UN, ambassador group pledges support for Haiti leader

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 | 8:46 PM    

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A group of ambassadors and the UN special representative in Haiti said Tuesday that President Michel Martelly has their support through a period of political flux that many observers worry could set the troubled country back.

In a statement, the group expressed frustration that an extraordinary session of Haiti’s Parliament was not convened in recent days to authorize an electoral law needed to organise long-delayed legislative elections.

The signers, who included the ambassadors from the United States, European Union, Canada and Brazil, said Martelly enjoys their backing to ensure the “continuity of the state.” The constitutionally mandated end of the legislature was Monday, and the president could now sign a decree allowing Haiti to hold legislative elections later this year.

The U.S. Embassy has stressed that Washington will continue to work with Martelly “and whatever legitimate Haitian government institutions remain” to safeguard gains made since a devastating 2010 earthquake. It expressed “grave concern” the political impasse has continued despite “wide-ranging concessions” by Martelly, including sacrificing his prime minister last month.

Political gridlock and partisan wrangling are nothing new in Haiti, and the stalemate between Martelly and opposition lawmakers has delayed legislative elections for years.

Martelly’s staunchest political opponents accuse him of corruption and aspiring to rule by decree. He has accused them of blocking legislation that would help Haiti and trying to stir up instability that could discourage foreign investment.

On Sunday, after days of talks, Martelly announced an accord with leaders of several opposition parties, but not all his opponents, on moving toward elections and a consensus government. Among other things, they agreed that no representatives of the government or any political parties could be part of Haiti’s next electoral council, which has responsibility for organizing votes.

In the face of that deal, a group of opposition activists vowed Tuesday to ratchet up disruptive street protests they hope can force Martelly’s from office before his term ends next year. Anti-government protests with tire burning and rock throwing have grown increasingly common in recent months, causing disruptions in downtown Port-au-Prince.

“Martelly will not be able to hold onto power. He is not going to be able to remain. We’re not going to stop until he leaves,” Andre Michel, an opposition figure who is one of the few lawyers in Haiti who takes on legal cases critical of Martelly’s government, told reporters.

The president and his spokesman made no comment, cancelling a news conference for international journalists in Haiti for the fifth anniversary of the 2010 earthquake.

But at a Monday memorial for those killed by the 2010 quake, Martelly thanked the opposition leaders who signed the accord and called for an end to protests that frequently devolve into violence.

“The country already has enough problems,” he said.

Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserver

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

View the original article here

UN, ambassador group pledges support for Haiti leader

UN immune from lawsuit in Haiti cholera outbreak

Saturday, January 10, 2015 | 5:17 PM    

NEW YORK (CMC) – A United States judge has ruled that the United Nations is immune from a law suit seeking compensation for victims of the deadly cholera outbreak that left more than 8,000 people dead in Haiti.

The lawsuit had been filed by human rights groups and others, contending that the UN hadn’t screened the peacekeepers from Nepal for the disease that also sickened more than 700,000 since the first case was detected in October 2010.

Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserver

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

View the original article here

UN immune from lawsuit in Haiti cholera outbreak

Haiti profile

4 October 2014 Last updated at 18:07 Haiti became the world’s first black-led republic and the first independent Caribbean state when it threw off French colonial control and slavery in the early 19th century.

But chronic instability, dictatorships and natural disasters have left it as the poorest nation in the Americas.

UN peacekeepers were deployed in 2004 to restore order after an uprising, and more than 10,000 uniformed personnel remain on the ground. The mission has drawn controversy, including allegations of excessive force.

Moreover, many Haitians are struggling with the legacy of the magnitude 7.0 earthquake which devastated the capital, Port-au-Prince, in January 2010. More than 250,000 people were killed. Hundreds of thousands more were left homeless, and many of them still live in tent cities.

Students take their lessons at a Catholic church in Haiti, which is still struggling to rebuild after the 2010 quake

These woes have been compounded by a subsequent cholera epidemic which has killed more than 7,000 people.

Continue reading the main story Politics: Democratic rule was restored in 2006, two years after a violent revolt ousted former leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide; bitter divisions persistEconomy: The 2010 earthquake and 2012 hurricane have left an already weak economy in ruins. Unemployment is chronic, and severe deforestation gives crops little chance to recoverInternational: The UN has deployed peacekeepers; international aid is key to recovery

Country profiles compiled by BBC Monitoring

Billions of dollars in aid, pledged to Haiti after the earthquake, have been slow to arrive amid donors’ concerns about corruption.

Poor infrastructure is another obstacle to investment and environmental degradation is a major concern. But officials have touted Haiti’s tourism potential and there has been some success with exports of crops, including mangoes.

Political volatility, civil unrest and crime pose serious challenges to development. And the huge wealth gap between the impoverished Creole-speaking black majority and the French-speaking minority remains unaddressed.

With unemployment running at around 40%, many Haitians seek work and a better life in the US or other Caribbean nations, including the neighbouring Dominican Republic, which is home to hundreds of thousands of Haitian migrants.

