Monday, April 30, 2012

ARTICLE - MARTELLY - HOMECOMING SPEECH

PRESIDENT MARTELLY IS BACK IN THE COUNTRY
(Haiti Libre) -

President Michel Martelly is back in the country. Arriving this Monday morning at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, after two weeks of recovery in the United States, following his hospitalization for a pulmonary embolism, standing before the press, and an eager crowd for his return, the Head of State has declared:

"[...] Hello, I will begin by saluting God, who has the power of life and allows me to stand before you today, to continue working to satisfy the Haitian people and meet their expectations, since they have chosen me in March 2011, as President of Haiti.

I thank everybody, here and abroad; all public, civil and religious organizations, all who have prayed for me, who have sent messages of encouragement and have allowed for prayers to go up so that grace came down, and that my health is improving.

I thank all the doctors who took care of me both in Haiti and abroad, and that have allowed me today to stand here. Again, I am proud that they are Haitian doctors.

I also thank the legislative branch that sent a delegation to Miami to visit me, and who also bring a letter of wishes from the President of Parliament, Mr. Desras. In this letter, he wished me a speedy recovery, and also offered a "Tèt Ansanm". Tèt Ansanm, so that the country can move forward. I appreciate that and I encourage this Tèt Ansanm.

I salute all the representatives of the judicial power. I want to remind you, that's when these three powers will be together, that Haiti will be able to give battle against all the calamities that are facing us. It is at this time, that we will be able to meet all the challenges, that we will be able to change the life of every Haitian. We must think of the motto on our flag...

[...] I salute the people of Haiti as a whole, I know you wanted to see me. You came to see me today, and here I am. As you can see, I'm standing in good shape. I returned to continue the work and meet all the challenges of the moment.

I know all the problems that you have just undergone; problems that result from the weaknesses of our institutions. That's why I've always said that this work, I could not do it alone. It is necessary that the people are with us. You must help me in this fight. I need the assistance of each Haitian, your involvement, your help; because we have to win this fight.

I take this opportunity to call on the international community, so that it continues to help us in strengthening our institutions. All the problems we face today, resulting, again I repeat, of the weakness of our institutions, are because they lack resources and money to strengthen [...]

I would like to ask Parliament to continue to activate the process of the ratification of the Prime Minister. I want to congratulate the first step in the Senate. Thank you for the diligence, thank you for the decision you have taken to ratify the Prime Minister-designate [...]

With the installation of a new Government, a new budget will be voted on, projects can be made​​, and the infrastructure will be built. Port-au-Prince will become a building site, decentralization will happen. I will open the way for the organization of elections, to fill all empty seats, so that we advance on the path of development.

Thank you again. I wanted to see you, and I'm very happy to be at home, in Haiti; nothing exceeds lakay.

We must move forward, be together, be involved in the change, so that we can bring victory for the people, Tet Kalé.

Thank you."

ARTICLE - PRESIDENT BACK IN HAITI

HAITIAN PRESIDENT BACK AFTER MEDICAL LEAVE
(Independent Online) - By SAPA

Haiti's President Michel Martelly is home after a two-week medical leave.

Martelly's office says the president went to Miami for medical treatment because of a blood clot in his lung.

After flying home Monday morning, Martelly said he was “standing strong.”

He's also stressed the need for Parliament to approve his choice for prime minister, foreign affairs minister Laurent Lamothe.

The senate has already ratified Lamothe for the post but the Chamber of Deputies still needs to vote.

Haiti has been without a prime minister since Garry Conille resigned two months ago after only four months on the job. The vacancy has stalled rebuilding efforts after a massive earthquake more than two years ago.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

JOANA'S WEDDING


Saturday was a special day. Joanna, who is one of our teacher assistants in the kindergarten classes has been attending Pastor Marcelin's church for some time now. Her Christian faith has been growing and she wants to participate in doing missions with the church. The problem in Haiti is that many couples don't get married and just live together because they can't afford a wedding. Pastor Marcelin encouraged Joana to get married and Saturday she and her husband David got married. A lot of our Coram Deo family were there to witness this celebration. Now Joana can participate fully in all the activities of the church. Pray for Amos' father, Pastor Marcelin as he pastors his congregation. It is good to see the lives of our Coram Deo family strengthening and increasing in service to the Lord.

ARTICLE - DELMAS MAYOR - SPIRITUAL CRUSADE

THE MAYOR OF DELMAS ENTRUSTS THE COUNTRY TO THE LORD!
(Haiti Libre) -

Wilson Jeudy, the mayor of Delmas, accompanied by Jacques Maurice, the Director General of Radio Shalom and four pastors of the city, announced Thursday at a press conference held at the Municipal Palace, the decision to entrust the country to the Lord. In this sense, the Mayor plans to organize a spiritual crusade from this Sunday until May 6, 2012 under the theme: "nan sa nou ye jodi a, sèl ou menm ki ka di yon mo pou nou"(translation - "with what we are facing today, only you can say a word for us")

According to Mayor Jeudy, this initiative aims to provide answers to various problems faced by the country recently. "When the political, social, economic and environmental crises are there and when the solutions are slow to be found, we must turn to the Lord," declared the first citizen of the district of Delmas.

Jacques Maurice, welcomed the initiative of the Mayor, stating that it is important to implore the Creator, inviting everyone to participate in this spiritual manifestation, to pray for the Haitian President, the members of the National Police, the Parliamentarians, and all other sectors of society.

Reverend Pastor Joël Pierre of the Union Baptist Church of Nazon, abounds in the same direction, and believes that the idea of ​​organizing an evangelistic crusade was not chosen accidentally by the Mayor of Delmas. "If the Mayor has deemed it appropriate to achieve this spiritual project, it is because God's spirit inhabits and animates him..."

Wilson Jeudy hope that all Christians will join this crusade for the salvation of the nation and that Haiti finds the path of progress and change...

ARTICLE - FAO DISTRIBUTES SEEDS

FAO DISTRIBUTES SEEDS.... OF THE DISCORD...
(Haiti Libre) -

Many growers in Petit-Goâve, harshly criticized the local office of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for a bad seed sharing.

