 1960, when Duvalier wanted to crush the student strike, he closed the schools for two or three months. In April 1963, after an assassination attempt on his children at Bird College, while he was massacring people, to solidify the terror, he closed the schools and prohibited private lessons. Political power has hit society through a sensitive point, the school,” recalled Professor Patrice Dalencour.
The balance has tipped. “Once the fall of Duvalier, the school becomes a political instrument in the hands of political sectors. Here I come to the time when I was Minister of Education, in 1987 came the Baccalaureate, 'rache manyòk' (pull up your crop, start over) a series of movements took place to prevent students from passing their baccalaureate after 14 years of study in the hope that this would result in the fall of the government. Indeed, after the horrible massacre which took place in the Vaillant alley, the school spontaneously ceased to function, but after all the activities resumed with the exception of the schools which began to function again from the month of January. Subsequently, 1988; 1989, every circumstance, every conflict, whether union or political, was used as a pretext to close the schools. In 1991, after Jean-Bertrand Aristide's coup d'etat, not only were the doors of the schools closed, but also those responsible were called in to make threats of fire. It continued, the government closed the schools after the earthquake, after the cyclones. Every time there is a problem in the country, the school pays the price,” said Mr. Dalencour. “The Haitian political class of all tendencies transforms the school into a means of action, a lever of struggle. One thing to sacrifice to carry out other projects. The highest peak is peyi lòk,” (country locked down) he said.
MONTANA ACCORD ARTICLES
Below are articles dealing with the Haitian Crisis since the assassination of Pres. Moïse, including the "Montana Accord" a country-wide representative group which has not been able to be implemented as the country descends further into violent disorder. Here are the titles of the articles:
#15b Sources for the Montana Accord
#15a Tom Luce: Update on the Montana Accord
#14 Raoul Peck: open letter to Ariel Henry and accomplice friends
#13 7 American congressmen ask President Biden to let go of Ariel Henry
#12 PetroCaribe: Will the Biden law against corruption in Haiti move the lines?
#11 US Freezes Funding to Haiti Pending Legitimate Government
#10 Governance, the fight against corruption and human rights violations, the United States
sets out its funding to Haiti
#9 The 2022 American plan for Haiti
#8 Political crisis: the lines have not moved after the visit of the American envoy - Daniel Foote
#7 The main objective of Anne Witkowsky's visit to Haiti on Monday "is to prolong the crisis," says
Dr. Josué Renaud of NEHRO
#6 The Elegance of the Montana Accord By Rezo Nodwes
#5 Haitian Diaspora Leaders urge Biden-Harris Administration to Support Montana Accord
Process to Restore Democracy in Haiti
#4 "Almost Useless" by Tom Luce, coordinator of HHE
#3 "The Greatest Heist In History': How Haiti Was Forced To Pay Reparations For Freedom"
#2 Agreement and disagreement around the idea of a merger of agreements
#1 Commission to Search for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis-CSHSC:Notice for Launching Haitian
Civil Society Forum, May 10 2021 Note: this became the "Montana Accord"
Below are articles dealing with the Haitian Crisis since the assassination of Pres. Moïse, including the "Montana Accord" a country-wide representative group which has not been able to be implemented as the country descends further into violent disorder. Here are the titles of the articles:
#15b Sources for the Montana Accord
#15a Tom Luce: Update on the Montana Accord
#14 Raoul Peck: open letter to Ariel Henry and accomplice friends
#13 7 American congressmen ask President Biden to let go of Ariel Henry
#12 PetroCaribe: Will the Biden law against corruption in Haiti move the lines?
#11 US Freezes Funding to Haiti Pending Legitimate Government
#10 Governance, the fight against corruption and human rights violations, the United States
sets out its funding to Haiti
#9 The 2022 American plan for Haiti
#8 Political crisis: the lines have not moved after the visit of the American envoy - Daniel Foote
#7 The main objective of Anne Witkowsky's visit to Haiti on Monday "is to prolong the crisis," says
Dr. Josué Renaud of NEHRO
#6 The Elegance of the Montana Accord By Rezo Nodwes
#5 Haitian Diaspora Leaders urge Biden-Harris Administration to Support Montana Accord
Process to Restore Democracy in Haiti
#4 "Almost Useless" by Tom Luce, coordinator of HHE
#3 "The Greatest Heist In History': How Haiti Was Forced To Pay Reparations For Freedom"
#2 Agreement and disagreement around the idea of a merger of agreements
#1 Commission to Search for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis-CSHSC:Notice for Launching Haitian
Civil Society Forum, May 10 2021 Note: this became the "Montana Accord"
The Solution: "The Montana-PEN Accord ", by the Commission for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis- CSHSC:
#15b Sources for the Montana Accord
NOTE 1: Montana-PEN Accord-MPA: To download an English translation of the MP-PDF version (by Tom Luce) click link and than check your downloads: #1 original: Montana Accord
#2 PEN update: MPA
NOTE 2: Click here for an extended list in Microsoft Excel of all signers of the original Montana Accord, hundreds of names including all peasant organizations. Check your downloads list: organizational endorsements are available here
NOTE 3: Historic Articles detailing the history leading to the establishment of a "Haitian Solution to the Crisis" can be seen in the previous section of our site, up above, Haiti's Problem Since 1804
NOTE 4: US 2022 Budget section Division V: This details reforms that are required to receive the US $, many of which are reforms to deal with the collapse of government and which are demanded by the MPA. Click Here: Check your downloads to find a docx version. Click Here: check your downloads to find a PDF version.
NOTE 5: The addition of "PEN" to Montana Accord comes from the entry of another "accord" group, the "Protocole d’Entente Nationale"-PEN (translation: Amended National Memorandum of Understanding) This is a group of 70 political and social groups which has joined MPA with some revisions including a presidential "team" instead of a single president that would have one representative from the de facto Prime Minister Henry.
NOTE 6: This addition of "PEN" marks the final attempt of various groups to form an "accord" to handle the transition of Haitian's failed government to a reorganization. Another "accord" attempt, the "Lousiana Accord" failed. And the acting Prime Minister, Ariel Henry formed his own, the "Musseau Accord" named after his address. This accord has been rejected by all groups including several who originally joined with PM Henry. Except the US has continued to support PM Henry whom Pres. Biden invited to the current COA-Conference of the Americas, not a representative of the MPA
#2 PEN update: MPA
NOTE 2: Click here for an extended list in Microsoft Excel of all signers of the original Montana Accord, hundreds of names including all peasant organizations. Check your downloads list: organizational endorsements are available here
NOTE 3: Historic Articles detailing the history leading to the establishment of a "Haitian Solution to the Crisis" can be seen in the previous section of our site, up above, Haiti's Problem Since 1804
NOTE 4: US 2022 Budget section Division V: This details reforms that are required to receive the US $, many of which are reforms to deal with the collapse of government and which are demanded by the MPA. Click Here: Check your downloads to find a docx version. Click Here: check your downloads to find a PDF version.
NOTE 5: The addition of "PEN" to Montana Accord comes from the entry of another "accord" group, the "Protocole d’Entente Nationale"-PEN (translation: Amended National Memorandum of Understanding) This is a group of 70 political and social groups which has joined MPA with some revisions including a presidential "team" instead of a single president that would have one representative from the de facto Prime Minister Henry.
NOTE 6: This addition of "PEN" marks the final attempt of various groups to form an "accord" to handle the transition of Haitian's failed government to a reorganization. Another "accord" attempt, the "Lousiana Accord" failed. And the acting Prime Minister, Ariel Henry formed his own, the "Musseau Accord" named after his address. This accord has been rejected by all groups including several who originally joined with PM Henry. Except the US has continued to support PM Henry whom Pres. Biden invited to the current COA-Conference of the Americas, not a representative of the MPA
#15a. Tom Luce:Update on the Montana Accord
HAITI'S CRISIS OF GOVERNMENT: Faith-In-Action International-Haiti/FIAI-H and HopeForHaiti:Education–HHE (Here's a lot of reading to do!)
by Tom Luce 6/6/2
1. The FIAI-H: Faith-In-Action International–Haiti
note: FIAI has programs also in El Salvador and Rwanda
<https://faithinactioninternational.org/>
by Tom Luce 6/6/2
1. The FIAI-H: Faith-In-Action International–Haiti
note: FIAI has programs also in El Salvador and Rwanda
<https://faithinactioninternational.org/>
- OPODNE, (The Interfaith Organization For Development of the Northeast,English translation) a great, effective community organizing work in the Northeast.
- More details in a new website for FIAI-H <https://faithinactioninternational.org/category/haiti/>
- 1. Haiti's Problem Since 1804: <http://haitischolarships.weebly.com/haitis-problem-since-1804.html>
- 2. The Montana-PEN Accord/MPA: a Haitian solution by a nation-wide Haitian commission planning to restore democracy in Haiti.
- "Montana" is the name of the hotel in which the agreement/accord was finalized in Port-Au-Prince in August 2021. There were 418 civil society organizations, 105 popular organizations, and 85 political parties from across Haiti’s political spectrum that formed "Montana". <http://haitischolarships.weebly.com/the-solution-montana-accord.html> Note; no other "accord" has survived (several were started) except one by the current Prime Minister Henry, which would keep his party, "BaldHead" Party, in power and is not accepted by the MPA.
- PEN-"Protocole d’Entente Nationale" (translation: Amended National Memorandum of Understanding) stands for a group of 70 political and social groups which has joined MPA with some revisions including a presidential "team" instead of a single president that would have one representative from the de facto Prime Minister Henry.
- Interview of Asst. Sec. State: Nichols in January: <https://faithinactioninternational.org/assistant-secretary-of-state-nichols-responds-to-our-way-forward-in-haiti-policy-ideas/> Jan. 26, 2022
- "Montana-PEN Accord"-MPA: With some work on my part (Tom Luce) the FIAI-HC began promoting this "Haitian Solution to the Crisis" and gathered signees to a petition with the MPA included.
- It is entitled, "Letter of faith groups concerning moving forward in re-organizing Haiti's Democracy", March 2022. 86 Faith Groups signed this and it promotes the Biden Admin to support the MPA:
- <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sXdSnZHknLZrlST_Sw3hhh6T_SXDmXgQSgzbIK4pOhg/edit>
- On its own website HRC has the complete facts about the problems caused by the last two U.S. supported presidencies of the "PHTK” (BaldHead) political party and includes the MPA as a valid solution. <https://www.haitiresponse.org/hands-off>
- However, the MOVEON petition does not even mention that the MPA as a solution be followed by the Biden Admin! This is in my (Tom Luce) opinion, a serious failure to give some valid support to a Haitian solution. <https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/us-hands-off-haiti-s-democracy>
- On the HRC website the explanation of the petition is thorough and excellent . <https://www.haitiresponse.org/hands-off> They deeply and convincingly explain the "MPA". They feel they cannot propose, though, the MPA because of fears that doing so will give too much of a "USA" solution as in the past when the USA along with other nations exercised complete control over Haiti. But the MPA is not at all a political party, or a USA designed solution. This decision betrays a moral commitment to helping Haiti help itself without USA support as it currently is continuing with the current acting Prime Minister. (note: Pres. Biden has invited PMHenry to the Conference of the Americas, but no one from the MPA!
- Haiti was forced to repay France for its loss of slaves and land in 1804 and the USA supported this. A total of $112Billion. See the New York Times Article, "The Ransom, 6 Takeaways About Haiti’s Reparations to France How did the modern world’s most successful slave revolt give birth to a desperately poor nation? Here is a summary of what a team of New York Times correspondents found out.<https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/20/world/americas/takeaways-haiti-reparations-france.html>
- And NPR had a report last year on this payment forced by Haiti and supported by the US: "The Greatest Heist In History", How Haiti was forced to pay Reparations for Freedom by Greg Rosalsky. <https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2021/10/05/1042518732/-the-greatest-heist-in-history-how-haiti-was-forced-to-pay-reparations-for-freed>
#14. Raoul Peck: open letter to Ariel Henry and accomplice friends
Published 11/04/2022 | lenouvelliste.com
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/235153/raoul-peck-lettre-ouverte-a-ariel-henry-et-amis-complices
Mr. Ariel Henry and accomplice friends,
No citizen should remain silent in the face of the suffering of his country.
No citizen can claim not to have known.
To be silent is to become an accomplice of the unacceptable.
No one can claim innocence, impartiality or neutrality in this war.
Because it is war that is at stake.
A war against an entire country.
A war against an entire population.
How can one still call oneself a citizen? when we are indifferent to our own future?
How can we not get involved?
The word has always imposed itself on me each time that it was necessary to amplify the cry of my country, when too often the dogs are silent, especially when they are on guard.
Today is one of those days when you must not be silent.
To oppose the silence of cowards.
Mr. Ariel Henry and accomplice friends,
Those who have sold themselves as being the most worthy, the most honest, have accepted and still accept ministerial posts in an illegal government, without ethics.
In the era of make-believe, ministers squat in ministries, claim to make decisions, travelling, stirring winds, salaries and dubious businesses.
Sir Ariel Henry, who made you king?
Could it be President Jovenel Moïse who, moreover, no longer had a constitutional mandate? Could this be the tweet from your Core Group protectors? Appointed Prime Minister, have you ever been approved? Even when you were granted this illegal designation, no later than February 7, 2022, you should have left, no matter what legal quibbles were used. You cannot claim to hold any mandate.
You can cling to power, but know that those who made you king will stop supporting you as soon as the protesting people manage to impose their consensual alternative of state power on you. They will drop you quickly as soon as their public opinion begins to question the tenacity and maturity of the Haitian people.
Mr. Ariel Henry, Friends and accomplices,
Faced with social, economic, moral misery, where others would refer to your incapacity or incompetence, I see that you are only demonstrating the limit of your power and your contempt for our struggles. You claim a power that does not exist because you are unable to respond to the urgent needs of the moment:
The collapse of the purchasing power of the entire population;
The hunger and disarray that reign in a large part of the country, cut off from the capital;
The general insecurity that leads people to hide in their homes, during that, others, who have no choice, expose themselves to all kinds of dangers on a daily basis;
Kidnappings, which have become a thriving industry from which many people, other than armed gang members, profit. Their names will be revealed when the time comes, when justice will be restored in its rights.
Large companies also participate in this decay by paying to circulate their trucks, manage their port, guarantee their supply. With one ambition, to survive another day. Without understanding that they are digging their own grave. Because it will be much more difficult to get the snake into the calabash (an evergreen tropical American tree which bears fruit in the form of large woody gourds).
Mr. Ariel Henry and accomplice friends,
The files are known, others will soon see the light of day. This ranges from embezzlement, assassinations, to corruption in organized gangs, trafficking in arms and people, and above all, the laundering of assets - oh supreme crime for your guardian of the day, our great American neighbor -
All of them will blame everything on you. They will all let you down. Your old friends, your present allies, your American and European bosses. You speculate that the Pentagon, your new master, will support you until the end? You are wrong.
The American press threw a multitude of bottles into the sea to try to prepare their public opinion for a military solution disguised as police action. But fortunately, the advances and achievements of the so-called Montana Accord have neutralized these attempts to intervene.
But the option remains on the table, and you have been singled out as the weak link to facilitate such a pseudo-solution. Too bad for you. The struggle continues. And eventually, like many others before you, you will find yourself an outcast of history, banished by society to a country that will no longer be yours. You will be accountable.
If there is one thing you should NEVER forget, it is that the Haitian people have always known how to get rid of those who strangle them with their boots, those who abuse them, those who had no other compass than to exploit it, to humiliate it, to carry out the orders of their foreign masters and accomplices. Still.
Mr. Ariel Henry and accomplice friends,
Do you need to be reminded? Power is always ephemeral. Beyond the misery and the fears that your allies and you make Haitians experience every day, what is sad and pathetic is that this power that you want to keep at all cists is just an empty box. A fragile and empty coffin.
And, since you're going to have to leave power anyway, let's pretend it's already done and talk to everyone else about your accessories:
To all those who have succeeded so far in staying out of the public eye, out of political polemics, to those who operate behind the scenes, those who use their contacts with gangs as well as with crooked politicians, with false trade unionists as with false popular leaders, with former elected officials as well as with internationals;
You who initially supported the Montana agreement, then boycotted it and even tried to destabilize it, when you realized that you could not take control of it;
You, who after accepting it, proved that you suddenly disliked a really 'koupe fache' (cut off angry) process, because that would require you to have to give up your financial backers, to no longer have interlocutors in the spheres of State that you can bribe, so that you can no longer make rain or shine in parliament or in the senate; that you will also have to pay your taxes correctly, reimburse the DGI the money you owe, respect the tariff laws of the country and give up for some of your connivances with the gangs.
Allow me to tell you that you will also be accountable. Sooner or later.
To the Haitian press as a whole, I would like to say a few words:
For some of you, trade shouldn't come before information. Even if this is already true for many of your colleagues from the 'democracies' of the North. This freedom of the press, which you all enjoy, has been paid for with the blood of the children of Gonaïves, with the blood of priests like Jean Marie Vincent, or upright men like Antoine Izméry, with the torture of poets like Jacques Roche, with the assassinations of many of you, like Jean Dominique, Diego Charles and Antoinette Duclair, or by the disappearance of Vladimir Legagneur.