‘Independence debt’

Haiti’s independence came at a cost. It had to pay reparations to France, which demanded compensation for former slave owners. The 19th century “independence debt” was not paid off until 1947. There have been recent calls for France to repay the money.

Between 1915 and 1934, the US occupied Haiti with the aim of protecting American assets and stemming German influence in the region.

Haiti achieved notoriety from the late 1950s during the brutal dictatorships of the voodoo physician Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier and his son, Jean-Claude, or “Baby Doc”. Tens of thousands of people were killed under their 29-year rule.

The country moved towards democracy in the 1990s, but coups and rebellions continued to plague political life. Twice President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a former priest, was overthrown in a 1990 military coup and again by a popular uprising in 2004.

Laundry dries opposite the destroyed presidential palace two years after the earthquake of 2010, which killed thousands and left many more homeless

View the original article here

Haiti profile

U17 Boyz in Haiti for CFU competition

By Howard Walker Observer Senior Sports Reporter

Saturday, October 18, 2014 | 6:09 PM    

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti — Jamaica’s Under-17 Reggae Boyz arrived in Haiti Saturday after a one hour chartered flight from the Norman Manley International Airport and have settled in well in preparation for their Caribbean Football Union (CFU) campaign starting Monday.

The 28-strong delegation landed in Haiti approximately 1:40 pm local time, and were greeted by adoring fans at the airport.

The young Boyz were quickly whisked away in three mini-vans for a 30 minute drive to the Royal Oasis Hotel in Port-Au-Prince which offers a wonderful scenic view of hundreds of closely-knitted colourful homes skilfully perched on the hillsides.

The boys rested for a while and were scheduled to have a classroom session with lecturer Onaje Bell to keep them in touch with what they will be missing away from their schools.

The Jamaicans are drawn in Group B alongside Martinique, Guadeloupe and Cuba, and are scheduled to have their first training session on Sunday.

Jamaica’s first match is against Martinique on Monday before facing Guadeloupe on Wednesday. They conclude their group action against Cuba on Friday.

Eight teams are in the tournament of which five will qualify for the CONCACAF round set for Honduras in February.

Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserver

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

View the original article here

U17 Boyz in Haiti for CFU competition

Former Haiti president Duvalier dies

4 October 2014 Last updated at 18:21 Jean-Claude Duvalier was a controversial figure, as Tom Esslemont explains

Haiti’s former ruler Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier has died of a heart attack in the capital Port-au-Prince aged 63, official sources say.

Duvalier was just 19 when in 1971 he inherited the title of “president-for-life” from his father, the notorious Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier.

He was accused of corruption, human rights abuses and repression in his rule, which ended in a 1986 uprising.

After years of exile in France, he returned to Haiti in 2011.

His death was announced by Haiti’s health minister, and the ex-leader’s attorney Reynold Georges confirmed he died at home on Saturday.

Lavish wedding

At the time of his swearing in, Jean-Claude Duvalier was the youngest president in the world.

Initially it seemed that there could be a significant move away from his father’s harsh regime, underpinned as it was by Haiti’s notorious secret police, the Tontons Macoutes, says BBC world affairs correspondent Mike Wooldridge.

For some time, Jean-Claude Duvalier was the youngest president in the world

He moved closer to the Americans, from whom his father had been estranged. US businesses moved in and he allowed limited press freedom.

But Jean-Claude Duvalier lived lavishly. His state-sponsored wedding reportedly cost $5m in 1980, while most of the people in his ravaged nation endured the worst poverty in the Western hemisphere.

Repression continued, too, and amid massive unrest in 1986 he fled to France.

Human rights groups say thousands of political prisoners were tortured or killed under his rule, and he was accused of massive corruption.

He described his return to Haiti – a year after it was devastated by a major earthquake, as a gesture of solidarity to the nation.

His unexpected return to Haiti saw him arrested and charged, but the case against him stalled

But he was arrested and charged, and although released he finally appeared in court in February 2013, where in an emotionally-charged hearing in front of some of his alleged victims, he denied responsibility for abuses carried out during his time as president.

Judges ruled he could face crimes against humanity charges, but the case had stalled some time before he died.

Jean-Claude ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier Jean-Claude Duvalier, pictured here in 1980, ruled Haiti with an iron fist for 15 years Took over presidency aged just 19 when his father, Haiti’s authoritarian leader Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier, died in 1971 Called himself “president-for-life” and ruled with an iron fist, aided by a brutal private militia known as the Tontons MacoutesAccused of corruption and human rights abuses that prompted more than 100,000 Haitians to flee the country during his presidencyRuled for 15 years before outbreak of popular protests led him to flee to France in 1986Asked Haitian people for forgiveness for “errors” made during his rule in a 2007 radio interviewReturned to Haiti in 2011 as it was supposed to hold run-off elections to choose successor to outgoing President Rene Preval

View the original article here

Former Haiti president Duvalier dies

Senior UN official voices concern over ‘political stalemate’ in Haiti

Special Representative for Haiti Sandra Honoré briefs the Security Council (UN Photo)

NEW YORK, United States, Friday September 12, 2014, CMC - Amid continuing mistrust and disagreement over the electoral process in Haiti, a senior United Nations official has voiced deep concern over the political stalemate in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

Briefing the Security Council on Thursday, Trinidadian Sandra Honoré, head of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) said that a key provision of the recently-agreed El Rancho Accord, implied the formation of a new government, changes in the composition of the electoral council, and a new Legislature installed, have not been implemented due to political deadlock.