According to them, the local FAO distributes to farmers, as part of the implementation of a project to support farmers, agricultural inputs (yams, cassava, bananas, peas) with the help of local organizations, while taking away, the municipal agricultural office of the city! However, the FAO office and the municipal agricultural office, share the same building, and it is with the approval of the municipal agricultural office, that the Directorate General of FAO has installed one of its offices in Petit Goâve...

Although some farmers congratulate and thank FAO for its support, many others are raising their voices against the way FAO distributes seeds at the commune level. According to them, much of the agricultural inputs are sometimes consumed by certain beneficiaries or sold by others... They blame the FAO to have distributed seeds in the wrong location, claiming that it is "waste" and that the localities known for the cultivation of yams, bananas and cassava are excluded from the distribution. They ask the local office of the FAO, to correct these anomalies and to hear the voice of the peasant majority.

Asked about this, Sterlin Frenel, the Director of the municipal agricultural office of Petit-Goâve, recognizes that the FAO makes important actions, but that it commits some errors in the field, because it does not follow advice. "It has acted preferably alone, or by making association with some peasant organizations that defend their interests, rather than follow the advice and guidance of technicians."

Officials of the local office of FAO refused to respond to the press on this subject.

ARTICLE - AGRICULTURE - GROWING INVESTMENTS

GROWING INVESTMENTS
(Haiti Libre) -

Highlights from rural development projects funded by the Inter-American Development Bank in Haiti.

Agriculture remains a key sector for Haiti, as half of its population lives in rural areas. Together with other donors, the IDB supports the Haitian government’s national agricultural plan, which seeks to address the sector’s structural problems. The IDB’s sector knowledge and experience from before the earthquake define its comparative strength and to make the sector a continued priority over the next four years.

At present, the IDB’s agricultural portfolio in Haiti consists of projects totaling $200 million, substantially focused on some of the country’s principal growing areas in the Artibonite and Northern regions. They include investments in infrastructure for irrigation and flood protection, subsidies to promote technology transfers and sustainable farming practices, the improvement of agricultural services such as animal and plant health controls, and supporting measures to regularize land tenure.

Since the earthquake the IDB’s MIF has also sought innovative ways to enhance agricultural production and incomes. It has established significant partnerships to support projects in two major rural value chains: mangoes and coffee. In the first case it partnered with The Coca Cola Company, USAID and the NGO TechnoServe to train some 25,000 farmers with the goal of doubling their incomes from mangoes. In the case of coffee, the MIF is backing a project with French development agency AFD, Nestle, Agronomists and Veterinarians without Borders and the Colombian coffee growers’ federation to restore Haiti as a premium producer and exporter.

Protecting Haiti’s Breadbasket

In the Artibonite river valley, Haiti’s principal agricultural region, the IDB has long supported a program to boost the output of staples such as rice, as well as high-value vegetables. Most investments have been aimed at protecting, rehabilitating and expanding the region’s irrigation network, the largest in the country. As a result, over the past two years the irrigated area has increased by 5,000 hectares (12,500 acres) during the dry season and by 7,000 hectares (17,500 acres) during rainy season, allowing 10,000 more farmers to plant two crops a year.

"In addition, repairs done to the riverbanks have ensured the protection of about 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres), or about one third of the Artibonite’s irrigated area," said IDB rural development specialist Marion Le Pommellec, the program’s team leader. "Work currently underway to strengthen the Canneau dam will ensure the protection of the entire system."”

Before the 2010 earthquake, the program financed the construction of an 86-meter (280-foot) bridge over the Salée floodway, which typically overflows every rainy season, cutting off some 40,000 people from the rest of the valley.

The program also supported the rehabilitation of a rice processing plant, expanding its capacity fourfold. The plant provides selected seed to help local farmers improve yields. Applied research and technical assistance provided by the program, coupled with support from a technical mission from Taiwan, China to introduce more productive agricultural techniques, have shown that output can more than triple on experimental plots, depending on the rice variety grown and the inputs available.

Small Dam, Big Impact

Decades of deforestation and soil degradation have ravaged the Ennery-Quinte watershed, but an IDB-financed agriculture intensification project is using several approaches to boost rural productivity in this river basin. One of the most promising techniques is the construction of micro dams, says Port-auPrince based rural development specialist Bruno Jacquet.

Using large boulders and cement, the project builds small dams along the course of the ravines. During the rainy season, water accumulates behind the retention wall and sediment settles in to the riverbed. In less than a year, small patches of richer soil build up, allowing farmers to plant higher value cash crops such as beans, taro or plantains. As seasons pass, fertile areas continue to grow. Farmers can now use some of their additional income to plant live hedges and trees higher up the ravine sides, protecting their land.

This technique, first tested in Haiti by French foreign aid experts, is being expanded under the IDB-backed project, which has already financed the construction of 26 micro dams along the Ennery-Quinte, out of a total of 150 planned. Given the quick returns and the positive environmental impacts of these investments (micro dams cost about $5,000 a piece) the IDB expects to replicate this experience in three other river basins where it is financing watershed management programs, Jacquet said.

Other milestones of the Ennery-Quinte project are: the improvement of 50,000 mango trees by top-grafting; the construction of 400 cisterns to harvest rainwater; a successful pilot program to test vouchers for seeds, and the planting of more than 1 million fruit and lumber trees across the watershed.

This reforestation effort must be reinforced with other measures concerning local governance, such as persuading farmers to tether their cows and goats to prevent them from eating the saplings, or to refrain from burning fields to clear land for planting. Jacquet notes this will require alternative methods, such as growing fodder to feed cattle or adopting mulch-based agriculture, which helps conserve the soil.

ARTICLE - GOOD NEWS FOR FARMERS

GOOD NEWS FOR FARMERS AND THE POPULATION
(Haiti Libre) -

Laurent Lamothe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs signed on Wednesday, April 25 at the National Palace, a tripartite agreement of cooperation with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, Mr. Temir Porras, and the Ambassador of Argentina in Haiti, M . Marcelo Sebaste, on agriculture, identification and literacy.