Yes, this freedom which you so lightly use, was acquired by the fight and the sacrifice of many other Haitians before you. And it is clear that some of you are not up to the demands of the nation today.
I could name names, but why bother, you will recognize yourself. Some are old friends of mine.
I know you don't need a lesson from me. Perhaps. But you have some to receive from the nation.
I also have some questions for the so-called big families of society.
Who has made you great? Is it through your sacrifices for the country? Is it through your democratic feats of arms? Enlighten me, of what does your greatness consist? Certainly some of you have engaged in some of our battles. Where the risk did not endanger the essential: not to completely overturn the order of things, nor the balance of power. “Wòch nan dlo (rock in the water), wòch nan solèy”(rock in the sun) had said the priest.
How many of you have I come across coming out of the newly elected President Aristide. “Wòch nan dlo, wòch nan solèy” he repeated. And you had all rushed to his house for lunch, trying to calm his ardor and find compromises. Me, sitting in the front room, I watched you come out one by one of his den.
I have often witnessed your conversations. You, like me, know that your non-action is no longer tolerable. And, make no mistake, you will be accountable. Sooner or later.
Now, I would like to talk to some so-called political “leaders.”
Those who live all-expenses-paid, in the suites of big hotels when they have no official job to justify their spending;
Those who are always ready to speak on behalf of the people as they roll in four fours offered by who knows who;
These cynical mercenaries who exploit the pain and misfortunes of the population to fill their pockets and live like princes, under the pretext that they were, a long time ago - a very long time - 'on the concrete'.
You are only defenders of the people who only defend their pocket. You too will realize sooner or later.
Finally, I would like to write a few words on the Montana agreement.
I participated, along with many other citizens, in the genesis of this agreement. This agreement is the result of long and intense discussions with the majority of civil society organizations both in Haiti and in the diaspora, and intermediary bodies: unions, churches and others, and with the entire political world.
It hasn't always been easy, and it still isn't. Every day, the designated or elected transparent bodies must thwart attempts by one or the other to return to old patterns of power, to personality cult reflexes, to back room agreements between a few ' enlightened leaders' to try to derail the movement to their advantage.
What they do not always understand is that this agreement is unprecedented in the history of our country. This agreement, by its transparency, its diversity, its ethics, its democratic framework and more than anything, by the fact that it relies exclusively on procedures, structures, roadmaps, and not as usual on personalities, therefore, does not belong to any group or network.
Everyone agrees. It is ours. A unique crisis resolution agreement, legitimate, transparent and democratic, which will allow us to organize honest, reliable, participatory and safe elections, in which the Haitian people will be able to exercise their right to political equality, men and women, one voice.
Raoul Peck
Citizen
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/235153/raoul-peck-lettre-ouverte-a-ariel-henry-et-amis-complices
Mr. Ariel Henry and accomplice friends,
No citizen should remain silent in the face of the suffering of his country.
No citizen can claim not to have known.
To be silent is to become an accomplice of the unacceptable.
No one can claim innocence, impartiality or neutrality in this war.
Because it is war that is at stake.
A war against an entire country.
A war against an entire population.
How can one still call oneself a citizen? when we are indifferent to our own future?
How can we not get involved?
The word has always imposed itself on me each time that it was necessary to amplify the cry of my country, when too often the dogs are silent, especially when they are on guard.
Today is one of those days when you must not be silent.
To oppose the silence of cowards.
Mr. Ariel Henry and accomplice friends,
Those who have sold themselves as being the most worthy, the most honest, have accepted and still accept ministerial posts in an illegal government, without ethics.
In the era of make-believe, ministers squat in ministries, claim to make decisions, travelling, stirring winds, salaries and dubious businesses.
Sir Ariel Henry, who made you king?
Could it be President Jovenel Moïse who, moreover, no longer had a constitutional mandate? Could this be the tweet from your Core Group protectors? Appointed Prime Minister, have you ever been approved? Even when you were granted this illegal designation, no later than February 7, 2022, you should have left, no matter what legal quibbles were used. You cannot claim to hold any mandate.
You can cling to power, but know that those who made you king will stop supporting you as soon as the protesting people manage to impose their consensual alternative of state power on you. They will drop you quickly as soon as their public opinion begins to question the tenacity and maturity of the Haitian people.
Mr. Ariel Henry, Friends and accomplices,
Faced with social, economic, moral misery, where others would refer to your incapacity or incompetence, I see that you are only demonstrating the limit of your power and your contempt for our struggles. You claim a power that does not exist because you are unable to respond to the urgent needs of the moment:
The collapse of the purchasing power of the entire population;
The hunger and disarray that reign in a large part of the country, cut off from the capital;
The general insecurity that leads people to hide in their homes, during that, others, who have no choice, expose themselves to all kinds of dangers on a daily basis;
Kidnappings, which have become a thriving industry from which many people, other than armed gang members, profit. Their names will be revealed when the time comes, when justice will be restored in its rights.
Large companies also participate in this decay by paying to circulate their trucks, manage their port, guarantee their supply. With one ambition, to survive another day. Without understanding that they are digging their own grave. Because it will be much more difficult to get the snake into the calabash (an evergreen tropical American tree which bears fruit in the form of large woody gourds).
Mr. Ariel Henry and accomplice friends,
The files are known, others will soon see the light of day. This ranges from embezzlement, assassinations, to corruption in organized gangs, trafficking in arms and people, and above all, the laundering of assets - oh supreme crime for your guardian of the day, our great American neighbor -
All of them will blame everything on you. They will all let you down. Your old friends, your present allies, your American and European bosses. You speculate that the Pentagon, your new master, will support you until the end? You are wrong.
The American press threw a multitude of bottles into the sea to try to prepare their public opinion for a military solution disguised as police action. But fortunately, the advances and achievements of the so-called Montana Accord have neutralized these attempts to intervene.
But the option remains on the table, and you have been singled out as the weak link to facilitate such a pseudo-solution. Too bad for you. The struggle continues. And eventually, like many others before you, you will find yourself an outcast of history, banished by society to a country that will no longer be yours. You will be accountable.
If there is one thing you should NEVER forget, it is that the Haitian people have always known how to get rid of those who strangle them with their boots, those who abuse them, those who had no other compass than to exploit it, to humiliate it, to carry out the orders of their foreign masters and accomplices. Still.
Mr. Ariel Henry and accomplice friends,
Do you need to be reminded? Power is always ephemeral. Beyond the misery and the fears that your allies and you make Haitians experience every day, what is sad and pathetic is that this power that you want to keep at all cists is just an empty box. A fragile and empty coffin.
And, since you're going to have to leave power anyway, let's pretend it's already done and talk to everyone else about your accessories:
To all those who have succeeded so far in staying out of the public eye, out of political polemics, to those who operate behind the scenes, those who use their contacts with gangs as well as with crooked politicians, with false trade unionists as with false popular leaders, with former elected officials as well as with internationals;
You who initially supported the Montana agreement, then boycotted it and even tried to destabilize it, when you realized that you could not take control of it;
You, who after accepting it, proved that you suddenly disliked a really 'koupe fache' (cut off angry) process, because that would require you to have to give up your financial backers, to no longer have interlocutors in the spheres of State that you can bribe, so that you can no longer make rain or shine in parliament or in the senate; that you will also have to pay your taxes correctly, reimburse the DGI the money you owe, respect the tariff laws of the country and give up for some of your connivances with the gangs.
Allow me to tell you that you will also be accountable. Sooner or later.
To the Haitian press as a whole, I would like to say a few words:
For some of you, trade shouldn't come before information. Even if this is already true for many of your colleagues from the 'democracies' of the North. This freedom of the press, which you all enjoy, has been paid for with the blood of the children of Gonaïves, with the blood of priests like Jean Marie Vincent, or upright men like Antoine Izméry, with the torture of poets like Jacques Roche, with the assassinations of many of you, like Jean Dominique, Diego Charles and Antoinette Duclair, or by the disappearance of Vladimir Legagneur.
Yes, this freedom which you so lightly use, was acquired by the fight and the sacrifice of many other Haitians before you. And it is clear that some of you are not up to the demands of the nation today.
I could name names, but why bother, you will recognize yourself. Some are old friends of mine.
I know you don't need a lesson from me. Perhaps. But you have some to receive from the nation.
I also have some questions for the so-called big families of society.
Who has made you great? Is it through your sacrifices for the country? Is it through your democratic feats of arms? Enlighten me, of what does your greatness consist? Certainly some of you have engaged in some of our battles. Where the risk did not endanger the essential: not to completely overturn the order of things, nor the balance of power. “Wòch nan dlo (rock in the water), wòch nan solèy”(rock in the sun) had said the priest.
How many of you have I come across coming out of the newly elected President Aristide. “Wòch nan dlo, wòch nan solèy” he repeated. And you had all rushed to his house for lunch, trying to calm his ardor and find compromises. Me, sitting in the front room, I watched you come out one by one of his den.
I have often witnessed your conversations. You, like me, know that your non-action is no longer tolerable. And, make no mistake, you will be accountable. Sooner or later.
Now, I would like to talk to some so-called political “leaders.”
Those who live all-expenses-paid, in the suites of big hotels when they have no official job to justify their spending;
Those who are always ready to speak on behalf of the people as they roll in four fours offered by who knows who;
These cynical mercenaries who exploit the pain and misfortunes of the population to fill their pockets and live like princes, under the pretext that they were, a long time ago - a very long time - 'on the concrete'.
You are only defenders of the people who only defend their pocket. You too will realize sooner or later.
Finally, I would like to write a few words on the Montana agreement.
I participated, along with many other citizens, in the genesis of this agreement. This agreement is the result of long and intense discussions with the majority of civil society organizations both in Haiti and in the diaspora, and intermediary bodies: unions, churches and others, and with the entire political world.
It hasn't always been easy, and it still isn't. Every day, the designated or elected transparent bodies must thwart attempts by one or the other to return to old patterns of power, to personality cult reflexes, to back room agreements between a few ' enlightened leaders' to try to derail the movement to their advantage.
What they do not always understand is that this agreement is unprecedented in the history of our country. This agreement, by its transparency, its diversity, its ethics, its democratic framework and more than anything, by the fact that it relies exclusively on procedures, structures, roadmaps, and not as usual on personalities, therefore, does not belong to any group or network.
Everyone agrees. It is ours. A unique crisis resolution agreement, legitimate, transparent and democratic, which will allow us to organize honest, reliable, participatory and safe elections, in which the Haitian people will be able to exercise their right to political equality, men and women, one voice.
Raoul Peck
Citizen
#13: 7 American congressmen ask President Biden to let go of Ariel Henry
by Robenson Geffrard, Le Nouvelliste, Mar. 18, 2022
Translation by Tom Luce
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/234759/7-congressmen-americains-demandent-au-president-biden-de-lacher-ariel-henry
Seven members of the United States Congress, ”deeply concerned about the current crisis in Haiti”, have “asked” President Joe Biden to withdraw his support for de facto Prime Minister Ariel Henry and to allow the people of Haiti, through a broad consensus , to “create a democratic transition led by civil society”, in a letter dated March 17, of which the newspaper Le Nouvelliste obtained a copy.
“We humbly ask your administration to allow the people of Haiti to determine their own political destiny and to withdraw their support for the de facto government,” reads this correspondence, which splits into an exhortation to the Democratic president. We urge your administration to allow the people of Haiti to determine their political destiny by supporting consensus among political actors, civil society, religious and private sectors to create a democratic transition led by civil society,” the signers argued.
“However,” noted these US parliamentarians, “any steps taken to bring about such a transition have a limited chance of success if the United States continues to support the de facto government of Dr. Ariel Henry.” The seven parliamentarians further affirmed that Ariel Henry “has no interest in negotiating in good faith when he enjoys the unconditional support of the United States”.
The signatories of this letter have highlighted the need to break with certain aspects of American policy that have had harmful effects for Haiti. “There is no doubt that certain aspects of American policy toward Haiti have undermined the development, peace and security of the country. However, these elected officials argued, “we have the opportunity to right our past mistakes and support the Haitian people to put their country on the path to true democracy.” “The time has come,” they said, stressing in passing that there is a “growing number” of actors from civil society, the private sector, and political organizations “mobilized to offer a more representative way and inclusive in order to lead Haiti towards the direction of a sustainable democracy”.
“We hope your administration will take meaningful steps to engage substantively with these groups,” the letter from the congressmen read, saying that the administration's support for Dr. Henry “seems inconsistent with the purpose declared that the United States will not tip the scales of Haitian politics.”
PM Henry does not have the legitimacy to organize elections
“Dr. Henry does not have the legitimacy to organize elections and does not have the consensus necessary to galvanize the Haitian people to go to the polls. The legitimacy of Dr. Henry comes from the international community, not from the Haitian people,” argued these elected Americans.
“Elections are necessary but not sufficient to bring stability”
“Due to the scale of the challenges of insecurity in Haiti, it is impossible to organize elections in this climate. In 2016, approximately 21% of the voting population participated in the presidential election. While elections are often a sign of democracy, holding elections in a climate where citizens are afraid to leave their homes for fear of being kidnapped or killed would seriously undermine the electoral process. Your administration must therefore prioritize peace, safety and security,” the letter reads.
'Elections are necessary but not sufficient to bring stability to the country if the optimal conditions are not met and if the consensus between the different sectors has not been reached', the signers argued. .
Assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, the investigation has not progressed.
“Furthermore, we are deeply concerned that under the Henry government, the investigation into the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, which took place last July, has made little progress and that those investigating this case in Haiti have been the subject of threats and intimidation. It is crucial that the intellectual authors and those directly involved in the assassination of President Moïse be held accountable in order to shed light and best help Haiti to resolve its political crisis”, according to the letter from these parliamentarians who ask,“immediately,” President Joe Biden “to take the necessary steps'’ to keep Congress informed of the investigation, to fully investigate and disclose any role that American citizens or organizations may have played in the assassination, including anyone who has ever worked as an informant for the United States.
The House of Representatives: Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) Member, Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8) Val Demings (FL-10), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Andy Levin (MI-9), Yvette Clarke (NY- 9), Mondaire Jones (NY-17) and Ayanna Pressley (MA-7) are the signers of this letter, a certified copy of which was sent to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
In an article in the Miami Herald on the United States budget law which devoted a chapter to Haiti, the representative of Michigan, Andy Levin, had indicated that there is a political stalemate in Haiti. “We know that the political situation in Haiti is at an impasse, with de facto leader Ariel Henry refusing to cooperate with the democratic transition process led by civil society,” said Representative Andy Levin, D-Mich, noting that he was pleased to see the Haiti Act passed as part of the omnibus package, particularly because it establishes a baseline that U.S. policy encourages “broad, inclusive, and sustained political dialogue among the various actors in Haiti to restore legitimacy and democratic institutions in Haiti”.
A staunch supporter of the Montana deal, journalist Jacqueline Charles wrote in this article, “Andy Levin said that 'to fulfill this new mandate of American politics, Biden administration officials should withdraw their support for Henry and begin to support a truly inclusive and Haiti-led path to democracy'.
According to Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, one of the seven signatories, interviewed by Reuters, “to stem the increase in Haitian migration to the United States, it will be necessary to look at the political situation in the country, which was upset by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse last July.
“If we look at the reasons behind (immigration), it really comes down to the political instability that increases crime in Haiti,” she said in a phone interview with Reuters.
In the article in the Miami Herald, Jacqueline Charles reported that the State Department, which has had several talks with Mr. Henry and civic leaders in recent weeks, has defended itself against critics who accuse it of supporting Mr. Henry instead than civil society.
The last meeting between representatives of the Montana / Pen agreement with PM Ariel Henry and signers of the September 11 agreement, in mid-February, had ended in failure. For a question of punctuality. In the press, both sides blamed each other.
Note by author: The last meeting between representatives of the Montana / Pen Accord with PM Ariel Henry and signatories of the September 11 agreement, in mid-February, had ended in failure. For a question of punctuality. In the press, both sides blamed each other.
Note by Tom Luce: the Montana Accord people continued to invite Mr. Henry but he has not replied.
Translation by Tom Luce
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/234759/7-congressmen-americains-demandent-au-president-biden-de-lacher-ariel-henry
Seven members of the United States Congress, ”deeply concerned about the current crisis in Haiti”, have “asked” President Joe Biden to withdraw his support for de facto Prime Minister Ariel Henry and to allow the people of Haiti, through a broad consensus , to “create a democratic transition led by civil society”, in a letter dated March 17, of which the newspaper Le Nouvelliste obtained a copy.
“We humbly ask your administration to allow the people of Haiti to determine their own political destiny and to withdraw their support for the de facto government,” reads this correspondence, which splits into an exhortation to the Democratic president. We urge your administration to allow the people of Haiti to determine their political destiny by supporting consensus among political actors, civil society, religious and private sectors to create a democratic transition led by civil society,” the signers argued.