She said the timely establishment of the electoral body was hampered by “a group of politicians opposed to the El Rancho Accord who consistently blocked the required quorum”.

Stressing that no agreement had been reached on the required framework for the elections to be held, Honoré expressed particular concern that inability to carry out the polls before the end of the year that may result in “creating an institutional vacuum” after the current Parliament will be rendered dysfunctional on January 12.

In this context, she called for an immediate solution to be found on the basis of the rule of law, hailing the recent signs of willingness of the political parties to renew an inclusive dialogue, and President Michel Martelly’s intention to engage in discussion with opposition groups and civil society.

“While I welcome these various attempts at identifying a consensual solution, through dialogue, as soon as possible, I also wish to call on all actors concerned to ensure that the solution be on the basis of the Constitution and within a solid legal framework that allows for credible, inclusive, and transparent elections in support of a peaceful democratic transition in 2015,” she told the Council.

Honoré said the overall security environment, including the five Departments vacated by MINUSTAH’s military component, has remained relatively stable, adding that only one-fifth of demonstrations are politically-motivated, while the causes of most of them are rooted in socio-economic problems, such as lack of access to education, electricity and water.

Underlining the critical importance of guaranteeing the security and, in line with the implementation of the Haitian National Police (HNP) Development Plan 2012-2016, she called for improvements in the operational capacity of the national police force.

“Structural and technical challenges such as a weak administrative and internal oversight capacity, limited regional coverage and scarce institutional capacity in specialized fields, including prison management remain, and require a redoubling of efforts by both the Haitian Government and its international partners,” she said.

As for the humanitarian situation, Honoré praised the Haitian government and its international partners for their efforts in implementing the national cholera elimination plan that has led to the significant reduction of the toll of the epidemic.

She also welcomed government’s initiatives in economic sphere aimed at attracting investors, stimulating economic growth and creating more jobs.

Honoré also noted that amid challenges facing Haiti in the field of democratic consolidation and the rule of law, the reconfiguration of MINUSTAH’s military component as two battalions, recommended by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, would ensure “an adequate stabilization presence to support Haitian institutions, particularly in the context of the next electoral cycle and the continuing development of the Haitian National Police”.

The envoy also underscored the essential role of the comprehensive reforms of the justice sector for the positive development of the country.

“Without a well-functioning justice system, including corrections, even the best trained and equipped police force will be unable to perform its duties to provide a safe and secure environment, enforce the law, and, ultimately, protect the rights of Haitian citizens,” she said.

Honoré reiterated her call for the State institutions and public life actors to continue fulfilling their obligations and to assume greater leadership in order to maintain gains in peace, security and stability through the consolidation of the democratic process, the rule of law and good governance.

She also underlined that these goals demanded international cooperation, including additional financial aid from global partners.

“We will work with the Government, the UN country team and Haiti’s international partners to develop a comprehensive transition plan that underpins the gradual reduction of the Mission’s footprint,” she said.

Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)

View the original article here

Senior UN official voices concern over ‘political stalemate’ in Haiti

Former Haiti president Jean-Bertrand Aristide placed under house arrest

Former Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide (File photo)

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Thursday September 11, 2014, CMC – Former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide has been placed under house arrest as a judge continues to investigate allegations of corruption, money laundering and drugs smuggling involving the former leader and close allies.

As a result of the ruling issued by Judge Lamarre Belizaire the residence of the former president, in the district of Tabarre, is being guarded by agents of the prison administration, known as APENA, while the perimeter of the residence will be guarded by agents of the Central Department of the Judicial Police (DCPJ ).

“We order those responsible for the Prison Administration to take all necessary measures to secure the residence where the accused is found and to bring him before us, when required, in order to be interrogated on acts of money laundering and illicit drug trafficking blamed on him, “Justice Bélizaire said in his order.

“We order consequently, officials of the Central Department of the Judicial Police to secure the perimeter of the above-mentioned house,” the judge said, noting that the new ruling was part of conservatory measures to ensure that Aristide remain available to judicial authorities and that he can be brought to the judge’s office, as needed, to be heard.

“For these reasons, (we) say and declare that the named Jean-Bertrand Aristide is under house arrest since force must remain with the law,” according to the order dated September 9.

Justice Belizaire also ruled that he alone, as the judge in charge of the case, could now authorise anyone to visit the former head of state at his residence.

Last week, the head of the police service in Haiti appeared before the judge to answer why law enforcement officials had not arrested Aristide, despite an arrest warrant being issued.

Police Chief, Godson Orelus, later confirmed the police were in possession of several arrest warrants, but would not elaborate.

Aristide and several of his former colleagues have been accused of embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars from the State through his organisation, Aristide for Democracy Foundation and other organisations during the period 2001-04.