This Haiti-Venezuela-Argentina tripartite agreement, concerning among others, a donation of equipment for improving the agricultural sector, equivalent to an amount of 15 million U.S. dollars, including technical assistance.

The equipment provided by Venezuela includes: a set of 100 4 x 4 tractors (80-100 HP); vertical tillage equipment; plow teeth; seeders, disc harrows; sprayers fertilizer spreaders; irrigation pumps - 3 and 4 inches, to exploit small water points submersible pumps, equipment for drip irrigation; water tanks; 10,000 wheelbarrows; 20,000 sets of farming tools; spare parts for maintenance and repair of machinery, and silos to store crops and seeds - (collective and family) will also be distributed to the Haitian authorities to encourage domestic production.

Field visits and regular exchanges will be organized between the Ministry of Agriculture, experts from the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) of Argentina and the Venezuelan counterpart, to ensure training and the adequacy of this equipment for the real needs of Haiti's agricultural development; while establishing a state agency in charge of research and agricultural extension.

The signing of this agreement, conducted in the presence of the Ambassador of Argentina to Venezuela, Carlos Cheppi, of technicians from Argentina, Secretary of State for Literacy, the Secretary of State for Literacy, Ms. Milaine Alexandre, and the Director General of the National Office of Identification (ONI), Jean-Baptiste Saint-Cyr, also addresses the capacity of the ONI through a project of identification, whose main objectives are: to create a reliable database of all citizens; modernize the existing system; rehabilitate the regional physical structures; interconnect offices between them and the central office; work for the ratification of the law framework for the integration of the civil state within ONI; equipping ONI with modern equipment of greater capacity; create eight thousand direct jobs, and facilitate the other partner institutions to access information that may be useful in the context of their specific mission.

The literacy component part of this agreement will consist of alphabetising 600,000 people, through the project "Wi mwen kapab", and 400,000 others through the "'alphaprésentiel" based on the reality of each community.

Chancellor Lamothe believes that the strengthening of South-South cooperation can contribute to the sustainable development of Haiti and, in this sense, is committed to increase its efforts to reposition the country as a partner of choice for sister states in the region.

ARTICLE - ELECTRICITY IN TERRIER-ROUGE

ELECTRIFICATION OF THE CITY OF TERRIER-ROUGE
(Haiti Libre) -

Mr. Thierry Mayard Paul, Minister of the Interior and Local Authorities took swift action to achieve the electrification of the town of Terrier Rouge. During a visit to this city, Friday, April 20, the Minister announced the start of work for Thursday, April 26, 2012. This displacement of the Minister of the Interior, follows a tense situation recorded in the department of the Northeast where residents of Terrier-Rouge had barricaded the road linking the city of Cap-Haitien to Fort-Liberté, to ask local authorities for electricity in the town.

Mr. Mayard Paul immediately addressed the requests to the Secretary of State for Energy, René Jean Jumeau, and to the Secretary of State for Public Works, Philippe Cinéas. The signing of an agreement with the company Elmecen, responsible for carrying out the work in the city, was made ​​effective the same day. An amount of three million gourdes has already been released for the start of this project.

Accompanied by the Departmental Delegate, Hugo Charles, the Mayor of the city, David Jean-Louis, and the Director of Police, Abner Vilmé, Minister Mayard Paul listened to the inhabitants of the city, and informed them of the steps taken, and results achieved. The population expressed its satisfaction for the quick solution provided by the Minister.

ARTICLE - HAITI - MEMBER OF GFDRR

HAITI IS FIRST NATION TO BECOME MEMBER OF THE GLOBAL FACILITY FOR DISASTER REDUCTION AND RECOVERY (GFDRR) CONSULTATIVE GROUP (CG) FOR A SECOND TERM
(PRNewswire) - By Haiti Ministry of Interior

History-making move gives Haiti more direct access to GFDRR and the World Bank, which are critical partners in the development of a comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Agenda

WASHINGTON - The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) Consultative Group (CG) has invited Haiti to become a Developing Country member delegate of this prestigious organization, making Haiti the first nation in the history of GFDRR to be invited into membership for a second term.

Thierry Mayard-Paul, Haiti's Chief of Staff and Minister of the Interior, Territorial Collectivities and National Defense, who led the Haitian delegation and served as its chief representative at this year's GFDRR meeting, said, "this honor underscores the importance of the Martelly administration's work in Disaster Reduction and Recovery Management (DRRM) throughout the country, in partnership with international organizations like the World Bank, the UNDP, USAID, SOUTHCOM and others."

Mayard-Paul presented his government's approach to Disaster Risk Management and shared Haiti's proprietary, community development decentralization initiative, Katye Pam Poze (KPP), to a cadre of top-level experts from 38 nations.

Disaster risk reduction and management are intrinsically "embedded" within KPP, the cornerstone program for the Haitian government's National Decentralization Agenda. In this way, capacity is built at the community level across the country, under an innovative "bottom up" or grassroots approach, but in complete alignment with the national strategy.

Haiti's innovative approach to community-based decentralization, as well as its commitment to institute Disaster Risk and Recovery Management across all government entities, was well-received by GFDRR members and meeting participants. Zoubida Allaoua, GFDRR's Chair and the World Bank's Director of Finance, Economics & Urban Department, encouraged the development of innovative initiatives such as Haiti's KPP, stating, "We should not use yesterday's solutions to confront today's problems. The GFDRR will work in partnership with the government of Haiti in its Disaster Risk Management efforts, so that they become a showcase project for other nations."

As incoming GFDRR member, Haiti will have more direct access to the GFDRR and the World Bank, key partners in the development of a comprehensive DRRM program for Haiti. Recently, the World Bank committed US$ 60 million to fund a four-year Reconstruction and Disaster & Risk Management Program that will support decision-making and capacity building, the construction of an emergency telecommunications system, as well as road infrastructure and safety.