“However,” noted these US parliamentarians, “any steps taken to bring about such a transition have a limited chance of success if the United States continues to support the de facto government of Dr. Ariel Henry.” The seven parliamentarians further affirmed that Ariel Henry “has no interest in negotiating in good faith when he enjoys the unconditional support of the United States”.
The signatories of this letter have highlighted the need to break with certain aspects of American policy that have had harmful effects for Haiti. “There is no doubt that certain aspects of American policy toward Haiti have undermined the development, peace and security of the country. However, these elected officials argued, “we have the opportunity to right our past mistakes and support the Haitian people to put their country on the path to true democracy.” “The time has come,” they said, stressing in passing that there is a “growing number” of actors from civil society, the private sector, and political organizations “mobilized to offer a more representative way and inclusive in order to lead Haiti towards the direction of a sustainable democracy”.
“We hope your administration will take meaningful steps to engage substantively with these groups,” the letter from the congressmen read, saying that the administration's support for Dr. Henry “seems inconsistent with the purpose declared that the United States will not tip the scales of Haitian politics.”
PM Henry does not have the legitimacy to organize elections
“Dr. Henry does not have the legitimacy to organize elections and does not have the consensus necessary to galvanize the Haitian people to go to the polls. The legitimacy of Dr. Henry comes from the international community, not from the Haitian people,” argued these elected Americans.
“Elections are necessary but not sufficient to bring stability”
“Due to the scale of the challenges of insecurity in Haiti, it is impossible to organize elections in this climate. In 2016, approximately 21% of the voting population participated in the presidential election. While elections are often a sign of democracy, holding elections in a climate where citizens are afraid to leave their homes for fear of being kidnapped or killed would seriously undermine the electoral process. Your administration must therefore prioritize peace, safety and security,” the letter reads.
'Elections are necessary but not sufficient to bring stability to the country if the optimal conditions are not met and if the consensus between the different sectors has not been reached', the signers argued. .
Assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, the investigation has not progressed.
“Furthermore, we are deeply concerned that under the Henry government, the investigation into the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, which took place last July, has made little progress and that those investigating this case in Haiti have been the subject of threats and intimidation. It is crucial that the intellectual authors and those directly involved in the assassination of President Moïse be held accountable in order to shed light and best help Haiti to resolve its political crisis”, according to the letter from these parliamentarians who ask,“immediately,” President Joe Biden “to take the necessary steps'’ to keep Congress informed of the investigation, to fully investigate and disclose any role that American citizens or organizations may have played in the assassination, including anyone who has ever worked as an informant for the United States.
The House of Representatives: Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) Member, Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8) Val Demings (FL-10), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Andy Levin (MI-9), Yvette Clarke (NY- 9), Mondaire Jones (NY-17) and Ayanna Pressley (MA-7) are the signers of this letter, a certified copy of which was sent to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
In an article in the Miami Herald on the United States budget law which devoted a chapter to Haiti, the representative of Michigan, Andy Levin, had indicated that there is a political stalemate in Haiti. “We know that the political situation in Haiti is at an impasse, with de facto leader Ariel Henry refusing to cooperate with the democratic transition process led by civil society,” said Representative Andy Levin, D-Mich, noting that he was pleased to see the Haiti Act passed as part of the omnibus package, particularly because it establishes a baseline that U.S. policy encourages “broad, inclusive, and sustained political dialogue among the various actors in Haiti to restore legitimacy and democratic institutions in Haiti”.
A staunch supporter of the Montana deal, journalist Jacqueline Charles wrote in this article, “Andy Levin said that 'to fulfill this new mandate of American politics, Biden administration officials should withdraw their support for Henry and begin to support a truly inclusive and Haiti-led path to democracy'.
According to Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, one of the seven signatories, interviewed by Reuters, “to stem the increase in Haitian migration to the United States, it will be necessary to look at the political situation in the country, which was upset by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse last July.
“If we look at the reasons behind (immigration), it really comes down to the political instability that increases crime in Haiti,” she said in a phone interview with Reuters.
In the article in the Miami Herald, Jacqueline Charles reported that the State Department, which has had several talks with Mr. Henry and civic leaders in recent weeks, has defended itself against critics who accuse it of supporting Mr. Henry instead than civil society.
The last meeting between representatives of the Montana / Pen agreement with PM Ariel Henry and signers of the September 11 agreement, in mid-February, had ended in failure. For a question of punctuality. In the press, both sides blamed each other.
Note by author: The last meeting between representatives of the Montana / Pen Accord with PM Ariel Henry and signatories of the September 11 agreement, in mid-February, had ended in failure. For a question of punctuality. In the press, both sides blamed each other.
Note by Tom Luce: the Montana Accord people continued to invite Mr. Henry but he has not replied.
#12: PetroCaribe: Will the Biden law against corruption in Haiti move the lines?
Published on 2022-03-16 | lenouvelliste.com
Robenson Geffrard, Author
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/234719/petrocaribe-la-loi-biden-contre-la-corruption-en-haiti-fera-t-elle-bouger-les-lignes
Translation by Tom Luce
The United States, in a law signed on March 15, 2022 by President Joe Biden, asked the Department of State for an assessment of acts of major corruption committed by the public and private sectors in Haiti, the identification of any person or entity that has funded corrupt activities, and all corruption prosecutions investigated by the Haitian justice system since January 2015.
This law also aims to gain insight into the Haitian government's efforts to fight corruption, including the PetroCaribe scandal.
For the moment, it is difficult to know if the lines will move in the fight against corruption and particularly concerning the PetroCaribe file. For some, it was time for the USA to pass this law.
It was time
Steven Yryenson Benoît, former deputy, former senator who found himself among the very first to denounce acts of corruption and embezzlement of funds from PetroCaribe, and who was appointed Prime Minister by the Montana Accord[1], interviewed by the newspaper Le Nouvelliste, argued that the United States has finally realized what is happening. “The US government has finally realized that the PHTK government is a corrupt government, and the country has been systematically looted for the past 10 years,” he said.
“Many of the leaders of this criminal group live today in the United States with millions of dollars stolen from the Haitian people,”continued Steven Y. Benoît as he recounts scandalous experiences with PetroCaribe, the funds of the Interim Commission for the Reconstruction of Haiti. (CIRH) after the earthquake and the corrupt practices denounced to the OAVCT, FDI, customs, etc.
“The time”, for Steven Y. Benoît, “ has finally come to freeze these funds, to identify these thugs and to help the Haitian State to carry out the various trials long awaited by the population and to set an example once and for all.”
“The lines are moving. We at Montana rejoice. Our cry is finally heard. Better late than never,” he said.
“The United States is righting the wrongs done to Haitian grassroots movements, demanding accountability in general and pursuing the allegations of corruption in the Petrocaribe report. This law which comes from the legislative of the United States, offers the demonstration of a system where the powers are balanced, sooner or later. Under the Trump administration, it had proven impossible to enforce good governance standards by the Haitian executive, armed with an arsenal of lobbyists to manipulate the facts in favor of the leaders. Today many things have changed, which forces the American administration to note the dazzling deterioration of conditions in Haiti; and recognize that without firm measures, the regime still in power will not improve; “on the contrary”, ex-senator Youri Latortue, author of the first report, for the Senate of the Republic, on the use of Petrocaribe funds, told the newspaper Le Nouvelliste.
“Like us, many members of the US Congress, as well as our diaspora, understand that local crime cannot be solved unless public and private financial corruption is curbed. For me, this is a measure that sends a good signal, although Haitian justice must rise to the occasion. This movement promises to revive all cases of abuse of power and embezzlement. Will they all succeed? I do not know. Nevertheless, without a strong message, and measures implemented with rigor, we will have difficulty in correcting the bad practices which continue to impoverish us and to push our children towards the mass exodus”, the former senator Youri Latortue indicated
“Funding the government we have today, an emanation of the practices that caused so much turmoil in the hearts of our young people between 2019 and 2020, without forcing it to submit to the standards of transparency expected in the management of the affairs of the State, is equivalent to giving drugs to a drug addict,” he argued.
“I think some things will change. Indeed, the very nature of life demands it. In any case, it is a strong message to indicate the limits of our neighbors' tolerance in terms of money laundering and human rights violations. Something is indeed changing, compared to the position of the United States which used to be: let us close our eyes to the abuses of the Haitian leaders because, although corrupt, at least they submit to our foreign policy, in particular with reference to Venezuela and Taiwan,” said Youri Latortue.
“Beyond the fact that the United States has always found excuses not to give money to this country of Negroes called HAITI, we must recognize the legitimacy and validity of this law. We cannot ask the American people to accept that their money be used to finance a country which has chosen to use corruption and banditry as methods of government”, Atty. André Michel informed the newspaper, a member of the SDP (Peoples,Democratic Sector, a political group), a lawyer for the plaintiffs in the PetroCaribe case and a signer of the September 11 Accord that brought Prime Minister Ariel Henry to power and made the PetroCaribe trial one of its goals.
“I would have liked the United States to help us in the fight against corruption. The money stolen in Haiti by businessmen and politicians is invested in the USA in businesses of all kinds', explained the one who 'initiated the PetroCaribe trial on January 30, 2018 with the complaint of citizen Johnson Colin'.
“I am pleased that this matter is brought up in American law. But beware, this is not enough. The PETROCARIBE case is pending before two different jurisdictions in Haiti: the Court of Appeal of Port-au-Prince and the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation. An American collaboration with these two jurisdictions would be perfectly welcome”, indicated Atty. André Michel.
“The CSCCA (Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation) has a fundamental role to play in the battle against corruption and bad governance. The fight against corruption and good governance are two closely related concepts. Unfortunately, the CSCCA always intervenes after the fact when judging the accounts of de facto and de jure accountants as well as de facto authorizing officers. Lè sa a kabrit la gentan fin pase,” he said. (Then the goat was gone. Haitian Creole)
“The country needs a CSCCA which intervenes as a preventive measure to avoid the waste of public funds. It can intervene in the opportunity of expenditure, on the legality of contracts and at the time of the execution of contracts. Above all, we need these types of intervention to prevent acts of corruption and the waste of public funds,: continued André Michel, stressing that he had “always believed that the recovery of Haiti depends on the fight against corruption.”
“It is up to us to move the lines in this matter. It's not really an American law that will change things. A trial is a procedural matter. The PetroCaribe file is pending before the courts. The institutions must play their role, and this, without any political interference. We are awaiting the debit judgments of the CSCCA in the context of the PetroCaribe file. This will help the Port-au-Prince Court of Appeal to do its job better. The SDP would not have signed the September 11 Accord (PM Henry’s Accord) if the PetroCaribe dossier was not included in it. It's part of our fundamentals. In my opinion, what must be done concretely is to remove the political obstacles to the organization of the PetroCaribe Trial so that the competent courts can play their role properly,” said Atty. André Michel.
Words from the CSCCA (Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation)
“I limit myself to specifying that, through its rulings and its reports, the Court will continue to contribute to the fight against corruption by making available to other institutions established by law objective data on the irregularities noted to enable them to repress certain offenses which fall within their field of competence”, Fritz Robert Saint Paul, confided to the newspaper Le Nouvelliste, president of the CSCCA, questioned about this law signed by the American president Joe Biden.
The Hope of a Petrochallenger
“PetroCaribe is one of the greatest financial crimes the country has ever seen. The fight against corruption has been brought to the fore by the petrochallengers anti-corruption movement. This ongoing struggle and this issue that is back in the spotlight are proof that awareness of endemic and systemic corruption has reached money donors,” Vélina Elysée Charlier, one of the leading figures in the newspaper, told Le Nouvelliste. of the petrochallenger movement.
For Vélina Elysée Charlier, this American law gives rise to hope. “This gives hope that serious measures will be taken by the justice system and the institutions concerned so that we come to the PetroCaribe trial. We are counting, she stressed, on international solidarity in the fight against corruption led by the Haitian people.
“The lines are moving but the real results depend on governance focused on breaking with corrupt practices. An independent judiciary equipped with the financial and technical means to prosecute and punish the culprits. The turmoil necessary for the corrupt depends on the end of the reign of this mafia state,” said Ms. Charlier.
'We have always denounced the support that the international community constantly gives to governments that impose corruption, impunity and planned insecurity on us as a mode of governance', continued Vélina Elysée Charlier, one of the figures of the Montana Accord (see #2 note)who then scolds: “The United States cannot continue to support a de facto corrupt government and claim to demand serious, effective, applicable and applied measures against corruption from these same corrupt people. For smuggling and the looting of state funds to stop, the systemic causes must be addressed. We must break the reign of impunity and the mafia state,” Vélina Elysée Charlier insisted. Follow in the footsteps of money. As we say in English, “follow the money”.
“International solidarity is necessary, even indispensable in all fights against corruption. Misappropriated, stolen and squandered funds are certainly not in closets or under mattresses. They have probably been invested elsewhere or are in bank accounts in tax havens. Many of the names and companies cited in the PetroCaribe reports have interests in the United States. This country must therefore show real solidarity and transparency by initiating investigations at home to trace the assets and investments made with funds from corruption. They must also provide technical and legal support, while respecting international laws in this area. The funds are there, follow their trail and apply the law, ” Vélina Elysée Charlier insisted.
Marie Rosie Auguste Ducénat, one of the leaders of the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH, a member organization of the grouping of organizations Together Against Corruption) considered that this law signed by President Biden, the 'law on the development, accountability and institutional transparency in Haiti' is an important document on the basis of which requirements can be made to state authorities to clean up public finances, and the evaluation and the establishment of transparency and accountability mechanisms so that accounts can be made.
“Citizens--women and men--" maintains Marie Rosie Auguste Ducénat, “can also play their part based on this document which also touches on several problems related to the non-respect and non-realization of human rights in general in Haiti, since the law also deals with the freedoms of the press and assembly, the rights to legal guarantees of the victims of the La Saline massacre, etc. »
Calling Out of the PetroCaribe scandal
'The PetroCaribe scandal is still with us and remains an important file that must be used as strategic litigation to resolve once and for all the problems related to grand corruption in Haiti as well as the drama of impunity, since it favors both financial crimes and common law offenses”, Marie Rosie Auguste Ducénat, who shares a regret, added.
“However, it is a pity that in this particular case our leaders do not want the truth to be told about the squandering of the PetroCaribe fund. The impression,” argued the human rights activist, one of the RNDDH officials, “is that the whole machine is set in motion to prevent the case from leading to the judgment of the accounts of those involved and the conviction of those who perpetrated acts of corruption”.
Citizen engagement to move the lines
Asked about the possibility of lines moving with this law, Marie Rosie Auguste Ducénat argued that “nothing will move until the country has leaders who understand that the relationship between human rights violations and corruption must be interrupted and that we need another form of governance, based on respect for human rights in general and not on the reign of terror and the gangsterization of the country and the State. Tools like the aforementioned law are important. But in addition, for convincing results, we need civic engagement”.
Maybe the start of a new era
“We must be interested in the initiatives of other countries in the investigation of corruption in Haiti because we have not done our homework. The various reports on corruption in Haiti have details, make accusations, and show responsibilities. “So far no legal proceedings for the PetroCaribe file have been initiated, because quite simply justice is a prisoner of political and economic interests which do not want to move things forward,” so said to the newspaper economist Etzer Emile--who has become an agitator told the newspaper of ideas in the direction of a more marked civic engagement in the management of public affairs.
“So far, unfortunately, only the good Lord and the White Man can give justice to this people or can pressure our leaders. The latter are in fact more sensitive to a note from an embassy than the voice of twelve million Haitians. Is this new law a simple instrument of pressure or will it really provoke serious investigations that can actually lead to convictions?” wondered Etzer Emile. “It's just waiting. We hope that this is the second case. Because the judgment on the PetroCaribe case is an obligation to send signals and lay the foundations for a true rule of law”.
“It is time for us to divorce this Republic (note by Tom Luce, “Haiti”) without sanction (RSS) (note by Tom Luce, “Regional Security System”, see https://www.rss.org.bb/about-us/) to learn about this Caribbean institution that enforces with military forces the security of member states, CARICOM region). For the moment, Etzer Émile continued, “we know that the Americans have a long history of arresting and dispatching our drug dealers, perhaps a new era for the sanction of corruption is beginning.”
PetroCaribe: towards the judgment of certain accounts by the CSCCA (Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation)
With the exception of ministers, all the accounts of authorizing officers liable to the Superior Court of Auditors in the management of the PetroCaribe fund will be judged, said three advisers interviewed by the newspaper Le Nouvelliste at the end of February 2022. “The delay for holding trials has expired. They were supposed to have been held before the end of 2021,” said one of the advisers before listing the string of obstacles encountered. “There was a problem with the retention of information and the administration's lack of will, which refuses to submit to the principles of good governance and accountability,”he said, explaining that after the publication of reports on the management of PetroCaribe funds, the Court has not yet received all the information to be able to carry out global audits of institutions and authorizing officers.
The CSCCA intends to work twice as hard to finalize the files of the authorizing officers concerned. “After, judgment”, had confided another adviser, explaining that certain institutions had communicated incomplete information. “We were unable to organize the desired global audit”, he continued, also highlighting the implementation of the CSCCA to “audit all public institutions until September 30, 2022”.