Aristide, a former Roman Catholic priest, and his colleagues including Mirlande Liberus, Yvon Neptune, Jean Nesty Lucien and Gustave Faubert, have also been banned from leaving the country.

Lawyers representing Aristide have already filed a motion seeking to have Justice Bélizaire removed on the grounds of bias.

But despite the motion, the judge has said he had not revoked the warrant for Aristide’s arrest.

Aristide’s lawyers argue that the judge is now obligated to stop all proceedings in the case regarding serious acts of corruption blamed on the former leader, but legal observers say the arrest warrant against Aristide is still valid and that the judge may proceed with the criminal inquiry while relevant judicial authorities examine the request for recusal.

The judge said that Article 77 of the Criminal Investigating Code made provisions for Aristide’s arrest and that in order to conduct a proper investigation he must ensure the constant presence of the accused and must take “all conservatory measures in this regard”.

Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)

View the original article here

Former Haiti president Jean-Bertrand Aristide placed under house arrest

LIAT expands Caribbean routes, adds Haiti service

ST. JOHN’S Antigua, Tuesday September 9, 2014, CMC – The Antigua-based regional airline, LIAT, Tuesday announced the launch of its inaugural service to the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, Haiti as part of a major initiative to restructure its commercial activities to improve the performance of the cash-strapped airline.

LIAT said effective December 5, this year, it will launch services to Port au Prince every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and that “the new route will meet customer demand and provide connections for customers to travel within the Caribbean to and from this growing market”.

It said the new routes is part of the initiative to change its schedule periods from the three seasonal schedules currently produced to a standard IATA schedule, which covers two seasons.

LIAT said the new winter schedule will come into effect on October 26 and run until 28 March 28, next year.

“By maintaining the schedule for a longer period, it allows our customers to plan further ahead, as the routes and times of services are known,” the airline said, adding that whilst focusing on the regional market, attention has also been given to customers wishing to connect with international services to the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe.

Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)

LIAT said the new schedule has been designed to allow customers to connect with other carriers, such as British Airways, Virgin and Air France.

“Establishing this base allows LIAT to start building alliances with other carriers and to strengthen its presence in those markets. The winter schedule includes the launch of a new destination as well as enhanced services and increased frequencies on a number of routes,” said the airline, whose shareholder governments are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

LIAT also said that with the new service to Haiti, Dominica will receive eight additional flights per week, as well as a new direct service every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday between Antigua and Dominica.

It said flights from San Juan to Dominica will operate with a nonstop service one way and via Antigua on the return to Dominica. The San Juan flight arrives into Antigua at 1610 to allow connections with international services to Europe.

LIAT also said that effective October 30, it will operate three additional services per week to Ogle in Guyana, bringing the total number of services to 10 weekly.

Guadeloupe will connect with Antigua and Dominica and timings of the service have been re-phased to allow two-way connections with international services to and from France, for all three weekly flights.

Anguilla will operate to and from Antigua as a point-to-point service on an ATR 72 offering almost twice the capacity to the market.

The LI 755/756 service between Barbados and St Vincent will also operate as point to point and will utilise an ATR 72 rather than an ATR 42, allowing for greater customer uplift between the two cities.

“We are pleased to be able to restructure the schedule to bring the airline in line with all major carriers. By publishing a schedule twice a year, we are able to offer our customers greater consistency, enabling them to plan their flights further ahead,” said recently appointed chief executive officer, David Evans.

View the original article here

LIAT expands Caribbean routes, adds Haiti service

Lamothe urges Haiti ministers not to buy luxury cars

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Tuesday September 9, 2014, CMC – Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe is again reminding Cabinet colleagues that they should not use scarce resources to buy luxury motor vehicles.

Lamothe, who gave up the lavish motorcade he inherited from his predecessor, says the government, which is promoting a “preferential option for the poor”, must set the example.

“I don’t think a minister or myself, as Prime minister, needs a pricey, luxurious car to come to work, while our responsibility is to use our meagre resources to fight poverty,” Lamothe told the Port au Prince-based Haitian-Caribbean News Network (HCNN).

“I set the example by giving up my own motorcade for a more modest one and I feel good about it. So, I want members of the government to avoid buying or driving those luxurious vehicles which do not match the philosophy and social guidelines of the government.”

Most government ministers and other high-ranking officials have already complied with the measure, but a few others still have to follow suit.

“It should be very clear for all those who are part of this experience with us. Our priority is the most vulnerable, because the country will not achieve progress if the living conditions of the poorest remain the same,” Lamothe insisted.

Lamothe said the government is implementing very scrupulously, the vision presented by President Michel Martelly who made the fight against poverty a priority of his administration.

“We are here to land on the ground, in the communities, president Martelly’s vision which is to lay the foundation and fight for significant poverty reduction in our country.

“We are doing so by boosting investments for job creation, fighting corruption and waste, and by directly assist the population through our social programs,” Lamothe added.

Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)

View the original article here

Lamothe urges Haiti ministers not to buy luxury cars

Haiti police chief questioned by judge who ordered Aristide’s arrest

Haiti Police Chief, Godson Orelus (File photo)

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Friday September 5, 2014, CMC – The head of the police service in Haiti has appeared before an investigating judge to answer why law enforcement officials have not arrested former president Jean Bertrand Aristide, who is being investigated on corruption charges.

Police Chief, Godson Orelus, appeared before Judge Lamarre Bélizaire who is conducting the inquiry into the allegations against Aristide.

“I answered positively to the invitation of the judge because I have great respect for the institutions of the country,” Orelus told reporters as he left the meeting accompanied by his lawyer and several other members of the police high command.

“We honoured the invitation to answer the questions about things that the judge wanted to know about,” said Orélus who confirmed the police were in possession of several arrest warrants, but would not elaborate.

Aristide and several of his former colleagues have been accused of embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars from the State through his organisation, Aristide for Democracy Foundation and other organisations during the period 2001-04.

Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)

Aristide, a former Roman Catholic priest, and his colleagues including Mirlande Liberus, Yvon Neptune, Jean Nesty Lucien and Gustave Faubert, have also been banned from leaving the country.

Lawyers representing Aristide have already filed a motion seeking to have Justice Bélizaire removed on the grounds of bias.

But despite the motion, the judge has said he had not revoked the warrant for Aristide’s arrest.

“I issued an arrest warrant for Mr Aristide and I don’t know what takes the police so long to bring him before me, because they know where he is,” Justice Belizaire said late last month, adding “I heard rumours that I had waived the arrest warrant.

The Dean of Port Au Prince first instance court, Raymond Jean-Michel, confirmed that he had received a copy of a motion seeking recusal and disqualification of Justice Bélizaire on the grounds of bias.

Aristide’s lawyers said their client did not receive the summons which was sent to his residence, but the judge believed he deliberately chose not to appear.

Aristide’s lawyers argue that the judge is now obligated to stop all proceedings in the case regarding serious acts of corruption blamed on the former leader, but legal observers say the arrest warrant against Aristide is still valid and that the judge may proceed with the criminal inquiry while relevant judicial authorities examine the request for recusal.

View the original article here

Haiti police chief questioned by judge who ordered Aristide’s arrest

Canada, US issue Haiti travel advisory following upsurge in crime

Haiti anti-riot soldier (Credit: Caribbean360/Bigstock)

OTTAWA, Canada, Saturday June 28, 2014, CMC – The Canadian and United States governments have warned their nationals about traveling to Haiti in light of what they view as an increase in crime in some parts of the earthquake-ravaged, French-speaking Caribbean country.

“There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Haiti. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to high crime rates in various parts of the country and ongoing political tensions,” said Canada in a statement, warning against non-essential travel to the neighbourhoods of Martissant, Carrefour, Bel Air and Cité Soleil, in the Port-au-Prince area, “as the security situation is particularly unstable and dangerous.

“The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice.

Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)

“In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted,” the government said in the statement.

It said that the neighbourhoods of Martissant, Carrefour, Bel Air and Cité Soleil, in the Port-au-Prince area “continue to be dangerous due to criminal activity,” adding that local authorities lack the “capacity to ensure order.

“Personal safety and a police presence are not guaranteed. The police are unable to respond in a timely manner to calls for assistance in these areas, and it is strongly advised to avoid going out after nightfall,” it said.

The Canadian government also said that the security situation is “hazardous and very unpredictable.

“Remain extremely vigilant wherever you are in the country. Criminal activity is especially evident in large centres such as downtown Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs continue to operate,” it said.

“There has recently been an increase in armed robberies targeting travellers, particularly foreigners of Haitian origin, arriving on international flights at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince,” it said, noting that in most cases the victims’ vehicles are followed by criminals on motorcycles.

“Criminal gangs have committed robberies by erecting roadblocks. If you have to travel through this area, remain extremely vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities,” Canada said, noting that murder, kidnapping, armed robberies, burglaries and carjackings have been known to occur even in daylight hours.

The Canadian government said the general Haitian population, regardless of social class, ?can be considered at risk of being kidnapped.

In issuing a similar travel advisory, the consular section of the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince said it has “noted a recent increase in the number of travelers who have been victims of robbery shortly after departing Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

“In most cases, victims report that they were followed by armed individuals on motorcycles shortly after leaving the airport and robbed of cash and other portable valuables,” the statement said, urging Americans to ensure that they are picked up at the airport by their host.

The United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) said 73 people have been murdered so far this month, compared to 54 in May, 66 in April, and 45 in March.

View the original article here

Canada, US issue Haiti travel advisory following upsurge in crime

Canada, US issue Haiti travel advisory following upsurge in crime

Haiti anti-riot soldier (Credit: Caribbean360/Bigstock)

OTTAWA, Canada, Saturday June 28, 2014, CMC – The Canadian and United States governments have warned their nationals about traveling to Haiti in light of what they view as an increase in crime in some parts of the earthquake-ravaged, French-speaking Caribbean country.