The minister stressed that the Government of Haiti seeks to make risk reduction an essential part of its reconstruction and recovery efforts, while developing strategies and a policy framework for long term disaster risk reduction and management into the new national development plan.

Other counties welcomed as new GFDRR members during the spring sessions were Solomon Islands and Togo. Each country will occupy a chair for two years. The three current developing country members, with one year remaining to serve, are Malawi, Bangladesh and Yemen.

"The GFDRR meetings were extremely helpful as they allowed us the opportunity to share --and learn-- from other countries' experience in this crucial area of disaster and risk reduction and management," added Mayard-Paul. "With our designation as Developing Country members, we are looking forward to even greater exposure to best practices, as well as opportunities for support and collaboration from the GFDRR's membership."

ARTICLE - ALSTOM - 2 HYDRO CONTRACTS

ALSTOM SIGNS TWO HYDRO CONTRACTS IN HAITI AND ECUADOR
(Alstom) -

Alstom has secured two separate hydro contracts in Latin America, representing a total amount of almost €60 million, for the refurbishment of a hydroelectric dam in Haiti and the development of a new power station in Ecuador.

In Haiti, the €35 million contract signed with the federal electricity supplier EDH includes the entire overhaul of the three units (18MW each) of the Péligre hydroelectric dam, with a rated output of 54 MW. Péligre is currently operating at less than a third of its full capacity, with two units out of service and one in partial operation. Once refurbished, the units will have enhanced efficiency and reliability, and will be compliant with the instabilities of Haiti's electricity grid.

Alstom will fully restore the electromechanical and hydromechanical equipment of the plant, including a new hydraulic design for each turbine with an overhaul of existing embedded parts, new cooling and drainage systems and the refurbishment of the dam's gates. A new Smartcontrol SX system will ensure the automation of the plant. Work on the project includes the balance of the plant and some civil works. It is expected to start within one month, with the last of the upgraded units scheduled to be commissioned in 2015.

Located on the Artibonite River, 70 km from the capital Port-au-Prince, Péligre is the country's main electricity source while providing irrigation and flood protection for local agriculture. For this reason the rehabilitation will be performed without draining the dam’s reservoir.

“Energy is a key necessity to rebuild the country and improve living conditions. Alstom is proud to work in partnership with EDH on a project with such positive implications for Haiti’s population and industry,” commented Jérôme Pécresse, President of Alstom Renewable Power.

In Ecuador, Alstom as part of a consortium will supply 2 Kaplan turbines of 30 MW each, generators and the control system to Manduriacu HPP, in Guayllabamba river. Alstom’s share represents around €25 million. The consortium will also be responsible for hydromechanical equipment and balance of plant.

The commercial operation of the first unit will start at the end of 2014. The plant will have two units and the equipment will be produced at Taubaté (Brazil), one of Alstom’s largest Hydro manufacturing plants in the world.

These contracts were booked in the 4th quarter of fiscal year 2011-2012.

Alstom’s market share in the area of energy production in Ecuador amounts to approximately 20%. The company has manufactured equipment of other important hydro project in the country such as Molino (1075 MW), Pucara (70 MW), San Francisco (240 MW), Mazar (2 x 85 MW) and Ocana (2 x 13 MW – to be commissioned). Alstom’s other main references in the country are Esmeraldas (130 MW) and Trinitaria (130 MW) oil fired power plants.

“Latin America is a major opportunity for growth. Alstom is investing in the region to secure more business and thus contribute to the development of the infrastructure”, says Marcos Costa, Vice President of Alstom Renewable Power and Thermal Power in Latin America.

ARTICLE - 2 CONTRACTS - 900 HOUSING

2 CONTRACTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 900 HOUSING
(Haiti Libre) -

On Thursday, April 26, 2012, the United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), signed contracts with two firms, including one that is a consortium, with a Haitian construction company, for the development and construction of 750 units, of earthquake and hurricane resistant housing, on the Caracol-Ekam site in Haiti’s Northern Development Corridor, and 156 units in the community of Cabaret to the north of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area.

These two housing projects are consistent with the Government of Haiti’s reconstruction plan, including its focus on decentralization, and went through 18 months of consultations with stakeholders at all levels, including community members, local mayors, and President Martelly.

Throughout the consultation process and design, the U.S. worked with the Haitian government and local mayors to improve the plan so that it best reflects the views of stakeholders in communities. This required to ensure a bedroom, causing it to build the house on a total area of ​​34 square meters - in accordance with the housing units being built by the Haitian Government and the InterAmerican Development Bank, in Port-au-Prince. In addition, each home will have access to water and electricity, and will be located near areas with job opportunities and health services already existing, and in development.

U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Merten served as the U.S. signatory to the two contracts: one with Thor Construction for construction in Caracol and one with CEMEX for construction in Cabaret. The combined investment on the part of the United States in these two new housing communities, including site preparation and drainage, roads and sidewalks, streetlights and potable water distribution systems, exceeds $25 million.

Ambassador Merten said, "After months of studies and consultations, and with the support not only of President Martelly, but also local officials, the formalization of these contracts marks another milestone in the United States’ work with the people of Haiti, as we fulfill our commitment to help this great country realize a better, more prosperous future."

Representative of the support of their populations, Mayor Thomas Joseph Wills of Cabaret was a witness to the signing ceremony, and Mayor Landry Colas of Caracol visited the embassy later. They both expressed their satisfaction at the close cooperation and incorporation of local input in the design and planning of the houses.

Following requests from members of Parliament of the North and Northeast, the housing settlement at Caracol will be set back from Route National 6, providing a buffer of 120 meters for vegetation. There will also be a 59-meter buffer to the highway at Trou Du Nord on the other side of the settlement. This will accommodate long-term development plans for a four-lane highway and necessary buffer zones on both sides of the settlement to allow for the future growth of the Northern Development Corridor.

ARTICLE - CAP HAITIEN AIRPORT

THE CAP HAITIEN AIRPORT REQUIRES EXPROPRIATIONS
(Haiti Libre) -

Friday, Laurent Lamothe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and also the Prime Minister-designate, was onsite for the inauguration of the Fundamental School of Application - Pedagogical Support Center (EFACAP) of Cap Haitien; taking advantage of the event to provide an update on the work of the Cap Haitien Airport, and the projected doubling of the electrical capacity for the city.