At the start of the presidency of Jovenel Moïse, assassinated at his home on July 7, 2021, there was a strong popular mobilization against corruption. President Moïse, as a businessman, was deluged by the reports of the CSCCA as well as by host of ministers and other authorizing officers who served under the administrations of René Préval, Michel Martelly and Jocelerme Privert.
1a. PetroCaribe: Note by Tom Luce, for those who don’t know what this means, here is a short pargraph:
PetroCaribe is a petroleum program between Venezuela and a number of countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. Basically, Venezuela sells petroleum to these nations at a preferential rate, paying only 5-50% of the cost upfront. The remainder of the cost is considered a loan to be paid back over a 25 year period at a low 1% interest rate. <http://woymagazine.com/2018/09/02/petrocaribe-who-what-where-when-why/> The abuse of the “loan” from Venezuela is the issue of corruption still not addressed by Haiti. Government officials used the “loan” money, millions of dollars, for their own use.
1b.:U.S. Mercenaries Arrested in Haiti Were Part of a Half-Baked Scheme to Move $80 Million for Embattled PresidentIt was too good a deal for the band of semi-employed military veterans and security contractors to turn down.Matthew Cole, Kim Ives
March 20 2019, 4:00 a.m
https://theintercept.com/2019/03/20/haiti-president-mercenary-operation/
2. Montana Accord: the one proposal to resolve the Haiti government crisis that has received nationwide approval. See http://haitischolarships.weebly.com/the-solution-montana-accord.html for a number of articles showing the role and position of this proposal. The other “Accord” is the “Musseau” Accord, named after the place where de facto Prime Minister had his proposal signed on Sept. 11, 2021.
Robenson Geffrard, Author
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/234719/petrocaribe-la-loi-biden-contre-la-corruption-en-haiti-fera-t-elle-bouger-les-lignes
Translation by Tom Luce
The United States, in a law signed on March 15, 2022 by President Joe Biden, asked the Department of State for an assessment of acts of major corruption committed by the public and private sectors in Haiti, the identification of any person or entity that has funded corrupt activities, and all corruption prosecutions investigated by the Haitian justice system since January 2015.
This law also aims to gain insight into the Haitian government's efforts to fight corruption, including the PetroCaribe scandal.
For the moment, it is difficult to know if the lines will move in the fight against corruption and particularly concerning the PetroCaribe file. For some, it was time for the USA to pass this law.
It was time
Steven Yryenson Benoît, former deputy, former senator who found himself among the very first to denounce acts of corruption and embezzlement of funds from PetroCaribe, and who was appointed Prime Minister by the Montana Accord[1], interviewed by the newspaper Le Nouvelliste, argued that the United States has finally realized what is happening. “The US government has finally realized that the PHTK government is a corrupt government, and the country has been systematically looted for the past 10 years,” he said.
“Many of the leaders of this criminal group live today in the United States with millions of dollars stolen from the Haitian people,”continued Steven Y. Benoît as he recounts scandalous experiences with PetroCaribe, the funds of the Interim Commission for the Reconstruction of Haiti. (CIRH) after the earthquake and the corrupt practices denounced to the OAVCT, FDI, customs, etc.
“The time”, for Steven Y. Benoît, “ has finally come to freeze these funds, to identify these thugs and to help the Haitian State to carry out the various trials long awaited by the population and to set an example once and for all.”
“The lines are moving. We at Montana rejoice. Our cry is finally heard. Better late than never,” he said.
“The United States is righting the wrongs done to Haitian grassroots movements, demanding accountability in general and pursuing the allegations of corruption in the Petrocaribe report. This law which comes from the legislative of the United States, offers the demonstration of a system where the powers are balanced, sooner or later. Under the Trump administration, it had proven impossible to enforce good governance standards by the Haitian executive, armed with an arsenal of lobbyists to manipulate the facts in favor of the leaders. Today many things have changed, which forces the American administration to note the dazzling deterioration of conditions in Haiti; and recognize that without firm measures, the regime still in power will not improve; “on the contrary”, ex-senator Youri Latortue, author of the first report, for the Senate of the Republic, on the use of Petrocaribe funds, told the newspaper Le Nouvelliste.
“Like us, many members of the US Congress, as well as our diaspora, understand that local crime cannot be solved unless public and private financial corruption is curbed. For me, this is a measure that sends a good signal, although Haitian justice must rise to the occasion. This movement promises to revive all cases of abuse of power and embezzlement. Will they all succeed? I do not know. Nevertheless, without a strong message, and measures implemented with rigor, we will have difficulty in correcting the bad practices which continue to impoverish us and to push our children towards the mass exodus”, the former senator Youri Latortue indicated
“Funding the government we have today, an emanation of the practices that caused so much turmoil in the hearts of our young people between 2019 and 2020, without forcing it to submit to the standards of transparency expected in the management of the affairs of the State, is equivalent to giving drugs to a drug addict,” he argued.
“I think some things will change. Indeed, the very nature of life demands it. In any case, it is a strong message to indicate the limits of our neighbors' tolerance in terms of money laundering and human rights violations. Something is indeed changing, compared to the position of the United States which used to be: let us close our eyes to the abuses of the Haitian leaders because, although corrupt, at least they submit to our foreign policy, in particular with reference to Venezuela and Taiwan,” said Youri Latortue.
“Beyond the fact that the United States has always found excuses not to give money to this country of Negroes called HAITI, we must recognize the legitimacy and validity of this law. We cannot ask the American people to accept that their money be used to finance a country which has chosen to use corruption and banditry as methods of government”, Atty. André Michel informed the newspaper, a member of the SDP (Peoples,Democratic Sector, a political group), a lawyer for the plaintiffs in the PetroCaribe case and a signer of the September 11 Accord that brought Prime Minister Ariel Henry to power and made the PetroCaribe trial one of its goals.
“I would have liked the United States to help us in the fight against corruption. The money stolen in Haiti by businessmen and politicians is invested in the USA in businesses of all kinds', explained the one who 'initiated the PetroCaribe trial on January 30, 2018 with the complaint of citizen Johnson Colin'.
“I am pleased that this matter is brought up in American law. But beware, this is not enough. The PETROCARIBE case is pending before two different jurisdictions in Haiti: the Court of Appeal of Port-au-Prince and the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation. An American collaboration with these two jurisdictions would be perfectly welcome”, indicated Atty. André Michel.
“The CSCCA (Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation) has a fundamental role to play in the battle against corruption and bad governance. The fight against corruption and good governance are two closely related concepts. Unfortunately, the CSCCA always intervenes after the fact when judging the accounts of de facto and de jure accountants as well as de facto authorizing officers. Lè sa a kabrit la gentan fin pase,” he said. (Then the goat was gone. Haitian Creole)
“The country needs a CSCCA which intervenes as a preventive measure to avoid the waste of public funds. It can intervene in the opportunity of expenditure, on the legality of contracts and at the time of the execution of contracts. Above all, we need these types of intervention to prevent acts of corruption and the waste of public funds,: continued André Michel, stressing that he had “always believed that the recovery of Haiti depends on the fight against corruption.”
“It is up to us to move the lines in this matter. It's not really an American law that will change things. A trial is a procedural matter. The PetroCaribe file is pending before the courts. The institutions must play their role, and this, without any political interference. We are awaiting the debit judgments of the CSCCA in the context of the PetroCaribe file. This will help the Port-au-Prince Court of Appeal to do its job better. The SDP would not have signed the September 11 Accord (PM Henry’s Accord) if the PetroCaribe dossier was not included in it. It's part of our fundamentals. In my opinion, what must be done concretely is to remove the political obstacles to the organization of the PetroCaribe Trial so that the competent courts can play their role properly,” said Atty. André Michel.
Words from the CSCCA (Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation)
“I limit myself to specifying that, through its rulings and its reports, the Court will continue to contribute to the fight against corruption by making available to other institutions established by law objective data on the irregularities noted to enable them to repress certain offenses which fall within their field of competence”, Fritz Robert Saint Paul, confided to the newspaper Le Nouvelliste, president of the CSCCA, questioned about this law signed by the American president Joe Biden.
The Hope of a Petrochallenger
“PetroCaribe is one of the greatest financial crimes the country has ever seen. The fight against corruption has been brought to the fore by the petrochallengers anti-corruption movement. This ongoing struggle and this issue that is back in the spotlight are proof that awareness of endemic and systemic corruption has reached money donors,” Vélina Elysée Charlier, one of the leading figures in the newspaper, told Le Nouvelliste. of the petrochallenger movement.
For Vélina Elysée Charlier, this American law gives rise to hope. “This gives hope that serious measures will be taken by the justice system and the institutions concerned so that we come to the PetroCaribe trial. We are counting, she stressed, on international solidarity in the fight against corruption led by the Haitian people.
“The lines are moving but the real results depend on governance focused on breaking with corrupt practices. An independent judiciary equipped with the financial and technical means to prosecute and punish the culprits. The turmoil necessary for the corrupt depends on the end of the reign of this mafia state,” said Ms. Charlier.
'We have always denounced the support that the international community constantly gives to governments that impose corruption, impunity and planned insecurity on us as a mode of governance', continued Vélina Elysée Charlier, one of the figures of the Montana Accord (see #2 note)who then scolds: “The United States cannot continue to support a de facto corrupt government and claim to demand serious, effective, applicable and applied measures against corruption from these same corrupt people. For smuggling and the looting of state funds to stop, the systemic causes must be addressed. We must break the reign of impunity and the mafia state,” Vélina Elysée Charlier insisted. Follow in the footsteps of money. As we say in English, “follow the money”.
“International solidarity is necessary, even indispensable in all fights against corruption. Misappropriated, stolen and squandered funds are certainly not in closets or under mattresses. They have probably been invested elsewhere or are in bank accounts in tax havens. Many of the names and companies cited in the PetroCaribe reports have interests in the United States. This country must therefore show real solidarity and transparency by initiating investigations at home to trace the assets and investments made with funds from corruption. They must also provide technical and legal support, while respecting international laws in this area. The funds are there, follow their trail and apply the law, ” Vélina Elysée Charlier insisted.
Marie Rosie Auguste Ducénat, one of the leaders of the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH, a member organization of the grouping of organizations Together Against Corruption) considered that this law signed by President Biden, the 'law on the development, accountability and institutional transparency in Haiti' is an important document on the basis of which requirements can be made to state authorities to clean up public finances, and the evaluation and the establishment of transparency and accountability mechanisms so that accounts can be made.
“Citizens--women and men--" maintains Marie Rosie Auguste Ducénat, “can also play their part based on this document which also touches on several problems related to the non-respect and non-realization of human rights in general in Haiti, since the law also deals with the freedoms of the press and assembly, the rights to legal guarantees of the victims of the La Saline massacre, etc. »
Calling Out of the PetroCaribe scandal
'The PetroCaribe scandal is still with us and remains an important file that must be used as strategic litigation to resolve once and for all the problems related to grand corruption in Haiti as well as the drama of impunity, since it favors both financial crimes and common law offenses”, Marie Rosie Auguste Ducénat, who shares a regret, added.
“However, it is a pity that in this particular case our leaders do not want the truth to be told about the squandering of the PetroCaribe fund. The impression,” argued the human rights activist, one of the RNDDH officials, “is that the whole machine is set in motion to prevent the case from leading to the judgment of the accounts of those involved and the conviction of those who perpetrated acts of corruption”.
Citizen engagement to move the lines
Asked about the possibility of lines moving with this law, Marie Rosie Auguste Ducénat argued that “nothing will move until the country has leaders who understand that the relationship between human rights violations and corruption must be interrupted and that we need another form of governance, based on respect for human rights in general and not on the reign of terror and the gangsterization of the country and the State. Tools like the aforementioned law are important. But in addition, for convincing results, we need civic engagement”.
Maybe the start of a new era
“We must be interested in the initiatives of other countries in the investigation of corruption in Haiti because we have not done our homework. The various reports on corruption in Haiti have details, make accusations, and show responsibilities. “So far no legal proceedings for the PetroCaribe file have been initiated, because quite simply justice is a prisoner of political and economic interests which do not want to move things forward,” so said to the newspaper economist Etzer Emile--who has become an agitator told the newspaper of ideas in the direction of a more marked civic engagement in the management of public affairs.
“So far, unfortunately, only the good Lord and the White Man can give justice to this people or can pressure our leaders. The latter are in fact more sensitive to a note from an embassy than the voice of twelve million Haitians. Is this new law a simple instrument of pressure or will it really provoke serious investigations that can actually lead to convictions?” wondered Etzer Emile. “It's just waiting. We hope that this is the second case. Because the judgment on the PetroCaribe case is an obligation to send signals and lay the foundations for a true rule of law”.
“It is time for us to divorce this Republic (note by Tom Luce, “Haiti”) without sanction (RSS) (note by Tom Luce, “Regional Security System”, see https://www.rss.org.bb/about-us/) to learn about this Caribbean institution that enforces with military forces the security of member states, CARICOM region). For the moment, Etzer Émile continued, “we know that the Americans have a long history of arresting and dispatching our drug dealers, perhaps a new era for the sanction of corruption is beginning.”
PetroCaribe: towards the judgment of certain accounts by the CSCCA (Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation)
With the exception of ministers, all the accounts of authorizing officers liable to the Superior Court of Auditors in the management of the PetroCaribe fund will be judged, said three advisers interviewed by the newspaper Le Nouvelliste at the end of February 2022. “The delay for holding trials has expired. They were supposed to have been held before the end of 2021,” said one of the advisers before listing the string of obstacles encountered. “There was a problem with the retention of information and the administration's lack of will, which refuses to submit to the principles of good governance and accountability,”he said, explaining that after the publication of reports on the management of PetroCaribe funds, the Court has not yet received all the information to be able to carry out global audits of institutions and authorizing officers.
The CSCCA intends to work twice as hard to finalize the files of the authorizing officers concerned. “After, judgment”, had confided another adviser, explaining that certain institutions had communicated incomplete information. “We were unable to organize the desired global audit”, he continued, also highlighting the implementation of the CSCCA to “audit all public institutions until September 30, 2022”.
At the start of the presidency of Jovenel Moïse, assassinated at his home on July 7, 2021, there was a strong popular mobilization against corruption. President Moïse, as a businessman, was deluged by the reports of the CSCCA as well as by host of ministers and other authorizing officers who served under the administrations of René Préval, Michel Martelly and Jocelerme Privert.
1a. PetroCaribe: Note by Tom Luce, for those who don’t know what this means, here is a short pargraph:
PetroCaribe is a petroleum program between Venezuela and a number of countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. Basically, Venezuela sells petroleum to these nations at a preferential rate, paying only 5-50% of the cost upfront. The remainder of the cost is considered a loan to be paid back over a 25 year period at a low 1% interest rate. <http://woymagazine.com/2018/09/02/petrocaribe-who-what-where-when-why/> The abuse of the “loan” from Venezuela is the issue of corruption still not addressed by Haiti. Government officials used the “loan” money, millions of dollars, for their own use.
1b.:U.S. Mercenaries Arrested in Haiti Were Part of a Half-Baked Scheme to Move $80 Million for Embattled PresidentIt was too good a deal for the band of semi-employed military veterans and security contractors to turn down.Matthew Cole, Kim Ives
March 20 2019, 4:00 a.m
https://theintercept.com/2019/03/20/haiti-president-mercenary-operation/
2. Montana Accord: the one proposal to resolve the Haiti government crisis that has received nationwide approval. See http://haitischolarships.weebly.com/the-solution-montana-accord.html for a number of articles showing the role and position of this proposal. The other “Accord” is the “Musseau” Accord, named after the place where de facto Prime Minister had his proposal signed on Sept. 11, 2021.
#11. US Freezes Funding to Haiti Pending Legitimate Government
TripFoumi Enfo
March 17, 2022
https://www.tripfoumi.com/blog/2022/03/17/les-etats-unis-gelent-leur-financement-a-haiti-en-attendant-un-gouvernement-legitime/
translation by Tom Luce
The US Congress is considering legislative provisions regulating US funding actions in Haiti. Indeed, a “law on development, accountability and institutional transparency in Haiti', was passed by the Senate and signed by President Joe Biden on March 15, 2022. This new measure requires the establishment of a legitimate government resulting from credible elections or a broad consensus, to undertake financial support to Haiti.
“Funds for Haiti assistance may only be made available to the Government of Haiti if the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that a new President and a new Parliament have taken office after free and fair elections, or that the country is led by a transitional government authority broadly representative of Haitian society,” so mentioned in the text of the law.
This law is punctuated with prohibitions by defining priorities for US financial support to Haiti; Governance, the fight against corruption and human rights violations are part of it. In this sense, funds can be allocated to Haiti to support free and fair elections, finance police and justice programs, eradicate gangs, reduce prolonged pretrial detention, strengthen public health, food security, education, access to water and sanitation, among others.
The funding restrictions, according to this provision, mainly concerns the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'h), which is not entitled to receive any financial assistance. Various massacres perpetrated in working-class neighborhoods in Haiti.
