ARTICLE - DESSALINES DAY - ABSENTEEISM

DESSALINES DAY SCANDALIZED BY ABSENTEEISM
(Defend Haiti) -

MARCHAND-DESSALINE - There were two notable absences from the Dessalines Day festivities in Dessalines (Artibonite) on Monday; President of the Senate Jean Rodolph Joazile (Nord-Est/Alternative) and President of the Chamber of Deputies Sorel Jacinthe (Moron/Inite).

Protocol calls for the attendance of high ranking officials of government to be present at national holidays and events. The two Presidents of Parliament were present at the May 18 Flag Day celebrations, present at ceremonies and building inaugurations but on the day Haitians honored the first Emperor of Haiti, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the two were absent.

Present at the Dessalines Day ceremonies were the President of the Republic, Michel Martelly, the First Lady Sophia, Prime Minister Garry Conille, Judge of the Superior Court, Deputy of Marchand-Dessalines, Gracia Delva, Chief of Police, Mario Andresol, a number of mayors and international dignitaries.

It is necessary to note that there were no meetings in the legislative houses or hearings scheduled for the national holiday. Furthermore, no communications were sent from either offices excusing the absences.

The nonattendance of the two heads of parliament has sparked much speculation of a strained relationship between the Head of State and Parliament. Many believe the shocking comments made by the Head of State on Saturday upon leaving a summit meeting in the Dominican Republic attributed to the absenteeism.

President Michel Martelly said on Saturday, without saying any names, "they are putting themselves in harm's way, those who oppose me and whose cases are already complicated."

"I ask the court to keep an eye on the convicts escaped from prison and having refuge in parliament,... those speak louder."

"The disorder of the CEP (Provisional Electoral Council) has helped ex-convicts, escaped from the prison, hiding in parliament, enjoying immunity..."

Note: It was not a requirement for the presidents of the house to be present at this ceremony.