"The airport expansion, at a cost of $33 million, is a donation from the Venezuelan government. This will be done by the firm ALBA-Bolivariana, which has promised to give us the airport in February 2013 [...] There are expropriations to be made, to ensure that American Airlines can fly directly to Cap Haitien, and if my information is correct, the Secretary of State, Philippe Cinéas, will come on Monday to the city of Cap, to work on these expropriations, so that the airport can move forward [...]

Concerning the electricity of the city, we have negotiated with the Government of Venezuela for it double the current capacity of 13.6 MW. They will send specialized firms to increase the electrical capacity of the city..."

ARTICLE - LAURENT LAMOTHE - EFACAP

LAURENT LAMOTHE AT THE INAUGURATION OF EFACAP IN CAP HAITIEN
(Haiti Libre) -

Yesterday, the Delegation of the European Union in Haiti, represented by Joao Santana, its Charge d'Affaires, Mr. Laurent Lamothe, the Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Reginald Paul, the Minister of Education and Vocational Training, inaugurated the Fundamental School of Application - Pedagogical Support Center (EFACAP) of Cap Haitien.

This inauguration is part of the Programme of the European Union of Support to the Strengthening of the Quality of Education (PARQE), funded since 2002 to the tune of 40 million euros, and which has to its credit the construction of 19 EFACAP's, the networking and the rehabilitation of over 440 schools in four departments of Haiti; thus ensuring a quality educational environment for about 120,000 students, who are also equipped with textbooks and school kits.

This support was also provided to over 3,000 teachers who have been equipped with teaching materials, to the pedagogical advisors and principal inspectors of EFACAP in the network, that have benefited from several hundred hours of training, both in the teaching of masters for improving their academic level, and on transversal educational with topics such as: competence approach, differentiated instruction, and educational psychology.

The inauguration of the EFACAP in Cap Haitien demonstrates once again the commitment of the European Union, alongside the Haitian government, with the implementation of a quality education system, .... a part of its' development. The EU will continue to meet its commitments to accompany the Haitian people in their march towards the eradication of poverty, and the achievement of sustainable human, economic and social development.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

ARTICLE - CHOLERA RETURNS TO PORT-AU-PRINCE

CHOLERA RETURNS TO PORT-AU-PRINCE
(MSF-UK)

With the rainy season now underway in Haiti, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has seen an increase in the number of cholera patients. Admissions to MSF's treatment centers in Port-au-Prince and Léogâne have more than tripled in less than one month.

New patients arrive daily at MSF's cholera treatment centers (CTC). Marie was admitted to the Martissant CTC on 16th April. "I had diarrhoea and was vomiting a lot, then I fainted. A relative brought me here because it is the centre closest to where I live. The doctors told me that I had cholera and was dehydrated," she says.

Cholera treatment centres

One-hundred-and-thirty-four other people like Marie arrived at the MSF center in Martissant between 16th and 23rd April and nearly 400 at MSF's other CTCs in Port-au-Prince and Léogâne.

MSF had to reopen a CTC in Carrefour, in the southern part of the capital city, to deal with the new influx of patients, and prevent the centres in Martissant, Delmas and Drouillard – closer to the city centre – from being overwhelmed.

Prepared for epidemic

With all its facilities combined, MSF currently has more than 200 beds in Port-au-Prince and more than 45 in Léogâne dedicated to cholera patients and is prepared to open more sites based on the course of the epidemic.

"Cholera is easy to treat but specialised treatment centres must be accessible and patients must be brought there as soon as possible once symptoms appear," says Dr Sophie Duterne, MSF's medical coordinator in Haiti.

"If left untreated, this disease can kill within a few hours. Treatment involves simple oral or intravenous rehydration, with antibiotics for the most severe cases. However, taking additional hygiene precautions and drinking disinfected water is still the best protection."

Since the first cases were identified in October 2010, more than 500,000 Haitians have contracted cholera.

Rainy season spreads cholera Inadequate access to disinfected water and insufficient numbers of latrines provide fertile ground for cholera. The arrival of the rainy season further promotes the spread of the disease by flooding water and sanitation systems.

"The sewers in my neighborhood are overflowing and we live in unhealthy conditions, without clean water or soap," Marie says. "I knew that I could contract cholera, but I had no choice."

That is why along with treating patients, MSF continues to encourage Haitian health authorities and its international humanitarian partners to distribute disinfected water and soap and to install and maintain latrines so that Haitians can practice good hygiene and prevent the epidemic from spreading.

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MSF in Haiti:
Since the epidemic began in October 2010, cholera has killed more than 7,000 people (out of approximately 500,000 cases recorded), representing approximately 5 percent of the population. As soon as the first cases were confirmed, MSF set up an unprecedented effort across the country, treating more than 30 percent of the total number of patients on its own.

ARTICLE - CHOLERA - 150 CASES PER DAY

HAITI REPORTING 150 CASES OF CHOLERA EVERY DAY
(Prensa Latina) -

Port au Prince - At least 150 cholera cases are reported every day in Haiti, reported authorities, who fear a new outbreak caused by rains.

According to the national coordinator to fight the disease, Francois Donald, there is "a strong upsurge" in the capital and in the Western region, mainly in the department of Croix des Bouquets.

Only in Croix des Bouquets there have been recorded in one day, 75 people infected and one death, Donald said in an interview with the local agency AlterPresse.

The new cases coincide with the rains affecting Haiti since last weekend, which have caused at least 10 deaths, 10,000 displaced people, floods and damage to crops and homes.

According to Francois, there are no cases reported in the places where the Ministry of Health launched two weeks ago a vaccination campaign against the disease, in which some 100,000 volunteers will receive two oral doses of the drug.

More than seven thousand people died of cholera here during 2011 and another 520,000, more than five percent of the population, contracted it in the same period; although the epidemic has been contained since early this year.