Indeed, 180 days were granted, after the promulgation of this law, to the American Secretary of State to inform the competent committees of Congress on the events that led to the various blood crimes in Haiti and their consequences on the country.
March 17, 2022
https://www.tripfoumi.com/blog/2022/03/17/les-etats-unis-gelent-leur-financement-a-haiti-en-attendant-un-gouvernement-legitime/
translation by Tom Luce
The US Congress is considering legislative provisions regulating US funding actions in Haiti. Indeed, a “law on development, accountability and institutional transparency in Haiti', was passed by the Senate and signed by President Joe Biden on March 15, 2022. This new measure requires the establishment of a legitimate government resulting from credible elections or a broad consensus, to undertake financial support to Haiti.
“Funds for Haiti assistance may only be made available to the Government of Haiti if the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that a new President and a new Parliament have taken office after free and fair elections, or that the country is led by a transitional government authority broadly representative of Haitian society,” so mentioned in the text of the law.
This law is punctuated with prohibitions by defining priorities for US financial support to Haiti; Governance, the fight against corruption and human rights violations are part of it. In this sense, funds can be allocated to Haiti to support free and fair elections, finance police and justice programs, eradicate gangs, reduce prolonged pretrial detention, strengthen public health, food security, education, access to water and sanitation, among others.
The funding restrictions, according to this provision, mainly concerns the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'h), which is not entitled to receive any financial assistance. Various massacres perpetrated in working-class neighborhoods in Haiti.
Indeed, 180 days were granted, after the promulgation of this law, to the American Secretary of State to inform the competent committees of Congress on the events that led to the various blood crimes in Haiti and their consequences on the country.
#10. Governance, the fight against corruption and human rights violations, the United States sets out its funding to Haiti
Governance, the fight against corruption and human rights violations, the United States sets out its funding to Haiti
Published on 2022-03-15 | lenouvelliste.com
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/234710/gouvernance-lutte-contre-la-corruption-et-les-violations-des-droits-humains-les-etats-unis-balisent-leur-financement-a-haiti
translation by Tom Luce
by Roberson Alphonse
National -
The “Haiti Institutional Development, Accountability, and Transparency Act,” included in other legislation and actions to be funded by the U.S. government through September 30, 2022 (HR 2471, the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022),
“Funds for Haiti assistance may only be made available to the Government of Haiti if the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that a new President and a new Parliament have taken office after free and fair elections, or that the country is led by a transitional government authority broadly representative of Haitian society,” so reads the text.
According to this law, funds can be made available to Haiti to support free and fair elections to finance programs for the police, justice, the fight against gangs, the reduction of prolonged pretrial detention, public health, food security, water and sanitation, education and other programs aimed at meeting basic human needs, the text continues which avoids a contradiction.
None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this law may be used to assist the Armed Forces of Haiti, said this law.
The government of Haiti will be eligible for the purchase of defense articles and services under the Export Control Act for the Coast Guard.
This law highlights the importance of political dialogue between Haiti's various actors to restore democratic legitimacy and institutions in Haiti, building the long-term capacity of the Haitian government, civil society and the private sector. The text says it supports anti-corruption efforts, promotes freedom of the press and addresses human rights concerns, including by enforcing sanctions against those involved in human rights abuses. and corruption. Human rights and the fight against corruption.
The Secretary of State will prioritize the protection of human rights and anti-corruption efforts in Haiti through the following methods: fostering strong relationships with independent civil society groups focused on monitoring the corruption and human rights violations and on the promotion of democracy in Haiti; support the Haitian government's efforts to identify those implicated in human rights abuses and significant acts of corruption in Haiti, including public and private sector actors, and hold them accountable for their actions, address concerns of impunity for the alleged perpetrators and those who announced and planned the La Saline massacre that took place on November 13, 2018.
This law urges the authorities to continue to investigate the attacks in the neighborhoods of La Saline and Bel-Air in 2018 and 2019 which left dozens dead in order to bring their perpetrators to justice. No later than 180 days after the date of promulgation of this law, the Secretary of State will inform the competent committees of Congress of the events that took place on November 13, 2018, in the neighborhood of La Saline, in Port-au-Prince, in Haiti, and the consequences of these events. This law called for a briefing which must include a review of any link between the La Saline massacre and the mass protests that took place simultaneously in Haiti, an analysis of the reports on the La Saline massacre written by the United Nations, the European Union and the Government of Haiti; a detailed description of all known perpetrators and individuals who announced and planned the massacre, an overview of efforts by the government of Haiti to bring to justice the perpetrators and individuals who organized and planned the La Saline massacre, and to prevent other similar attacks.
According to this law, a report is expected to measure the impacts. An assessment of major corruption committed among the public and private sectors in Haiti is requested, including the identification of any person or entity that has financed corrupt activities, and any corruption prosecutions that have been the subject of an investigation by the Haitian justice system since January 2015.
An overview of the Haitian government's efforts to fight corruption, including the PetroCaribe scandal, and corrective measures to build and restore trust in Haiti's public institutions. A description of U.S. government efforts to consult and engage Haitian government officials and independent civil society groups focused on monitoring corruption and human rights abuses and promoting democracy and press freedom in Haiti since January 2015.
This US law awaits an assessment of the impact of presidential decrees on the health of Haiti's democratic institutions and the safeguarding of human rights, including decrees relating to the reduction of the powers of the Superior Court of Auditors and the administrative litigation; enacting an anti-terrorism law; that of the National Intelligence Agency. The decree retiring and subsequently appointing judges to the Supreme Court of Haiti. A review of the alleged coup against the presidency of Jovenel Moïse on February 7, 2021 is also requested.
According to this text, the funds to be made available to Haiti must be subject to prior consultation with the credit committees and the regular notification procedures thereof.
Published on 2022-03-15 | lenouvelliste.com
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/234710/gouvernance-lutte-contre-la-corruption-et-les-violations-des-droits-humains-les-etats-unis-balisent-leur-financement-a-haiti
translation by Tom Luce
by Roberson Alphonse
National -
The “Haiti Institutional Development, Accountability, and Transparency Act,” included in other legislation and actions to be funded by the U.S. government through September 30, 2022 (HR 2471, the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022),
“Funds for Haiti assistance may only be made available to the Government of Haiti if the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that a new President and a new Parliament have taken office after free and fair elections, or that the country is led by a transitional government authority broadly representative of Haitian society,” so reads the text.
According to this law, funds can be made available to Haiti to support free and fair elections to finance programs for the police, justice, the fight against gangs, the reduction of prolonged pretrial detention, public health, food security, water and sanitation, education and other programs aimed at meeting basic human needs, the text continues which avoids a contradiction.
None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this law may be used to assist the Armed Forces of Haiti, said this law.
The government of Haiti will be eligible for the purchase of defense articles and services under the Export Control Act for the Coast Guard.
This law highlights the importance of political dialogue between Haiti's various actors to restore democratic legitimacy and institutions in Haiti, building the long-term capacity of the Haitian government, civil society and the private sector. The text says it supports anti-corruption efforts, promotes freedom of the press and addresses human rights concerns, including by enforcing sanctions against those involved in human rights abuses. and corruption. Human rights and the fight against corruption.
The Secretary of State will prioritize the protection of human rights and anti-corruption efforts in Haiti through the following methods: fostering strong relationships with independent civil society groups focused on monitoring the corruption and human rights violations and on the promotion of democracy in Haiti; support the Haitian government's efforts to identify those implicated in human rights abuses and significant acts of corruption in Haiti, including public and private sector actors, and hold them accountable for their actions, address concerns of impunity for the alleged perpetrators and those who announced and planned the La Saline massacre that took place on November 13, 2018.
This law urges the authorities to continue to investigate the attacks in the neighborhoods of La Saline and Bel-Air in 2018 and 2019 which left dozens dead in order to bring their perpetrators to justice. No later than 180 days after the date of promulgation of this law, the Secretary of State will inform the competent committees of Congress of the events that took place on November 13, 2018, in the neighborhood of La Saline, in Port-au-Prince, in Haiti, and the consequences of these events. This law called for a briefing which must include a review of any link between the La Saline massacre and the mass protests that took place simultaneously in Haiti, an analysis of the reports on the La Saline massacre written by the United Nations, the European Union and the Government of Haiti; a detailed description of all known perpetrators and individuals who announced and planned the massacre, an overview of efforts by the government of Haiti to bring to justice the perpetrators and individuals who organized and planned the La Saline massacre, and to prevent other similar attacks.
According to this law, a report is expected to measure the impacts. An assessment of major corruption committed among the public and private sectors in Haiti is requested, including the identification of any person or entity that has financed corrupt activities, and any corruption prosecutions that have been the subject of an investigation by the Haitian justice system since January 2015.
An overview of the Haitian government's efforts to fight corruption, including the PetroCaribe scandal, and corrective measures to build and restore trust in Haiti's public institutions. A description of U.S. government efforts to consult and engage Haitian government officials and independent civil society groups focused on monitoring corruption and human rights abuses and promoting democracy and press freedom in Haiti since January 2015.
This US law awaits an assessment of the impact of presidential decrees on the health of Haiti's democratic institutions and the safeguarding of human rights, including decrees relating to the reduction of the powers of the Superior Court of Auditors and the administrative litigation; enacting an anti-terrorism law; that of the National Intelligence Agency. The decree retiring and subsequently appointing judges to the Supreme Court of Haiti. A review of the alleged coup against the presidency of Jovenel Moïse on February 7, 2021 is also requested.
According to this text, the funds to be made available to Haiti must be subject to prior consultation with the credit committees and the regular notification procedures thereof.
#9. The 2022 American plan for Haiti
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/234711/le-plan-americain-2022-pour-haiti
Posted on 2022-03-15 | lenouvelliste.com
translated by Tom Luce
The United States, in its relationship with Haiti, lays out its intentions, makes recommendations, decides on a budget, has its own timetable.
This year is again the case.
There are more and more visits from officials to carry the word of Washington. There are actions in progress or in preparation which are supported by the USA. Between the two, parliamentarians and the executive enact laws that concern Haiti. Please read this editorial if you are interested in the 2022 American plan for Haiti.
In recent days, the country has received the visit of several senior American officials. Some have traveled to come on site, this was the case of Assistant Secretary of State Anne A. Witkowsky. She spent several days in the country and was able to meet several sectors, from the government to the opposition, and civil society actors. She was able to evaluate with them “the best paths for security, stability and prosperity for Haiti”.
Ms. Witkowsky had not left when Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Daniel Erikson visited Haiti from March 9 to 11 to meet with the Haitian Coast Guard and officials in charge of security issues. and disaster response.
Under Secretary Erikson was still in the country when Prime Minister Ariel Henry, on a trip to Chile, was talking with Under Secretary Brian A. Nichols, the Haiti representative at the US State Department.
According to his statements on Twitter, Brian A. Nichols met with Prime Minister Ariel Henry “to discuss security, economic stability and Haiti's strong support for the Ukrainian”.
Before adding: “I stressed the need for Haitians to forge a strong consensus on a political path to follow. The United States is proud to stand with Haiti against Russian aggression.”
This March 15, it was on a meeting held in Washington and which concerned Haiti that Under Secretary of State Nichols communicated: “Glad to meet my French counterpart Michèle Ramis (Director for the Americas and the Caribbean at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs), as well as Juan S. Gonzalez, Special Assistant to President Biden and Director for the Western Hemisphere at the US National Security Council ( NSC), to discuss our shared commitment to the Haitian people, Russian aggression against Ukraine and other challenges to defend democracy and human rights in the hemisphere,”said the American diplomat.
The succession of messages posted on Twitter by American officials or by the American Embassy in Haiti does not say everything, does not say much, but allow us to understand enough to allow us to follow the interest shown in the Haiti file.
Posted on 2022-03-15 | lenouvelliste.com
translated by Tom Luce
The United States, in its relationship with Haiti, lays out its intentions, makes recommendations, decides on a budget, has its own timetable.
This year is again the case.
There are more and more visits from officials to carry the word of Washington. There are actions in progress or in preparation which are supported by the USA. Between the two, parliamentarians and the executive enact laws that concern Haiti. Please read this editorial if you are interested in the 2022 American plan for Haiti.
In recent days, the country has received the visit of several senior American officials. Some have traveled to come on site, this was the case of Assistant Secretary of State Anne A. Witkowsky. She spent several days in the country and was able to meet several sectors, from the government to the opposition, and civil society actors. She was able to evaluate with them “the best paths for security, stability and prosperity for Haiti”.
Ms. Witkowsky had not left when Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Daniel Erikson visited Haiti from March 9 to 11 to meet with the Haitian Coast Guard and officials in charge of security issues. and disaster response.
Under Secretary Erikson was still in the country when Prime Minister Ariel Henry, on a trip to Chile, was talking with Under Secretary Brian A. Nichols, the Haiti representative at the US State Department.
According to his statements on Twitter, Brian A. Nichols met with Prime Minister Ariel Henry “to discuss security, economic stability and Haiti's strong support for the Ukrainian”.
Before adding: “I stressed the need for Haitians to forge a strong consensus on a political path to follow. The United States is proud to stand with Haiti against Russian aggression.”
This March 15, it was on a meeting held in Washington and which concerned Haiti that Under Secretary of State Nichols communicated: “Glad to meet my French counterpart Michèle Ramis (Director for the Americas and the Caribbean at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs), as well as Juan S. Gonzalez, Special Assistant to President Biden and Director for the Western Hemisphere at the US National Security Council ( NSC), to discuss our shared commitment to the Haitian people, Russian aggression against Ukraine and other challenges to defend democracy and human rights in the hemisphere,”said the American diplomat.
The succession of messages posted on Twitter by American officials or by the American Embassy in Haiti does not say everything, does not say much, but allow us to understand enough to allow us to follow the interest shown in the Haiti file.
#8 Political crisis: the lines have not moved after the visit of the American envoy
Mar. 9, 2022 Nouvelliste by Robenson Geffrard
Note: Tom Luce translation
The supporters of the Montana agreement are sticking to their positions. They maintain their three demands to agree to return to the negotiating table with the Prime Minister. Ariel Henry's allies through the 9/11 deal aren't flinching either. They ask the head of the Primacy to move forward with the application of their agreement. The visit to Haiti this week and the meetings of the Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Anne Witkowsky, with the protagonists of the crisis did not have the expected effect.
Published on 2022-03-09 | lenouvelliste.com
Nothing has changed in the political crisis in Haiti after the visit of the Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations. The members of the Montana accord are maintaining the steps already taken in the February 14 correspondence to resume negotiations with Ariel Henry, said Leslie Voltaire, member of the Montana accord follow-up office. 'If we want to do something new, there must be no suspicion of Ariel Henry,' he added.
According to Leslie Voltaire, the Prime Minister could attack in defamation of the American media which associates him with the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. 'We are awaiting Ariel Henry's response,' said the member of the Fanmi Lavalas executive board, referring to the February 14, 2021 correspondence addressed to the Prime Minister in which the members of the Montana accord had demanded, among other things, 'that the head of the government in place, in the name of the moralization of political life, declares that he is ready to respond to any invitation from the courts and to facilitate the resumption of the investigation, the only way to contribute to removing the allegations relating to his involvement in this matter…”
“Ms. Witkowsky lets us know that she is listening and interested in supporting a Haitian solution to the crisis. She also said she wanted this solution to be broad and inclusive with the participation of many women, ”reported Leslie Voltaire to the Nouvelliste.
“We made it clear to him that we are not in conflict with Ariel Henry. The Haitian State is in conflict with the population that it cannot secure and to which it cannot provide the slightest service. We have said that we are ready to make all the sacrifices, except the sacrifice of Haiti, “said Leslie Voltaire, member of the Montana Accord Monitoring Office (BSA).
The signers of the September 11 agreement also maintain their positions after the visit of the Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations. “Nothing has changed in our position. The September 11, 2021 agreement is a real political agreement initialed by antagonistic political and social forces. Obviously, we opt for the continuation of the inter-Haitian dialogue with a view to the search for a sufficient consensus to guarantee the political stability of the country:, said Atty. André Michel, spokesperson for the Democratic and Popular Sector, an influential member of the government.
“After the visit of the American envoy, our position remains the same. we must continue the dialogue between Haitians, at the same time, we must apply the September 11 agreement, that is to say, guarantee the security of citizens and the territory, proceed with the establishment of a credible CEP, liberate the economic and financial sector of the State from the clutches of the old regime and advance major justice issues, such as PetroCaribe, the massacres perpetrated in working-class neighborhoods”, said Atty. André Michel.
Since the assassination of the President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, political actors are unable to talk to each other, let alone find a consensual solution to the crisis.
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/234610/crise-politique-les-lignes-nont-pas-bouge-apres-la-visite-de-lemissaire-americain
The supporters of the Montana agreement are sticking to their positions. They maintain their three demands to agree to return to the negotiating table with the Prime Minister. Ariel Henry's allies through the 9/11 deal aren't flinching either. They ask the head of the Primacy to move forward with the application of their agreement. The visit to Haiti this week and the meetings of the Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Anne Witkowsky, with the protagonists of the crisis did not have the expected effect.