“There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Haiti. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to high crime rates in various parts of the country and ongoing political tensions,” said Canada in a statement, warning against non-essential travel to the neighbourhoods of Martissant, Carrefour, Bel Air and Cité Soleil, in the Port-au-Prince area, “as the security situation is particularly unstable and dangerous.

“The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice.

Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)

“In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted,” the government said in the statement.

It said that the neighbourhoods of Martissant, Carrefour, Bel Air and Cité Soleil, in the Port-au-Prince area “continue to be dangerous due to criminal activity,” adding that local authorities lack the “capacity to ensure order.

“Personal safety and a police presence are not guaranteed. The police are unable to respond in a timely manner to calls for assistance in these areas, and it is strongly advised to avoid going out after nightfall,” it said.

The Canadian government also said that the security situation is “hazardous and very unpredictable.

“Remain extremely vigilant wherever you are in the country. Criminal activity is especially evident in large centres such as downtown Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs continue to operate,” it said.

“There has recently been an increase in armed robberies targeting travellers, particularly foreigners of Haitian origin, arriving on international flights at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince,” it said, noting that in most cases the victims’ vehicles are followed by criminals on motorcycles.

“Criminal gangs have committed robberies by erecting roadblocks. If you have to travel through this area, remain extremely vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities,” Canada said, noting that murder, kidnapping, armed robberies, burglaries and carjackings have been known to occur even in daylight hours.

The Canadian government said the general Haitian population, regardless of social class, ?can be considered at risk of being kidnapped.

In issuing a similar travel advisory, the consular section of the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince said it has “noted a recent increase in the number of travelers who have been victims of robbery shortly after departing Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

“In most cases, victims report that they were followed by armed individuals on motorcycles shortly after leaving the airport and robbed of cash and other portable valuables,” the statement said, urging Americans to ensure that they are picked up at the airport by their host.

The United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) said 73 people have been murdered so far this month, compared to 54 in May, 66 in April, and 45 in March.

View the original article here

Canada, US issue Haiti travel advisory following upsurge in crime

CARICOM re-affirms commitment to ensure the development of Haiti

UNITED NATIONS (CMC) – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Wednesday said it remained committed called to working with the international community in the development of Haiti, still recovering from a 2010 earthquake that killed an estimated 300,000 people and left more than a million others homeless.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Rodney Charles, told the United Nations Security Council debate on Haiti that the 15-member regional grouping was appreciative of the work done so far in the re-development of the French-speaking CARICOM country.“For us, in CARICOM, the stability and economic development of Haiti is inextricably linked to the wider development agenda of our sub-region. Consequently, CARICOM lauds the efforts of MINUSTAH (United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti) which has facilitated increased stability in Haiti,” Charles said in his address on behalf of the CARICOM grouping.He said CARICOM also welcomed the decision of the Security Council to renew MINUSTAH’s mandate until October 15th, 2013, and support the recommendation of the Secretary General that the mandate be extended until 2014.“CARICOM further welcomes plans to encourage investment which will play a critical role in spurring the social and economic development of Haiti”But the Trinidad diplomat said that CARICOM countries “submit that international assistance must be aligned with Haiti’s national priorities to ensure that there is appropriate national ownership of programmes intended to benefit the Haitian people”.He said CARICOM was also welcomed the strides made by the Haitian government to achieve certain political milestones which are indicative of progress.“We remain optimistic that the forward momentum achieved thus far will be sustained and that all parties involved in the political process would be able to rise above the differences that exist between them and, in the spirit of compromise, work together to put in place the machinery for the holding of the overdue partial senatorial, municipal and local elections.”He said CARICOM had also taken note of the progress made in upholding the rule of law in Haiti as exemplified in the government’s “5 E” policy programme which lists the rule of law as one of its pillars.“We are heartened by the reduction in civil unrest and the incidences of homicides and kidnappings and encouraged by the fact that the political and security situation in the country has remained relatively stable with a notable decrease in major crimes.“We are encouraged by the appearance in court in February of this year of two former presidents. We view these as positive signals of an emerging trend towards stability and evidence of an increasing acceptance of the judicial process, which is an indispensible ingredient for the maintenance of the rule of law.”Charles said that CARICOM countries were also encouraged that the performance of the HaitianNational Police has continued to improve since it assumed increasing responsibility for the provision of internal security.But he told the UN Security Council that the region notes “however that the targets of the National Police Development Plan requires continued commitment by the government as well as Haiti’s partners in order to ensure that adequate resources are available to support its viability”.Charles said there have been a number of other positive developments in Haiti following the devastating earthquake in 2010 and the further destruction caused following hurricane Sandy last year.He said these advancements include the establishment of the inter-Ministerial Committee on human rights, the resettlement of a number of formerly displaced persons, and efforts to address the cholera epidemic, including those undertaken in line with the initiative of the UN Secretary General to support national plans in this regard.“The efforts made by Haitian authorities to propel socio-economic development, including strides made by President (Michel) Martelly to attract foreign direct investment are also noteworthy,” Charles said, noting however that CARICOM “remains gravely concerned about the declining international aid to sustain the rehabilitation work in Haiti.“This situation is unacceptable in the midst of the hurricane season when Haiti remains vulnerable to the effects of devastating storms. We therefore urge all parties to pay outstanding contributions to ensure the timely execution of the mandates of United Nations Peacekeeping Missions whose work is crucial to the fostering of peace, security, stability, the protection of human rights and the promotion of development in respective States.”Charles said that CARICOM remains committed to working together with other partners in the international community in support of the agenda of the Haitian Government and MINUSTAH’s efforts in this regard, to facilitate lasting stability as well as the social and economic development of Haiti.Patrick FosterLike our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

HOUSE RULES

1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.