Calculations of the Pan American Health Organization estimates that some 200,000 Haitians may be infected with the disease this year.

ARTICLE - IOM DELIVERS SHELTER

IOM DELIVERS SHELTER TO HAITI FAMILIES HIT BY HEAVY RAINS (IOM) - Haiti - IOM has delivered replacement tarps and new tents to families inundated by recent rains in Haiti and is continuing its efforts to minimize flooding in camps occupied by earthquake victims since 2010. The downpours caused mudslides and floods bringing untold misery to the half million or so still homeless from the 2010 quake. "This could only be the beginning of what we fear will be a long and difficult rainy season," said IOM Haiti Chief of Mission Luca Dall'Oglio. Many are living in homemade shelters constructed from plastic sheeting or in tents that are rotten and leaking. Many camps are continuously flooded, bringing mud, standing water and sanitation risks to the population. Life for families forced to live in these camps is uncomfortable and often unsafe. After the Rains, Relief and Hope Ahead of the rainy season and the coming hurricane season, IOM established a monitoring system for members of vigilance committees in camps. This makes camps more resilient and ensures rapid reporting of urgent needs to the humanitarian community. The government of Haiti's Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC) also has a large team of specialists trained in camp management and emergency response who liaise with camp residents. The size of camps in Haiti ranges from a few hundred tents and shelters to camps housing over 50,000 people. Many are located in low lying areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides. Initial assessments over the past two days showed that 2,456 families were affected by this week's rain and 489 needed immediate help with replacement tents and tarps to make their shelters safer and waterproof. IOM delivered 36 tents and tarps provided by the British NGO Shelterbox to families in need of immediate assistance in Te Roche camp. They were distributed by the elected president of the camp and erected by camp residents who took advantage of a respite from the rain to dry out clothing. In other affected camps, interventions included emergency canal dredging to alleviate flooding, and distribution of materials to prevent floodwater entering tents. "It underscores the need to speed up solutions to get these vulnerable people out of tents and into safer houses, as we are already doing in a number of camps. The half dozen camps closed under the government-led and donor-supported programme needs to be scaled up and that is going to require more funding," said Dall'Oglio.

ARTICLE - A WEEK OF RAIN

SITUATION IN DETAIL AFTER A WEEK OF RAIN
(Haiti Libre) -

After a week of rain,... the Ministry of Interior (Directorate of Civil Protection) report dated Friday, April 27, 2012 [6:00 pm] is heavy, and reports numerous victims, thousands of affected families, blocked roads, considerable agricultural losses, and heads of cattle washed away.

The National Meteorological Center (CNM) indicated on Friday that the weather situation was still characterized by a surface trough, whose axis was between Cuba and Haiti. For this purpose, the activities of rain and thunderstorms will continue to influence the whole country for the next 48 hours. A slight improvement in weather conditions are expected Sunday and Monday. However, they are likely to deteriorate again on Tuesday.

In relation to this situation, the CNM, in accordance with the SPGRD and the Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC), has, once again, asked residents of areas at risk of flooding, landslides and mudslides to put into practice all safety precautions during rainstorms. Given the intensity of the threat, the SPGRD maintained, this Friday, the orange vigilance level for heavy rains.

Nippes Department:
Entire department: Intermittent rains were recorded throughout the department from April 23 to 25, with direct impacts on infrastructure, agriculture and the health sectors.

Anse-à-Veau: The Grande Rivière and the river Froide overflowed and destroyed gardens of maize and beans.

Arnaud: A mother and her son, who were returning from school, have been found dead. They had attempted to traverse a ravine in flood.

L’Azile: The Serpent, Mahot and Despins rivers are still flooding. A culvert on the section from Vieux Bourg d’Aquin and L’Azile was destroyed A culvert at Paul (1st section of Azile) was also destroyed.

Baradères: The downtown area is still flooded. Traffic is so far ensured using canoes. Water levels reach more than two (2) meters near the mouth of the river at Baradères. The temporary shelter, which opened Monday at the National School of Baradères, still houses 210 displaced people;

Fond-de-Nègres: A man is dead, washed away

Miragoâne: The civil protection found localized flooding in Dufour, Nan Bouzi, Fond Jean Simon, Démisaine and Abraham; Health facilities have recorded on Friday, two new cases of cholera at Belleau. The NGO "International Solidarity" had reported 3 deaths from cholera in the fourth section of Miragoâne, earlier this week.

Petite-Rivière: The municipal cemetery, situated along the sea, is under water. This would be the result of work undertaken to raise up the pavement by a construction firm.

Plaisance: Rivers and ravines, in flood in the town, devastated plantations.

DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH:
Entire Departement: The situation is stable in all the communes.  The principal rivers have started to decrease in size, at Port-a-Piment and Maniche

Les Anglais: A man, 50, and a woman, 33, died, carried away by the Anglais river, which has since started to decrease in size.

DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST:
Entire department: Moderate rains have been recorded in almost all municipalities, causing overflowing and flooding of ravines in at risk communities; These rains have affected 35 camps in the communes of Carrefour, Cite Soleil, Croix des Bouquets, Delmas, Petion-Ville, Port-au-Prince and Tabarre. More than 2,328 families are in trouble.

Carrefour: A 6 year old boy died in Lambi 5, town of Carrefour, after a rock fall on a tent;

Gressier: A mass of rock broke loose and destroyed a house in Mariani 13.

Cité-Soleil: Ten (10) neighborhoods are flooded (Ti Haïti, Dube, Lintho I, Bois Neuf, Cité Lumière, Cité Gérard, Terre Noire, Vincent, Samarie and Germain), and the situation is critical in Carrefour Vincent. 3,818 families are affected.

Port-au-Prince: A 39 year old woman is dead following a landslide in Nan Ti Bois, eighth communal section of Martissant.