Published on 2022-03-09 | lenouvelliste.com
Nothing has changed in the political crisis in Haiti after the visit of the Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations. The members of the Montana accord are maintaining the steps already taken in the February 14 correspondence to resume negotiations with Ariel Henry, said Leslie Voltaire, member of the Montana accord follow-up office. 'If we want to do something new, there must be no suspicion of Ariel Henry,' he added.
According to Leslie Voltaire, the Prime Minister could attack in defamation of the American media which associates him with the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. 'We are awaiting Ariel Henry's response,' said the member of the Fanmi Lavalas executive board, referring to the February 14, 2021 correspondence addressed to the Prime Minister in which the members of the Montana accord had demanded, among other things, 'that the head of the government in place, in the name of the moralization of political life, declares that he is ready to respond to any invitation from the courts and to facilitate the resumption of the investigation, the only way to contribute to removing the allegations relating to his involvement in this matter…”
“Ms. Witkowsky lets us know that she is listening and interested in supporting a Haitian solution to the crisis. She also said she wanted this solution to be broad and inclusive with the participation of many women, ”reported Leslie Voltaire to the Nouvelliste.
“We made it clear to him that we are not in conflict with Ariel Henry. The Haitian State is in conflict with the population that it cannot secure and to which it cannot provide the slightest service. We have said that we are ready to make all the sacrifices, except the sacrifice of Haiti, “said Leslie Voltaire, member of the Montana Accord Monitoring Office (BSA).
The signers of the September 11 agreement also maintain their positions after the visit of the Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations. “Nothing has changed in our position. The September 11, 2021 agreement is a real political agreement initialed by antagonistic political and social forces. Obviously, we opt for the continuation of the inter-Haitian dialogue with a view to the search for a sufficient consensus to guarantee the political stability of the country:, said Atty. André Michel, spokesperson for the Democratic and Popular Sector, an influential member of the government.
“After the visit of the American envoy, our position remains the same. we must continue the dialogue between Haitians, at the same time, we must apply the September 11 agreement, that is to say, guarantee the security of citizens and the territory, proceed with the establishment of a credible CEP, liberate the economic and financial sector of the State from the clutches of the old regime and advance major justice issues, such as PetroCaribe, the massacres perpetrated in working-class neighborhoods”, said Atty. André Michel.
Since the assassination of the President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, political actors are unable to talk to each other, let alone find a consensual solution to the crisis.
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/234610/crise-politique-les-lignes-nont-pas-bouge-apres-la-visite-de-lemissaire-americain
#7. The main objective of Anne Witkowsky's visit to Haiti on Monday "is to prolong the crisis," says Dr. Josué Renaud of NEHRO
By Rezo Nòdwès -March 6, 2022
https://rezonodwes.com/?p=271324
Note: Tom Luce translation
Dr. Josué Renaud: 'I think that this umpteenth civil commission will come to affirm the support of the United States to the illegal and corrupt government of Haiti, to continue in its excesses with the violation of human rights and the Constitution of Haiti'.
Boston, Sunday, March 6, 2022 ((rezonodwes.com)) – The visit to Port-au-Prince by the Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Anne Witkowsky, is part of the Core Group's stratagems, in order to to perpetuate the socio-political crisis in Haiti, said Dr. Josué Renaud, executive director of New England Humans Rights (NEHRO).
“For a specialist in conflicts and stabilization operations, her real place currently would be in Russia at war with Ukraine, not in Haiti with programmed insecurity, and she knows it very well“, declared Mr. Renaud specifying that the arrival Monday in Haiti of Ms. Witkowsky falls within the “framework of the logic of a series of delays by the Core Group to make us swallow the snake at all costs“. 'This umpteenth civil commission is not for the well-being of the Haitian citizen, but to strengthen Dr. Ariel Henry in his mafia and anti-nationalist projects to organize fraudulent elections and a bogus referendum'.
Josué Renaud, in this exclusive interview granted to Rezo Nòdwès, directly blamed the gang on André Michel, Edmonde Beauzile, Réginald Boulos, who, according to him, 'shakelessly aligns himself with the corrupt PHTK regime to frame Ariel Henry in the Haiti's descent into hell. “They betrayed the people because they were never on the true side of history in the first place,” he added bitterly.
The people are alone standing in front of their history, underlined Dr. Renaud, assimilating these leaders to “conzé“. 'The Haitian people have unpredictable reactions', he warned.
The Under-Secretary of State, Anne Anne Witkowsky, who is called to stay three (3) days in the country from March 7 to 9, 2022, must meet Prime Minister Ariel Henry, installed by the Core Group and the members of the Bureau of Follow-up to the Montana Accord in order, explains an official press release, “to support an inclusive political dialogue, led by the Haitians“.
However, Dr. Henry, very comfortable in his position as Prime Minister and de facto President of Haiti, the poorest and most corrupt country in the region, planned to set the course for so-called 'honest and democratic' elections. , in the midst of increased insecurity that bereaves the daily lives of many Haitian families. To do this, with the support of the SDP-MTV-Fusion-Inite-Pitit Dessalines, Dr. Henry must appoint his own judges at the Cassation to give the final assault on the complete destabilization of all the republican institutions of the country.
Dr. Josué Renaud: 'I think that this umpteenth civil commission will come to affirm the support of the United States to the illegal and corrupt government of Haiti, to continue in its excesses with the violation of human rights and the Constitution of Haiti'.
Boston, Sunday, March 6, 2022 ((rezonodwes.com)) – The visit to Port-au-Prince by the Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Anne Witkowsky, is part of the Core Group's stratagems, in order to to perpetuate the socio-political crisis in Haiti, said Dr. Josué Renaud, executive director of New England Humans Rights (NEHRO).
“For a specialist in conflicts and stabilization operations, her real place currently would be in Russia at war with Ukraine, not in Haiti with programmed insecurity, and she knows it very well“, declared Mr. Renaud specifying that the arrival Monday in Haiti of Ms. Witkowsky falls within the “framework of the logic of a series of delays by the Core Group to make us swallow the snake at all costs“. 'This umpteenth civil commission is not for the well-being of the Haitian citizen, but to strengthen Dr. Ariel Henry in his mafia and anti-nationalist projects to organize fraudulent elections and a bogus referendum'.
Josué Renaud, in this exclusive interview granted to Rezo Nòdwès, directly blamed the gang on André Michel, Edmonde Beauzile, Réginald Boulos, who, according to him, 'shakelessly aligns himself with the corrupt PHTK regime to frame Ariel Henry in the Haiti's descent into hell. “They betrayed the people because they were never on the true side of history in the first place,” he added bitterly.
The people are alone standing in front of their history, underlined Dr. Renaud, assimilating these leaders to “conzé“. 'The Haitian people have unpredictable reactions', he warned.
The Under-Secretary of State, Anne Anne Witkowsky, who is called to stay three (3) days in the country from March 7 to 9, 2022, must meet Prime Minister Ariel Henry, installed by the Core Group and the members of the Bureau of Follow-up to the Montana Accord in order, explains an official press release, “to support an inclusive political dialogue, led by the Haitians“.
However, Dr. Henry, very comfortable in his position as Prime Minister and de facto President of Haiti, the poorest and most corrupt country in the region, planned to set the course for so-called 'honest and democratic' elections. , in the midst of increased insecurity that bereaves the daily lives of many Haitian families. To do this, with the support of the SDP-MTV-Fusion-Inite-Pitit Dessalines, Dr. Henry must appoint his own judges at the Cassation to give the final assault on the complete destabilization of all the republican institutions of the country.
#6. The Elegance of the Montana Accord By
Rezo Nodwes
By L. Bayas
https://rezonodwes.com/?p=267917
Note: Tom Luce translation
Friday, February 4, 2022
One of the points that must be brought to light is the Elegance of the Montana Accord. For many years, Haitians were criticized for their brashness and lack of compassion associated with the « winner takes all » mentality.
The governance of the country along with the conduct of the affairs of the State were never widely shared or distributed among politicians in a convivial harmony of good living as brothers and sisters.
We long for brotherhood in the slogan « L’Union fait La Force ».(Unity Makes Strength) In politics, we seem to treat each other as enemies once we have achieved power. And we do it indiscriminately and without mercy.
In its last version, the Montana Accord was slightly modified to include a presidency (and not a single president) to run the transitional government. That was done apparently to prevent the traditional conflict that happened between the offices of the presidency and that of the prime minister in all administrations since the beginning of the application of the 1987 Constitution.
In a transitional period that is intended to be truly a rupture, the last thing to worry about would be a blockage of the country due to a conflict between the two heads of the executive branch of the government.
How catastrophic that would be! So, until the matter of cohabitation between the head of the State and the head of the Government is officially settled by a national conference and a constitutional amendment, it is prudent to resort temporarily to a formula that would prevent this recurring conflict from happening.
One can then understand the logic of having a presidential council (A TEAM) directing the affairs of the State rather than one single individual (apre dy-after God) making unilateral decisions and vassalizing, as usual, the office of the prime minister.
But here comes the elegant part of the Accord.
Surprisingly, a seat is reserved in the presidential council for a member to be designated by Ariel Henry. At first, this might seem akward and our vendictive instinct might quickly push us to a « No way!!! ».
But after calming down our nerves and regaining our good sense, we come to the realization of the incredible virtue that is carried through this elegant approach. The symbolic message here is « You are my brother; you are welcome back in; I am not going to close the door and leave you out no matter what ».
This departure is new in Haitian politics. It is about putting humanity, dignity, and patriotism first and above everything else. A great lesson in humility is being given to the Haitian Society by the folks of the Montana Accord.
This shall become even more useful when comes the time to heal the scars of divisions and damages that such associated mentality as « mache pran yo - walk to take them», « sak pa kontan anbake -unseen shipping bag», etc. have caused to this nation.
To sum up, the Montana Accord put emphasis upon: 1) TEAM WORK; 2) HUMILITY.
No more winner takes all. No more doing it alone. An olive branch is generously sent by the folks of Montana to Ariel Henry. That is class; That is a true rupture; a new departure from traditional Haitian politics! Long live Haiti!
Have a blessed day.
Friday, February 4, 2022
One of the points that must be brought to light is the Elegance of the Montana Accord. For many years, Haitians were criticized for their brashness and lack of compassion associated with the « winner takes all » mentality.
The governance of the country along with the conduct of the affairs of the State were never widely shared or distributed among politicians in a convivial harmony of good living as brothers and sisters.
We long for brotherhood in the slogan « L’Union fait La Force ».(Unity Makes Strength) In politics, we seem to treat each other as enemies once we have achieved power. And we do it indiscriminately and without mercy.
In its last version, the Montana Accord was slightly modified to include a presidency (and not a single president) to run the transitional government. That was done apparently to prevent the traditional conflict that happened between the offices of the presidency and that of the prime minister in all administrations since the beginning of the application of the 1987 Constitution.
In a transitional period that is intended to be truly a rupture, the last thing to worry about would be a blockage of the country due to a conflict between the two heads of the executive branch of the government.
How catastrophic that would be! So, until the matter of cohabitation between the head of the State and the head of the Government is officially settled by a national conference and a constitutional amendment, it is prudent to resort temporarily to a formula that would prevent this recurring conflict from happening.
One can then understand the logic of having a presidential council (A TEAM) directing the affairs of the State rather than one single individual (apre dy-after God) making unilateral decisions and vassalizing, as usual, the office of the prime minister.
But here comes the elegant part of the Accord.
Surprisingly, a seat is reserved in the presidential council for a member to be designated by Ariel Henry. At first, this might seem akward and our vendictive instinct might quickly push us to a « No way!!! ».
But after calming down our nerves and regaining our good sense, we come to the realization of the incredible virtue that is carried through this elegant approach. The symbolic message here is « You are my brother; you are welcome back in; I am not going to close the door and leave you out no matter what ».
This departure is new in Haitian politics. It is about putting humanity, dignity, and patriotism first and above everything else. A great lesson in humility is being given to the Haitian Society by the folks of the Montana Accord.
This shall become even more useful when comes the time to heal the scars of divisions and damages that such associated mentality as « mache pran yo - walk to take them», « sak pa kontan anbake -unseen shipping bag», etc. have caused to this nation.
To sum up, the Montana Accord put emphasis upon: 1) TEAM WORK; 2) HUMILITY.
No more winner takes all. No more doing it alone. An olive branch is generously sent by the folks of Montana to Ariel Henry. That is class; That is a true rupture; a new departure from traditional Haitian politics! Long live Haiti!
Have a blessed day.
#5 Haitian Diaspora Leaders urge Biden-Harris Administration to Support Montana Accord Process to Restore Democracy in Haiti
Washington, DC- February 7, 2022
As Haitians mark yet another year of political limbo, A Way Forward in Haiti, a network of Haitian diaspora faith and community leaders, is reiterating its call on the Biden-Harris Administration to change its approach to Haiti. “By continuing to give caretaker Prime Minister Ariel Henry a de-facto veto over Haiti’s future, the U.S. State Department is reinforcing the political interests and dynamics that have driven Haiti into misery," said Rev. Keny Felix, Pastor of Bethel Evangelical Baptist Church in Miami Gardens, and a leader with Faith in Florida. "Secretary of State Blinken and Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, Brian Nichols must send a clear signal that the winds have changed. Haitians need to hear that the U.S. supports the brave civil society and political leaders who are crafting an inclusive transition back to democracy, not the same circle of corrupt elites who are responsible for much of the violence and suffering facing Haiti,” said Dr. Francois Pierre-Louis, Faith in Action International Haiti Director.
###
A Way Forward in Haiti is an initiative to bring together faith and community leaders from Florida, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and other centers of the Haitian diaspora and allies of Haiti to change U.S. policy toward Haiti. Faith in Action International is a movement of people for faith organizing for social change in Haiti, Central America, Africa, and in 24 states and more than 300 cities and towns in the U.S.
www.faithinactioninternational.org
As Haitians mark yet another year of political limbo, A Way Forward in Haiti, a network of Haitian diaspora faith and community leaders, is reiterating its call on the Biden-Harris Administration to change its approach to Haiti. “By continuing to give caretaker Prime Minister Ariel Henry a de-facto veto over Haiti’s future, the U.S. State Department is reinforcing the political interests and dynamics that have driven Haiti into misery," said Rev. Keny Felix, Pastor of Bethel Evangelical Baptist Church in Miami Gardens, and a leader with Faith in Florida. "Secretary of State Blinken and Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, Brian Nichols must send a clear signal that the winds have changed. Haitians need to hear that the U.S. supports the brave civil society and political leaders who are crafting an inclusive transition back to democracy, not the same circle of corrupt elites who are responsible for much of the violence and suffering facing Haiti,” said Dr. Francois Pierre-Louis, Faith in Action International Haiti Director.
###
A Way Forward in Haiti is an initiative to bring together faith and community leaders from Florida, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and other centers of the Haitian diaspora and allies of Haiti to change U.S. policy toward Haiti. Faith in Action International is a movement of people for faith organizing for social change in Haiti, Central America, Africa, and in 24 states and more than 300 cities and towns in the U.S.
www.faithinactioninternational.org
#4. "Almost Useless" by Tom Luce, coordinator of HHE
- note from Tom Luce, 3/5/22, After some deliberation, the Faith In Action Haiti (FIA/H) Commission, "A Way Forward", has endorsed the "Montana Accord" to the Biden Administration. This moves the FIA/H to a more useful demand of the Biden Admin. What I write in this article below has now, thankfully, been positively updated! In this article I criticize FIA/H and two other pro-Haiti diaspora groups for not supporting the Montana Accord (IJDH-Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti, and Haiti Action). Click below to see the FIA/H site with the news of the support of the Montana Accord.
- Click here to get an intro to the work of FIA/H has been doing to support a solution to the "Haiti Crisis":
- "A Way Forward" and then click on the update link "Recent News":
- Haitian Diaspora Leaders urge Biden-Harris Administration to Support Montana Accord Process to Restore Democracy in Haiti
- "A Way Forward" and then click on the update link "Recent News":
February 6, 2022
Dear friends of HHE:
Let me state right at the beginning of this email: I, Tom Luce, am writing this solely in my own name not as a statement of the HopeForHaiti:Education Ministry. But with my 18 years of experience fighting for justice in Haiti, including 12 coordinating this scholarship program for the disenfranchised families of inner-city Port-Au-Prince, I am desperate for getting help for the process to reform the fallen Haitian government that is truly a "Haitian Solution to the Crisis". If any Hope For Haiti Ministry people wish to discuss this email or even support it, please write back to me.
1. CRISIS?:Feb. 6, 2022: Tomorrow, Feb. 7 is the end of the term of the assassinated Pres Moïse, even though a real part of the crisis has been over the disagreement about his term ending last year. "Haitian Solution to the Crisis"? Here is a quick description of the current state of the crisis: the "Crisis" has been in Haiti for some time now:
- the last few years leading up to and going beyond the assassination of Mr. Moïse,
- with no elections, cessation of legislature, no replacement of judges,
- an attempt at amending the constitution to give more power to the president,
- gangs taking over neighborhoods, kidnapping, murders, etc. etc
- agreement by the international community that there must be a "Haitian Solution to the Crisis" , with no interference by outside powers and yet as I will explain, the US and other nations are supporting the acting government under Dr. Ariel Henry who has stated there will be no replacement of him.