2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.

3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.

4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.

5. Please don’t use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed:mailto:advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.

6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.

7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

comments powered by

View the original article here

CARICOM re-affirms commitment to ensure the development of Haiti

Security environment has improved, says Haiti PM

News

Thursday, August 08, 2013 | 4:16 PM

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) — Haitian authorities are reporting that security across the country has improved in recent years due to efforts made to reinforce, train and equip the more than 10,000 officers who make up the Haitian National Police (HNP).“The country is much safer today even though we continue to face significant challenges in terms of funding we need to provide more adequate means to the police,” said Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe in an interview with the Haitian Caribbean News Network (HCNN), on Wednesday.“It is obvious that we have more security today. For instance, we registered only 2 kidnappings for the month of July. Compared to what was happening before, this is a record,” Lamothe explained. “But we want zero kidnapping and we want to make sure all criminals are where they belong, which is jail,” he saidLamothe, who is also Chairman of the High Council of the Haitian National Police, said the government is working at increasing the number of police officers available. He said many policemen did not have a gun or had one that was not fit for their mission.“We have provided the police with more adequate weapons and other logistical means to help them better face the armed criminals,” Lamothe said.The Haitian government has been promoting Haiti as a tourist destination and a good place for investors to do business.“Security is very important for us because the Haitian people deserve to live in a safe environment,” Lamothe said. “But also, if we say Haiti is open for business and if we are inviting tourists to visit the country, security is a prerequisite,” stated Lamothe.Haiti’s police Chief, Godson Orelus, said the improvement in the overall security situation is due to regular operations conducted by different police units to dismantle gangs and prevent criminal activities.“We have dismantled most of the gangs and arrested many of their members and their leaders,” he said.“One of the important factors in the successes of police operations is the cooperation of the population who now have more confidence in the work we are doing to protect them from bandits,” said Orelus.

View the original article here

Security environment has improved, says Haiti PM

Haiti sees big money reviving flagging tourism

MONTROUIS, Haiti – THE Club Indigo beach resort north of the Haiti capital was crowded with UN peacekeepers, aid workers, diplomats and missionaries on a recent Sunday. But the only real, live tourists seemed to be Anne Fournier and her husband.

The young couple from Montreal is a rarity in this afflicted country. Crime, health scares, hurricanes and the monster earthquake of January 2010 have badly damaged the tourism that was once a mainstay of the Haitian economy, attracting the likes of Mick Jagger and Jackie Onassis.Now the government is pinning its hopes on a surge of private investment in hotels and resorts, plus a Venezuelan-financed US$13.2 million airport and new infrastructure on the southern island of Ile-a-Vache, and a US$8-million development of the historic coastal town of Jacmel.The Tourism Ministry’s budget has more than doubled. Under the previous government it was US$2 million plus a US$1 million loan from Venezuela’s PetroCaribe oil fund. Now it’s US$4.7 million, and Petrocaribe is paying US$27 million to finance development on projects that include Ile-a-Vache and in Jacmel.It says it has signed off on 15-year tax breaks and exemptions from import duties for 11 hotel and resort projects costing a total of US$160 million, with nearly US$100 million more in the pipeline or completed. It’s also training a force of 53 “tourism police officers” who will learn Spanish and English and be trained in first aid and customer service.While many in Haiti welcome anything that can create jobs, some worry that the country isn’t ready for a tourist invasion. For one thing, the Tourism Ministry says it has only 3,200 hotel rooms. For another, medical services are woefully lacking, a point underscored in US and Canadian travel advisories.The government hopes to double the number of hotel rooms in two years. But the critics say Haiti first has to improve its infrastructure.Sen. Francois Anick Joseph said the country needs paved roads, drinking water and reliable electricity. “There are a lot of things that need to be done before we can attract tourists,” he said in a telephone interview.Tourism Minister Stephanie Villedrouin says Haiti has to stand on its own feet. “If we want to be a sovereign country, if we don’t want to depend on other countries, we need to figure out ourselves how to move forward and how to get revenue, and tourism must be no.1 on the list.”Each hotel room built creates two jobs and four indirect jobs, she said.Officials say the tourism push will create more than 1,600 direct jobs and 6,500 indirect jobs. Tourism generated US$200 million last year, Villedrouin said. The country’s entire budget is US$3 billion.Haiti was once a haunt of the rich and famous who came in search of late-night Voodoo ceremonies and rum-fueled revelry. But an AIDS scare in the early 1980s sent the tourists packing, and years of political instability continued to keep them away. Officials say the 2010 earthquake killed 316,000 people, and a cholera outbreak nine months later took more than 7,750 lives.Last year the US State Department designated Haiti a “major drug-trafficking country.” Meanwhile, the country faces tough competition from Caribbean neighbours offering cheaper holiday deals.Today, the only mass tourism — 600,000 a year, according to Villedrouin — comes from cruise ships stopping at Labadie on the north coast where passengers can frolic for a few hours in a fenced-in resort.Villedrouin couldn’t say how many other tourists came on longer stays last year.Air Transat, a Canadian charter carrier, flies weekly between Montreal and Port-au-Prince, and says it has brought in 120 tourists this year on holiday packages in Haiti costing US$1,399 to US$1,600.At the beach in the town of Montrouis, 60 kilometres (38 miles) north of the capital, Fournier sipped juice from a coconut while relaxing with her husband, Sadrack Duclair, under the straw-hut canopy. Earlier, they had hired a car and driver to show them around.“I knew coming here that it was going to be a big adventure,” said 28-year-old Duclair, who left Haiti as a child and last visited in 1999. “I think it began at the airport, the first day. After that I was like, Haiti!”Fournier, 26, said the tourist shortage has its advantages.“You can tell that the tourism isn’t very developed yet, and that’s the big charm of it,” she said. “Everything is an adventure here.” Tourists walk on the shore of the Raymond les bains beach in Jacmel, Haiti. The Haitian government is to trying to revive the country’s long stagnant tourism industry with investments totalling more than US$160 million.A water taxi waits for customers at the Wahoo Bay Beach hotel in Montrouis, Haiti.Tourists play pool basketball at Club Indigo beach resort in Montrouis. (PHOTOS: AP)