OTHER DEPARTMENTS: Rainfall activities are recorded over several departments of the country including Grand Anse and the Southeast; In the latter department, one person died and another is missing (crossing a swollen river) during heavy rains rains that fell including on the municipality of Cotes de Fer (164.2 mm in the coastal community of Mayette) The Municipal Civil Protection Committee reported agricultural losses, of livestock, and damaged roads. At the departmental level of Grand Anse, two people died in Moron, swept away by the Grand Anse river. Rivers are in flood, including in Abricots.

The situation numbers: The balance sheet, updated Friday, April 27 at 6h00pm from information transmitted by the Emergency Preparedness Departmental Committees, indicates: Ten (10) dead and one missing; More than 7,600 families are affected, including 3,818 whose homes are flooded in the neighborhoods of Cite Soleil, and more than 2,328 affected people living in camps in the West. Some 62 houses were destroyed; 210 people in shelters; Several stretches of road cut in the departments concerned; Substantial agricultural losses: corn, beans, bananas ... ; Livestock washed away.

ARTICLE COLOMBIAN CHANCELLOR - MEETING

WORKING SESSION WITH THE COLOMBIAN CHANCELLOR MARIA ANGELA HOLGUIN
(Haiti Libre) -

Laurent Lamothe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, received yesterday Thursday, in Port-au-Prince, his Colombian counterpart, His Excellency Maria Angela Holguín. Chancellor Holguín visited the Haitian National Pantheon Museum(MUPANAH), before visiting the National Palace, for a working session with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Interior and of Justice, who described the situation of the country, and shared their ideas with her, in a spirit of solidarity between the two countries.

During an interview broadcasted on tv and radio, Ms. Holguín, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, declared that she wanted to strengthen the ties that unite the two peoples since Simon Bolivar, and provide technical assistance, in many areas, related to the development and reconstruction of Haiti.

The main sectors involved in this cooperation are: energy, education, health, sanitation, infrastructure and modernization of neighborhoods. According to Laurent Lamothe, Minister Maria Angela Holguín came to share the experience of her country in the management and improvement of living conditions in Colombia, especially in the city of Medellín, whose inhabitants lived in difficult conditions, and it has been completely renovated.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Haiti, with the help of Colombia, and as part of the business diplomacy advocated by Chancellor Lamothe, plans to continue her experience with joint units, which will work on the renovation of neighborhoods, and the disadvantaged. A Haitian-Colombian Joint Commission will help identify the various partners, and new investors, in order to find favorable solutions to the development of the country.

The Government of Haiti will take advantage of the visit of the Colombian Chancellor, to explore new forms of exchanges of migration, scholarship and business trips, to facilitate the start of the agreements of solidarity between Haiti and Colombia.

Also during this visit, Mr. Thierry Mayard Paul, the Minister of Interior; Michel Brunache, Minister of Justice, alongside the Secretary of State for Public Security, Reginald Delva, discussed with the Colombian Chancellor, cooperation in the field of security; given that Colombia has one of the best anti-kidnapping units in the world, and that it is determined to provide technical assistance to Haiti.

ARTICLE - STRONG REACTIONS - EVANS PAUL

STRONG REACTIONS OF EVANS PAUL AGAINST LAURENT LAMOTHE AND THE GOVERNMENT
(Haiti Libre) -

Visibly frustrated that the Prime Minister-designate, Laurent Lamothe, still has not officially met those responsible of the Alternative, as part of the ratification process; preferring to discuss with some parliamentarians and party leaders, the member of the Alternative platform (OPL and Fusion), Evans Paul, the leader of Konvasyon Inite Demokratik (KID), is outraged, which he describes as "a bad practice".

He describes as "a lie", those who argue that Laurent Lamothe is the one that will get the country out of the crisis, asks for his early ratification. Laurent Lamothe will not be able to meet his commitments vis-à-vis the parliamentarians, speaking of manipulation and improvisation that could lead the country into chaos.

Evans Paul deplores the attitude of some senators at the end of their term, who have voted in favor of the Prime Minister designate, by focusing on their personal interests, over those of their political parties. He says that for the Alternative platform, it is clear that the Prime Minister-designate, is not eligible, and invites his colleague deputies, "to assume their responsibilities, on voting day."

Furthermore, the leader of KID estimates that, "the current governance of the country has nothing to do with democracy", and that in the absence of the Head of State and of a Prime Minister, "the government is dysfunctional."

An opinion not shared by André Lemercier Georges, the Minister of Economy and Finance, who states instead that, "the resigning government is not dysfunctional, in the absence of the President Martelly [...]; all ministries are at work [..., the government is healthy."

Finally, Paul Evans considers that "the current crises are the result of the ignorance of the head of state of the policy", noting that his position is shared by many observers, who also question the ability of President Martelly to direct the country, due to the absence of decisions on certain issues."

ARTICLE - BEHAVIOR OF SENATORS

IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR OF SOME SENATORS
(Haiti Libre) -

14 days after the ratification vote of the 2011-2012 budget by the Lower House (5 months after the end of the fiscal year), the plenary session of the Senate convened this Thursday, April 26th, which was to have voted on the 2011-2012 budget. This has been postponed to May 2, for lack of a quorum!

Simon Dieuseul Desras, President of the Senate deplored the impossibility of obtaining the presence of 16 senators, the quorum required for a plenary session; while 28 Senators were available. For Senator Desras, his colleagues, have no excuses; reminding them the urgency of this vote to prevent the State from being blocked, urging them to fulfill their constitutional duty, and reminding them that the internal regulations of the upper house, provide for sanctions against absenteeism.

Despite the calls for a respect of their duty, and the threats of sanctions, the President of the Senate has failed to convince a sufficient number of Senators to obtain the quorum required by the Constitution. The senators present at the Legislative Building, were simply sulking at the session, forcing the postponement of the vote, essential to the functioning of the state, to the next plenary session on May 2, 2012, or six days before the end of the term of one third of the senators of the upper house.

There is hope that such an... irresponsible situation does not happen again on May 2; that our senators will recover the sense of duty, and stop using any vote as a means of pressure on the executive... because, after May 8, a quorum of the Senate is cut of 10 of its members, and it is likely to be even more difficult and announces a difficult period...