- It's called the "Montana Accord" (MA).
- It has representatives from all walks of Haitian life, political, human rights, civic, artistic, peasant....
- The "MA" process is already in motion with open, representative elections of a transition government--president and prime minister.
- It has gained new support from an important Haitian group PEN (National Memorandum of Understanding)
- Henry Accord (Musseau Accord, MA named after where the de facto Prime Minister lives) This is the only other competing one--because it is that of the acting Prime Minister, Dr. Henry-- has some Haitian supporters, but more importantly the support of the Biden Admin, along with the CORE group--a UN group including the US, European countries, and the OAS (Organization of American States). This support is solid in spite of the complete failure of the current government to operate. And this--US+ support--isn't "international interference"?
- A third, the "Louisiana Accord" (LA) simply is worthless having been done in the U.S. mainly in secret run by a US general, and funded by the Haitian government(? not a real government) and its U.S. friends. note by Tom Luce 2/5/22, since this article was written the "Louisiana Accord" has fallen apart seriously leaving the "Montana Accord" as the only existing accord with vast support.
- have not demanded that the Biden Admin not interfere with the development of a "Haitian Solution To The Crisis", i.e. that the Biden Admin not give support to the de facto Prime Minister and his ongoing plans for reform; and
- they have no comparative critique of the "Accords" that would deal with the failure of the the Henry Accord's team or the US support of this failed team.
- FIAI/H talked about supporting the "Montana Accord"as a "Haitian" solution, but in their latest Zoom session which was attended by Mr. Brian Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, they did not put him on the spot regarding the Biden Admin's ongoing support of
- the acting Prime Minister Henry, including supporting his continuing to run the country beyond Feb. 7,
- the 10,000+ Haitian asylum seekers returned to Haiti,
- the constant cancellation of school classes, restriction of health services ices, recovery from last summer's earthquake and ongoing earthquakes,
- the failure of the de facto government's inability to create safety in the country and yet talking about "elections".
- the recent (Jan. 22, 2022) international conference in Montreal where many countries offered large amounts of money to assist the de facto government, all top-down donations with no presence of Haitian citizen groups.
- IJDH reportedly has withheld direct support for the "Montana Accord" because it believes this would be an "international interference" from a U.S. organization in Haitian affairs and not criticizing the "international interference" by the US and CORE in supporting the de facto government.
- HA's recent Zoom meeting just went over the problems that Haiti has including criticism of the Haitian government, but held no discussion or support for "Montana Accord" or criticism of the Henry Accord and the U.S. support of it.
- FIAI/H talked about supporting the "Montana Accord"as a "Haitian" solution, but in their latest Zoom session which was attended by Mr. Brian Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, they did not put him on the spot regarding the Biden Admin's ongoing support of
I beg from the depth of my soul that FIAI/H, IJDH, as well as HA will jump in and insist that the Biden Admin withdraw its full support of the Henry Accord and give real support to the "Montana Accord" so that de facto Dr. Henry will have to participate in the "MA".
I have translated a few articles discussing all these matters on the HHE Website. Check them out at <http://haitischolarships.weebly.com/haitis-problem-since-1804.html>
NOTE: MAR. 5, 2022 BY TOM LUCE
HOORAY! After some discussion FIAI/H has come out strongly in favor of the Biden Administration to support The Montana Accord. Go to their site by clicking first: "A Way Forward" and then click on the update link "Recent News":
Best wishes to you and yours
Tom
#3. "The Greatest Heist In History': How Haiti Was Forced To Pay Reparations For Freedom"
by Greg Rosalsky - NPR
Click here to go to NPR
#2. Agreement and disagreement around the idea of a merger of agreements
There are clear positions, agreements and disagreements at the idea of merging political agreements to move forward, meet challenge and act to restore democratic institutions in the country.
Submitted on 2021-10-04 | lenouvelliste.comMergers
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/231995/accord-et-desaccords-autour-de-lidee-dun-fusionnement-des-accords
By Roberson Alphonse
Translated by Tom Luce (note: for clarity, there are two “agreements” proposed, the “Accord” of Acting Prime Minister Henri, The "Musseau" Accord (named after the place where the Prime Minister lives) and the “Accord” of the Commission to Search for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis-CSHSC, formerly the “Montana Accord” (named after the hotel in which the accord was formally established.)
Submitted on 2021-10-04 | lenouvelliste.comMergers
https://lenouvelliste.com/article/231995/accord-et-desaccords-autour-de-lidee-dun-fusionnement-des-accords
By Roberson Alphonse
Translated by Tom Luce (note: for clarity, there are two “agreements” proposed, the “Accord” of Acting Prime Minister Henri, The "Musseau" Accord (named after the place where the Prime Minister lives) and the “Accord” of the Commission to Search for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis-CSHSC, formerly the “Montana Accord” (named after the hotel in which the accord was formally established.)
Agreements
Atty. Gedeon is frank. “It is absolutely necessary to merge the agreements and propose a consensual realistic governance framework, capable of allowing us to create the conditions for the realization of elections so that the sovereign power (the citizens) can choose their leaders, in accordance with the requirements of Article 58 et following, of the Constitution. This is what N ap Mache Pou La vi (March for Life) has been advocating since last March, creating a space for discussions with politicians,” he told Le Nouvelliste. “Moreover, it is this initiative that gave birth to the agreement of June 5,” he continued. At the end of his meeting last Friday, Atty. Gédéon Jean believes that this is what the American emissaries want. “I believe that this is what they want, and that is why they are there and have met the protagonists, namely the de facto government and the president of the Senate, the political parties, civil society, in the broad sense,” continued Atty Gédéon Jean. “No one can claim to have the solution. No one made the revolution. No one has the legitimacy and the strength to impose their perception, their vision of governance,” he said.
“We were the ones who made the proposal during the discussion. KNVA-National Vodou Organization is for the merger of agreements. We applaud the unification of the groups. It is the union that must save the country,” Priestess Euvonie Georges told the newspaper.
Forward to the merger, for a two-headed executive, a new government
“Today, the de facto government in place does not enjoy sufficient political legitimacy. We continue to advocate for a two-headed governance that is more suited to our constitution, our mores and customs, and a new government that can inspire confidence in political actors if they have to face each other in the next electoral contests that we hope should be held at the end of next year,” Jerry Tardieu told the newspaper, former deputy of Pétion-Ville, leader of En Avant.
Joseph Lambert: the merger of agreements becomes inevitable
The president of the rest of the Senate, Senator Joseph Lambert, interviewed by Le Nouvelliste, believes that the merger of the agreements is inevitable. “That was my position from the start. It has the virtue of being more inclusive and consensual. In such a conjuncture, the general interest must always prevail. Haiti is too balkanized, too crumbled, too shredded to deal with kidnapping, banditry, misery, unemployment etc. We have a social fabric to sew back together. It's now or never,” Lambert detailed.
“Ariel's simple “Accord” will not hold water. He cannot save us from contested elections and this spiral of instability in prospect. The merger of the “Accords” that the Fusion of the Social Democrats is trying to dodge (Radio Kiskeya Jounal 4th) becomes almost inevitable,” Lambert said. “I have made it clear that the Ariel agreement will not hold water, that this agreement is not perfect,' he recalled.
“This agreement,” Lambert continued, “is not sufficiently inclusive, consensual. We must take into account the PEN agreement, the Senate resolution. We must also take into account the CSHSC-Montana group. We must neither spit on nor despise what I call the outgoing power, that is to say the Jovénelistes, Phtkistes (Bald Head party who elected Pres. Martelly) and others. Not to mention Ariel's group. We cannot have a consensual agreement by neglecting the diaspora,” pleaded the president of the rest of the Senate, Senator Joseph Lambert.
The unification of agreements is desirable, the fight against insecurity an essential, according to the CCIH- Haiti Chamber of Commerce and Industry
“The unification of the agreements is quite desirable since it would give it a legitimate character by allowing to incorporate the opinion of a greater number,” said the president of the CCIH, Laurent St-Cyr. “However,” he stressed, “it should be noted that no political agreement can bear fruit unless we address, first and foremost, the fundamental problem of insecurity. No government, even one that emerges from the most inclusive political agreement possible, will be able to bring this country to a successful conclusion under the current conditions of total anarchy.” “This reality and the authorities' demonstrated failure to address this problem must be recognized and acknowledged, both locally and internationally. The necessary drastic measures must be taken; otherwise, the debates on an inclusive political agreement do not matter,” said Laurent St-Cyr, president of the Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Going forward with the implementation of the “Accord” of the Prime Minister, is supported by SDP and the Fusion. “In a statement published on July 13, 2021, the Democratic and Popular Sector-SDP had proposed the merger of the various proposals for ending the crisis. This appeal was not heeded. After several months of procrastination, we understood that it was difficult and even impossible to put everyone together. That is why, to unblock the situation, we signed the “Henry Accord” by Prime Minister Henry of September 11 for a peaceful and effective governance of the interim period, containing the main demands of the population,” Atty. André Michel told the newspaper. “This agreement,” he continued, “was negotiated and signed between Haitians. We must move forward in the implementation of the agreement of September 11, 2021 to get through this interim period.”
“The dialogue is ongoing. We will never be able to embark everyone in one and the same political enterprise. That is the reality. The population is waiting for the formation of the consensus government, the implementation of the new CEP-Provisional Electoral Council, the restoration of a security climate and the progress of the various justice files,” said André Michel.
The president of the Fusion of Social Democrats, former Senator Edmonde Supplice Beauzile, after participating in the meeting with the American emissaries, indicated “that there was no question of merging documents.” “I want to see the implementation of the “Accord” signed with PM Ariel Henry,” she continued, stressing that, in her opinion, an inclusive vision must be in the establishment of the CEP, the supervisory authority.
The Americans: neither jury nor arbitrators
Like former Senator Edmonde S Beauzile, Magalie Comeau Dénis, actress, former Minister of Culture, Coordinator of the “Commission to Search for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis”-CSHSC of the August 30 agreement (Montana agreement), stressed that the American emissaries had not called for the merger of the agreements. “The issue of merging the agreements was never in the conversation between the representatives of the Monitoring Office (CHSC and the American emissaries.”
“The representatives of the “Monitoring Office” (the management team designated by the CSHSC-Montana Accord to supervise the transition government.) have also informed these emissaries that they do not in any way ask them to play a role of arbitrator or jury that they do not confer on them. On the contrary, they appealed to the humility of the international community in general and the United States in particular, which, as a major player in Haiti, bears a significant share of responsibility for the bankruptcy situation in which the country finds itself,” Magali Comeau Denis told the newspaper. “The process that led to the August 30 agreement (CSHSC-Montana Accord is inclusive, participatory, consensual and involved consultation with all political tendencies -- in addition to social actors -- including PHTK and allies.”
“This process is underway with the institutionalization of the Monitoring Office while pursuing the initial objective of broadening the consensus,” added Magalie Comeau Denis, stressing “that consensus does not mean unanimity.” “This readiness to work with others is not new and does not date from the passage of X or Y emissaries. It characterizes our approach,” explained Magali Comeau Denis who maintains that “the emissaries did not at any time speak in their press conference of merging the agreements but of the agreement of the people on the need to discuss together that they encourage to forge a unified vision”.
“They mainly talked about the need for a Haitian solution, as the name of the Commission- CSHSC even indicates and as advocated by the “Monitoring Office”. They said they wanted to know how they could help us. We simply asked them to respect this social dynamic on the move and to bring their solidarity to our vision, to our mission of regeneration, of rebirth of hope between us and for us. It is for us, Haitians, that we give ourselves the right to dream... “ said Magali Comeau Denis.
In the meantime, the newspaper learned from a source that "no further steps were announced at the end of the mission of the American emissaries. The idea of setting up a structure to ensure follow-up on what was said between Haitian actors at these meetings with these political and civil society entities should take its course." “There are those who are in power and with power and those who are not in power who want to have it,” continued this source who believes that we are facing a classic pattern of power-sharing, silence and support that goes with it.
“Being the ally of a prime minister, having access to the machine of power and resources is an advantage on which no Haitian politician will spit on,” said this source who “also believes that the American emissaries came to communicate 'damage control' after the shattering exit of the special envoy Daniel Foote.”
Atty. Gedeon is frank. “It is absolutely necessary to merge the agreements and propose a consensual realistic governance framework, capable of allowing us to create the conditions for the realization of elections so that the sovereign power (the citizens) can choose their leaders, in accordance with the requirements of Article 58 et following, of the Constitution. This is what N ap Mache Pou La vi (March for Life) has been advocating since last March, creating a space for discussions with politicians,” he told Le Nouvelliste. “Moreover, it is this initiative that gave birth to the agreement of June 5,” he continued. At the end of his meeting last Friday, Atty. Gédéon Jean believes that this is what the American emissaries want. “I believe that this is what they want, and that is why they are there and have met the protagonists, namely the de facto government and the president of the Senate, the political parties, civil society, in the broad sense,” continued Atty Gédéon Jean. “No one can claim to have the solution. No one made the revolution. No one has the legitimacy and the strength to impose their perception, their vision of governance,” he said.
“We were the ones who made the proposal during the discussion. KNVA-National Vodou Organization is for the merger of agreements. We applaud the unification of the groups. It is the union that must save the country,” Priestess Euvonie Georges told the newspaper.
Forward to the merger, for a two-headed executive, a new government
“Today, the de facto government in place does not enjoy sufficient political legitimacy. We continue to advocate for a two-headed governance that is more suited to our constitution, our mores and customs, and a new government that can inspire confidence in political actors if they have to face each other in the next electoral contests that we hope should be held at the end of next year,” Jerry Tardieu told the newspaper, former deputy of Pétion-Ville, leader of En Avant.
Joseph Lambert: the merger of agreements becomes inevitable
The president of the rest of the Senate, Senator Joseph Lambert, interviewed by Le Nouvelliste, believes that the merger of the agreements is inevitable. “That was my position from the start. It has the virtue of being more inclusive and consensual. In such a conjuncture, the general interest must always prevail. Haiti is too balkanized, too crumbled, too shredded to deal with kidnapping, banditry, misery, unemployment etc. We have a social fabric to sew back together. It's now or never,” Lambert detailed.
“Ariel's simple “Accord” will not hold water. He cannot save us from contested elections and this spiral of instability in prospect. The merger of the “Accords” that the Fusion of the Social Democrats is trying to dodge (Radio Kiskeya Jounal 4th) becomes almost inevitable,” Lambert said. “I have made it clear that the Ariel agreement will not hold water, that this agreement is not perfect,' he recalled.
“This agreement,” Lambert continued, “is not sufficiently inclusive, consensual. We must take into account the PEN agreement, the Senate resolution. We must also take into account the CSHSC-Montana group. We must neither spit on nor despise what I call the outgoing power, that is to say the Jovénelistes, Phtkistes (Bald Head party who elected Pres. Martelly) and others. Not to mention Ariel's group. We cannot have a consensual agreement by neglecting the diaspora,” pleaded the president of the rest of the Senate, Senator Joseph Lambert.
The unification of agreements is desirable, the fight against insecurity an essential, according to the CCIH- Haiti Chamber of Commerce and Industry
“The unification of the agreements is quite desirable since it would give it a legitimate character by allowing to incorporate the opinion of a greater number,” said the president of the CCIH, Laurent St-Cyr. “However,” he stressed, “it should be noted that no political agreement can bear fruit unless we address, first and foremost, the fundamental problem of insecurity. No government, even one that emerges from the most inclusive political agreement possible, will be able to bring this country to a successful conclusion under the current conditions of total anarchy.” “This reality and the authorities' demonstrated failure to address this problem must be recognized and acknowledged, both locally and internationally. The necessary drastic measures must be taken; otherwise, the debates on an inclusive political agreement do not matter,” said Laurent St-Cyr, president of the Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Going forward with the implementation of the “Accord” of the Prime Minister, is supported by SDP and the Fusion. “In a statement published on July 13, 2021, the Democratic and Popular Sector-SDP had proposed the merger of the various proposals for ending the crisis. This appeal was not heeded. After several months of procrastination, we understood that it was difficult and even impossible to put everyone together. That is why, to unblock the situation, we signed the “Henry Accord” by Prime Minister Henry of September 11 for a peaceful and effective governance of the interim period, containing the main demands of the population,” Atty. André Michel told the newspaper. “This agreement,” he continued, “was negotiated and signed between Haitians. We must move forward in the implementation of the agreement of September 11, 2021 to get through this interim period.”
“The dialogue is ongoing. We will never be able to embark everyone in one and the same political enterprise. That is the reality. The population is waiting for the formation of the consensus government, the implementation of the new CEP-Provisional Electoral Council, the restoration of a security climate and the progress of the various justice files,” said André Michel.