View the original article here

Haiti sees big money reviving flagging tourism

Report: Delays, cost hikes hit new Haiti housing

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – THE US government had ambitious plans to help earthquake-ravaged Haiti where more than three-fourths of the population lives on less than US$2 a day — construction of 15,000 homes in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

Disputes over land rights, inaccurate estimates and higher costs have forced the US Agency for International Development to drastically scale back those plans and left members of Congress questioning whether American tax dollars are delivering the help first promised after the January 12, 2010 earthquake.The Government Accountability Office, in a report released on Tuesday, found that as of March 2013 the agency had disbursed only 31 per cent of US$651 million despite the government’s insistence that it was committed to Haiti’s reconstruction. The GAO also found that “a substantial amount of progress on project activities remains to be completed.”Instead of 15,000 homes for 75,000 to 90,000 beneficiaries, the agency plans to build 2,649 homes for some 13,200 to 15,900 beneficiaries. In fact, the agency is expected to build 906 houses and non-government agencies and other partners are on tap to construct 1,743 homes.Among the problems causing delays and cost increases was acquiring the land titles to build as well as the Haitian government’s demand that the homes have flush toilets. One difficulty was that before the January 2010 earthquake, Haiti had no wastewater treatment plants.Since then, a temporary facility has been constructed at one location and a permanent plant built near the capital city of Port-au-Prince though it’s unclear whether the facilities can serve the homes.The earthquake displaced some two million people, killed about 230,000 and injured 300,000. Congress voted to provide US$1.14 billion in reconstruction funds, including US$651 million for the agency which provides US economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide.One of the major projects are a power plant and port to support the new Caracol Industrial Park, which is projected to create thousands of jobs more than 100 miles from Port-au-Prince. Last October, former President Bill Clinton and then Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton inaugurated the industrial park and urged foreigners to invest to help Haiti rebuild.The GAO report found the work on the first phase of the power plant was done with less money and in time to provide power to the first tenant at the industrial park. However, construction of the port will be delayed two years because of the agency’s lack of expertise in port planning. The position of the port engineer remains unfilled.“This uncertainty puts at risk USAID’s investments in port planning and design, as well as the sustainability of the CIP and power plant due to the three projects’ interdependence,” the report said.Beth Hogan, USAID’s senior deputy assistant administrator to the Latin America and Caribbean Bureau, said the agency welcomed the report, noting that the Haiti mission finished the first part of a power plant with less funding than allocated.“Mid-point reviews such as this one are helpful to us to see how we can be more effective,” she wrote in an email. “It is important to bear in mind that the report is a snapshot of progress to date, and that work in housing, energy, port construction and other areas is ongoing.”Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican who requested the report when she led the House Foreign Affairs Committee last year, said the findings were “alarming and showcase the need to further investigate and ensure that US taxpayer dollars are not being wasted or abused in Haiti.”The committee plans to send a bipartisan delegation of staff members to Haiti, said the current chairman, Representative Ed Royce, a Republican.Representative Eliot Engel, the panel’s top Democrat, said the GAO found a “significant and sobering disconnect between what was originally promised for the Haitian people, and what it appears USAID is now prepared to deliver.”The leaders of the committee released the report.The January 12, 2010 earthquake displaced some two million people in Haiti. (PHOTO: AP)

View the original article here

Report: Delays, cost hikes hit new Haiti housing