The president of the Fusion of Social Democrats, former Senator Edmonde Supplice Beauzile, after participating in the meeting with the American emissaries, indicated “that there was no question of merging documents.” “I want to see the implementation of the “Accord” signed with PM Ariel Henry,” she continued, stressing that, in her opinion, an inclusive vision must be in the establishment of the CEP, the supervisory authority.
The Americans: neither jury nor arbitrators
Like former Senator Edmonde S Beauzile, Magalie Comeau Dénis, actress, former Minister of Culture, Coordinator of the “Commission to Search for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis”-CSHSC of the August 30 agreement (Montana agreement), stressed that the American emissaries had not called for the merger of the agreements. “The issue of merging the agreements was never in the conversation between the representatives of the Monitoring Office (CHSC and the American emissaries.”
“The representatives of the “Monitoring Office” (the management team designated by the CSHSC-Montana Accord to supervise the transition government.) have also informed these emissaries that they do not in any way ask them to play a role of arbitrator or jury that they do not confer on them. On the contrary, they appealed to the humility of the international community in general and the United States in particular, which, as a major player in Haiti, bears a significant share of responsibility for the bankruptcy situation in which the country finds itself,” Magali Comeau Denis told the newspaper. “The process that led to the August 30 agreement (CSHSC-Montana Accord is inclusive, participatory, consensual and involved consultation with all political tendencies -- in addition to social actors -- including PHTK and allies.”
“This process is underway with the institutionalization of the Monitoring Office while pursuing the initial objective of broadening the consensus,” added Magalie Comeau Denis, stressing “that consensus does not mean unanimity.” “This readiness to work with others is not new and does not date from the passage of X or Y emissaries. It characterizes our approach,” explained Magali Comeau Denis who maintains that “the emissaries did not at any time speak in their press conference of merging the agreements but of the agreement of the people on the need to discuss together that they encourage to forge a unified vision”.
“They mainly talked about the need for a Haitian solution, as the name of the Commission- CSHSC even indicates and as advocated by the “Monitoring Office”. They said they wanted to know how they could help us. We simply asked them to respect this social dynamic on the move and to bring their solidarity to our vision, to our mission of regeneration, of rebirth of hope between us and for us. It is for us, Haitians, that we give ourselves the right to dream... “ said Magali Comeau Denis.
In the meantime, the newspaper learned from a source that "no further steps were announced at the end of the mission of the American emissaries. The idea of setting up a structure to ensure follow-up on what was said between Haitian actors at these meetings with these political and civil society entities should take its course." “There are those who are in power and with power and those who are not in power who want to have it,” continued this source who believes that we are facing a classic pattern of power-sharing, silence and support that goes with it.
“Being the ally of a prime minister, having access to the machine of power and resources is an advantage on which no Haitian politician will spit on,” said this source who “also believes that the American emissaries came to communicate 'damage control' after the shattering exit of the special envoy Daniel Foote.”
"In recent weeks, thousands of refugees from Haiti have arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border, desperate for a better life. Most left Haiti years ago, after a 2010 earthquake ravaged what was already one of the most dismal economies in the world. They had originally settled in places like Chile, but the politics of the region have made them feel unwelcome, discriminated against, and fearful of the future.
The Haitian refugees hoped the United States, under President Biden, would offer them a lifeline. They were wrong. The Biden administration has been sending thousands back to Haiti, even though Haiti is a disaster zone, and many of the refugees fled it years ago. Some of those the U.S. government forcibly sent to Haiti are kids who have never lived there." ...........................
The Haitian refugees hoped the United States, under President Biden, would offer them a lifeline. They were wrong. The Biden administration has been sending thousands back to Haiti, even though Haiti is a disaster zone, and many of the refugees fled it years ago. Some of those the U.S. government forcibly sent to Haiti are kids who have never lived there." ...........................
#1. Commission to Search for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis-CSHSC:Notice for Launching Haitian Civil Society Forum, May 10 2021
https://www.haitiwatch.org/home/commissionforhaitiansolution
NOTES from Tom Luce
- 1: To download an English translation of the Montana Accord (by Tom Luce) click here and then check your downloads for a PDF document: Montana Accord
- 2: The CSHSC was established officially, May 10, 2021 (actually began in January 2021) to develop an "Accord" for reconstituting the Haitian Government with representatives from every sector of Haitian society, religious, human rights, political, and civic. This CSHSC follows the Haitian Constitution for dealing with the replacement of government such as is the case today in Haiti with the assassination of President Moïse.
- 3. The CSHSC has continued to grow and actually produce its "Montana Accord" (named for the hotel in which it was created). Aug. 2021
- 4. Counter to the CSHSC/Montana Accord the current government under de facto Prime Minister, Dr. Ariel Henry, has produced its own "Henry/Musseau (where Dr. Henry lives) Accord". So far Dr. Henry's "Accord" has received support from the U.S. and the Core Group which, as Mr. Foote, recently resigned U.S. Envoy to Haiti, has seriously criticized in opposition to the U.S. position on Haiti's reconstitution.
- 5. See articles about Mr. Foote here on Haiti's Problem Since 1804
The country has been undergoing a multidimensional crisis for at least three years, with disastrous economic, social, and political implications. The living conditions have deteriorated significantly, prompting Haitians to leave the country in search of a decent life. This exodus is not accidental nor the consequence of a natural disaster, but the outcome of disastrous governance. Starting from 2018, the most diverse sectors of society have spoken out against this escalating degradation. Political formulas have succeeded one another, as well as civic demonstrations and popular mobilizations, without being able to trigger the change to which vast majorities ‒ deprived of services and their most basic rights ‒ aspire.
As a result of growing arbitrary action and authoritarianism, insecurity has continued to increase. Armed gangs are joining forces with the blessing of the authorities and operating with their faces uncovered; acts of kidnapping are multiplying; massacres perpetrated inside working-class neighborhoods; sordid crimes committed with impunity; bandits are taking over both public and private spaces; the population feels abandoned by the state, without assistance or recourse.
Due to the dysfunction of the great powers of the State, namely the Executive and the Legislative no elections for the renewal of the country's political staff have been held since the accession to power of Mr. Jovenel Moïse. Nevertheless, he took advantage of this institutional shortcoming, for which he was primarily responsible, to rule by decree and deploy a worrying authoritarianism through decisions with serious consequences for the nation. The issuance of the two decrees, one regarding the National Intelligence Agency, an extra-judicial organization, and the other regarding the strengthening of public security that qualifies simple offenses as acts of terrorism, represents a serious violation of individual and collective freedoms. It is also a case of violation of the basic human rights and contributes to further weaken the rule of law.
In view of the government’s refusal to comply with constitutional imperatives despite massive popular and political mobilizations as well as the political sector’s inability to impose its views with regard to mechanisms of resolution of the crisis, the country is experiencing a political deadlock. From a perspective of change, it is therefore important for us to seek ways and means to rebuild and reestablish our institutions. In the absence of institutions of counter-power, the vital sectors of the country, in a patriotic spirit, are to take action in order to avoid the total collapse of the state and to allow the nation to emerge from this deadlock. As a matter of priority, it is about returning to the normalization of the social and political life as soon as possible via a return to the constitutional order as a guarantee to the functioning of the rule of law and a way to allow citizens to choose their leaders freely and safely in a peaceful atmosphere.
It is in the name of this objective that the Forum of Civil Society Organizations gathered on January 30, 2021 recommended to establish a Commission to work towards a peaceful resolution of the current political and institutional crisis. Based on combined criteria of affiliation to an organized sector of society, notoriety, morality, civic and patriotic commitment, competence and availability, the commission (note by Tom Luce, Commission to Search for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis-CSHSC ) was then established in consultation with various sectors of society. These sectors, in a great display of magnanimity, agreed to contribute to this attempt to find a solution to this crisis, which has already drained the country. As a result, the Commission will devote itself to working together with all the different components of society, including political parties and groupings.
Aware that the active forces must work together to seek a positive historic compromise, conducive to creating conditions for political stability;
Understanding that this stability is essential to put in place a set of projects including the reform of justice, the restoration of security, the revitalization of the economy, socio-political stability, the renewal of political staff;
Convinced that it is necessary to pool energies to ensure a viable consensual solution to this multidimensional crisis;
We, organizations, bodies, institutions and groups of committed civil society, signatories to this document, declare ourselves as stakeholders to these efforts of the Monitoring Committee of the Forum of Civil Society Organizations. We are determined to accompany and support the work carried out by the Commission for a Haitian solution to the crisis; composed of as follows:
- Reverend Father Frantz Joseph CASSEUS / Église Épiscopale d’Haïti (Episcopal Church of Haiti)
- Mrs. Monique CLESCA / Independent
- Mrs. Magali COMEAU DENIS / Kolektif Atis Angaje (Collective of Committed Artists)
- Reverend Pastor, Jean Kisomaire DURÉ / Fédération Protestante d’Haïti (Protestant Federation of Haiti)
- Mr. Evens FILS / Fédération des Barreaux d’Haïti (Federation of Haitian Bars)
- Mrs. Magalie GEORGES / Collectif des Syndicats Haïtiens pour le respect de la Constitution (Collective of Haitian Trade Unions for the Respect of the Constitution)
- Mr. Louis Joël JOSEPH / Plateforme des Organisations Paysannes 4G-Kontre (Platform of Farmers' Organizations 4G-Kontre)
It is understood that the Commission remains open to representatives of other key sectors of civil society who understand the merits of this approach and who express a desire to participate in it.
- Mrs. MANIGAT / Plateforme des Organisations Féministes (Platform of Women's Organizations)
- Mr. Maxime RONY / Plateforme des Organisations Haïtiennes des Droits de l’Homme(Platform of Haitian Human Rights Organizations)
- Mr. Ted SAINT-DIC / Independent
- Mr. Wilfrid SAINT-JUSTE / Voodoo Sector
- Mr. Michel A. PEAN
- A representative of the Haitian Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development (To Designer)
We solemnly commit to work actively with the Commission in order to enable the Haitian Nation, speaking through one voice, to find a solution to this devastating crisis. We call on the Haitian people to give their full support to this initiative taken with the sole purpose of defending their interests and those of the country.
Done at Port-au-Prince, May 10, 2021
For authentication of the signatures of the organizations that support the process.
Monitoring committee:
Edouard PAULTRE /Coalition des Acteurs de la Société Civile (CASC) (Coalition of Civil Society Actors)
Jean-Marie Raymond NOEL /Comité d’Union et de Support aux Municipalités (CUSM) (Union and Support Committee for Municipalities)
Myrtha DÉSULMÉ / Forum Haïtien pour la Paix et le Développement Durable (FOHPDD) (Haitian Forum for Peace and Sustainable Developpement)
Marc DORVIL / Collectif des Syndicats Haïtiens pour le respect de la Constitution (COSHARCO) (Collective of Haitian Trade Unions for the Respect of the Constitution)
Bonivert CLAUDE / Croisade pour le Développement et le Progrès d’Haïti (CDPH)(Crusade for the Development and Progress of Haiti)
Sylvain EXANTUS / Fondation Rédemption Haïti (FRH)(Redemption Haiti Foundation) James BELTIS / Nou Pap Dòmi (NPD) (We are not sleeping)
Click here for an extended list of all signers, hundreds of names including all peasant organizations: organizational endorsements are available here.
As a result of growing arbitrary action and authoritarianism, insecurity has continued to increase. Armed gangs are joining forces with the blessing of the authorities and operating with their faces uncovered; acts of kidnapping are multiplying; massacres perpetrated inside working-class neighborhoods; sordid crimes committed with impunity; bandits are taking over both public and private spaces; the population feels abandoned by the state, without assistance or recourse.
Due to the dysfunction of the great powers of the State, namely the Executive and the Legislative no elections for the renewal of the country's political staff have been held since the accession to power of Mr. Jovenel Moïse. Nevertheless, he took advantage of this institutional shortcoming, for which he was primarily responsible, to rule by decree and deploy a worrying authoritarianism through decisions with serious consequences for the nation. The issuance of the two decrees, one regarding the National Intelligence Agency, an extra-judicial organization, and the other regarding the strengthening of public security that qualifies simple offenses as acts of terrorism, represents a serious violation of individual and collective freedoms. It is also a case of violation of the basic human rights and contributes to further weaken the rule of law.
In view of the government’s refusal to comply with constitutional imperatives despite massive popular and political mobilizations as well as the political sector’s inability to impose its views with regard to mechanisms of resolution of the crisis, the country is experiencing a political deadlock. From a perspective of change, it is therefore important for us to seek ways and means to rebuild and reestablish our institutions. In the absence of institutions of counter-power, the vital sectors of the country, in a patriotic spirit, are to take action in order to avoid the total collapse of the state and to allow the nation to emerge from this deadlock. As a matter of priority, it is about returning to the normalization of the social and political life as soon as possible via a return to the constitutional order as a guarantee to the functioning of the rule of law and a way to allow citizens to choose their leaders freely and safely in a peaceful atmosphere.
It is in the name of this objective that the Forum of Civil Society Organizations gathered on January 30, 2021 recommended to establish a Commission to work towards a peaceful resolution of the current political and institutional crisis. Based on combined criteria of affiliation to an organized sector of society, notoriety, morality, civic and patriotic commitment, competence and availability, the commission (note by Tom Luce, Commission to Search for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis-CSHSC ) was then established in consultation with various sectors of society. These sectors, in a great display of magnanimity, agreed to contribute to this attempt to find a solution to this crisis, which has already drained the country. As a result, the Commission will devote itself to working together with all the different components of society, including political parties and groupings.
Aware that the active forces must work together to seek a positive historic compromise, conducive to creating conditions for political stability;
Understanding that this stability is essential to put in place a set of projects including the reform of justice, the restoration of security, the revitalization of the economy, socio-political stability, the renewal of political staff;
Convinced that it is necessary to pool energies to ensure a viable consensual solution to this multidimensional crisis;
We, organizations, bodies, institutions and groups of committed civil society, signatories to this document, declare ourselves as stakeholders to these efforts of the Monitoring Committee of the Forum of Civil Society Organizations. We are determined to accompany and support the work carried out by the Commission for a Haitian solution to the crisis; composed of as follows:
- Reverend Father Frantz Joseph CASSEUS / Église Épiscopale d’Haïti (Episcopal Church of Haiti)
- Mrs. Monique CLESCA / Independent
- Mrs. Magali COMEAU DENIS / Kolektif Atis Angaje (Collective of Committed Artists)
- Reverend Pastor, Jean Kisomaire DURÉ / Fédération Protestante d’Haïti (Protestant Federation of Haiti)
- Mr. Evens FILS / Fédération des Barreaux d’Haïti (Federation of Haitian Bars)
- Mrs. Magalie GEORGES / Collectif des Syndicats Haïtiens pour le respect de la Constitution (Collective of Haitian Trade Unions for the Respect of the Constitution)
- Mr. Louis Joël JOSEPH / Plateforme des Organisations Paysannes 4G-Kontre (Platform of Farmers' Organizations 4G-Kontre)
It is understood that the Commission remains open to representatives of other key sectors of civil society who understand the merits of this approach and who express a desire to participate in it.
- Mrs. MANIGAT / Plateforme des Organisations Féministes (Platform of Women's Organizations)
- Mr. Maxime RONY / Plateforme des Organisations Haïtiennes des Droits de l’Homme(Platform of Haitian Human Rights Organizations)
- Mr. Ted SAINT-DIC / Independent
- Mr. Wilfrid SAINT-JUSTE / Voodoo Sector
- Mr. Michel A. PEAN
- A representative of the Haitian Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development (To Designer)
We solemnly commit to work actively with the Commission in order to enable the Haitian Nation, speaking through one voice, to find a solution to this devastating crisis. We call on the Haitian people to give their full support to this initiative taken with the sole purpose of defending their interests and those of the country.
Done at Port-au-Prince, May 10, 2021
For authentication of the signatures of the organizations that support the process.
Monitoring committee:
Edouard PAULTRE /Coalition des Acteurs de la Société Civile (CASC) (Coalition of Civil Society Actors)
Jean-Marie Raymond NOEL /Comité d’Union et de Support aux Municipalités (CUSM) (Union and Support Committee for Municipalities)
Myrtha DÉSULMÉ / Forum Haïtien pour la Paix et le Développement Durable (FOHPDD) (Haitian Forum for Peace and Sustainable Developpement)
Marc DORVIL / Collectif des Syndicats Haïtiens pour le respect de la Constitution (COSHARCO) (Collective of Haitian Trade Unions for the Respect of the Constitution)
Bonivert CLAUDE / Croisade pour le Développement et le Progrès d’Haïti (CDPH)(Crusade for the Development and Progress of Haiti)
Sylvain EXANTUS / Fondation Rédemption Haïti (FRH)(Redemption Haiti Foundation) James BELTIS / Nou Pap Dòmi (NPD) (We are not sleeping)
Click here for an extended list of all signers, hundreds of names including all peasant organizations: organizational endorsements are available here.
- To download an English translation of the Montana Accord (by Tom Luce) click here and than check your downloads: Montana Accord