ARTICLE - BAKER - URGES GOVERNMENT

CHARLES HENRY BAKER URGES HAITIAN GOVERNMENT TO SHED LIGHT ON CORRUPTION CHARGES
(Defend Haiti) -

PORT-AU-PRINCE - The chairman of the political party “Respect”, Charles Henry Baker, is worried because of the many abuses of the Haitian authorities. He deplored the absence of the head of state, which gives an opportunity for other abuses.

Among others, the Businessman condemns the refusal of ministers to answer a summons from the outgoing Prime Minister, while the country is facing a security crisis.

Meanwhile, Charles Henry Baker requests that light be shed on the accusations of the Dominican journalist Nuria Pierra. According to Mr. Baker, Haitian institutions like the Senate, the Chamber of Deputies, and the Unit for the Fight against Corruption (ULCC) must, at the request of the head of state, investigate allegations of corruption.

The Dominican journalist indicated that Senator Bautista had granted more than $2 million to President Martelly during the election campaign, and after he was elected President.

Mr. Baker, who was also a presidential candidate, says that he has not been contacted by the Dominican Senator. I would have refused anyway, says Mr. Baker, adding that the charges against Mr. Martelly also mess the country's image.

Asked about the police protest, Mr. Baker argued that the response of the law enforcement personnel is due to a lack of confidence in the judiciary.

Speaking at the broadcast of “Le Point” on TV Metropole, Mr. Baker expressed concern because of rumors of corruption related to the ratification process of the Prime Minister-designate. He said that rumors of bribes dirty the image of the Senate.

ARTICLE - $5 MILLION RUBBLE STADIUM

$5M FOOTBALL STADIUM BUILT FROM HAITI EARTHQUAKE RUBBLE TO BE DESIGNED BY CARLOS ZAPATA
(World Agriculture News)  -

Carlos Zapata has been named as the architect of a new $5m football stadium in Haiti which will be constructed from the rubble left after the destructive 2010 earthquake. Morad Fareed from Delos LLC, a healthy-living real estate firm who are funding the initiative, and Robert Duval, Founder of Foundation L’Athletique D’Haiti, also selected Bill Faschan as structural engineer for the scheme. Delos LLC is providing the funding as part of the Clinton Global Initiative, a programme that encourages international leaders to address the many major issues facing our planet.

The upcoming project in Haiti includes a youth soccer academy, an elementary and middle school, and innovative infrastructure projects related to agriculture, composting and water treatment. The stadium will host concerts and provide facilities for community events. Speaking on his appointment to the scheme, Zapata said: “I am truly excited about this project, unique for its challenges, the new architectural approaches we will be using, as well as the long-term impact it will have on the community. It’s not often as architects that we can honestly say we are changing the world, but here in Haiti, we will be.”

ARTICLE - FAD'H RECEIVES BACK PAY

HAITI GOV'T BEGINS BACK PAY PLAN TO VETERANS
(Seattle Post) - By Trenton Daniel, AP

PORT-AU-PRINCE — A Haitian government effort Wednesday to register hundreds of veterans so they can receive pensions and back pay failed to demobilize a band of rogue soldiers whose presence is becoming an embarrassment to the Caribbean nation and its United Nations peacekeeping mission.

The rogue group of ex-soldiers and their young recruits has defied repeated orders from the administration of President Michel Martelly to clear out the former military barracks they've seized in recent months in their push to revive the national army. Their increasingly visible presence has heightened tensions as they parade around the capital in military fatigues and carry automatic rifles.

The Haitian government and the U.N. mission say they recognize the country's police force as its lone public security force but authorities have taken no action to disband the rogue soldiers aside from forming a panel to study the matter.

The group includes an estimated 3,500 former soldiers and followers too young to have served in the military that was abolished in 1995 because of its abusive past. Some of them operate from an army barracks in the district of Carrefour just outside Haiti's capital.

"We will address those guys in Carrefour later," Reginald Delva, the Haitian secretary of state for public security, told The Associated Press at the pension registration. "Hopefully, we will do it peacefully. We will offer them an opportunity to get a job, especially for the young guys."

Martelly raised the hopes of former soldiers seeking to re-enlist when he said as a candidate and later as president that he would reinstate the army, despite opposition from Western diplomats who thought money for the army would be better spent on the understaffed police force.

For the past year, hundreds of ex-soldiers have been training in camps. A few months ago, they took over the old military bases without opposition from the government. They've since paraded around the capital, in front of police, and the U.N.'s top envoy to Haiti has called them an "unnecessary provocation."

Under pressure from the U.N., Haitian officials set up a panel almost two months ago to figure out how to get the armed men out of the bases. Leaders of the rogue army say they won't leave until they are appointed to an interim military before Martelly officially reinstates the force.

One of the rogue group's leaders, former Sgt. Larose Aubin, said by telephone that the band wouldn't participate because the government broke its promise to give them senior positions in an interim security force.

"We are not going to take part in this," Aubin said.

The government for years has struggled to compensate the several thousand veterans who served in the armed force. An estimated 7,500 soldiers were dismissed, and they have argued they are entitled to millions of dollars in pension and lost wages.

"They have to compensate us immediately," Remy Jerome, 44, a five-year veteran who carried an ID card that crinkled at the edges, said as he waited to register for his compensation. "We were serving the nation."

Heeding a call from the Interior Ministry, hundreds of veterans showed up Wednesday with their old ID cards to collect their pay at a former military academy in Haiti's capital. They will each receive from $1,625 to $1,750, depending on their years of service and rank, Delva said.

Interior Minister Thierry Mayard-Paul told reporters that the government has about $2.65 million at its disposal for the compensation.

ARTICLE - MARTELLY - HOME ON MONDAY

HAITI LEADER DUE TO RETURN HOME AFTER MEDICAL CARE
(Sacramento Bee) - AP

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Haitian President Michel Martelly says he's due back home on Monday after spending two weeks in Miami recovering from a blood clot in his lung.

The leader's office said in a statement Friday that he'll give a news conference upon his return at the airport. His medical team says he is in stable condition.

The 51-year-old Martelly flew to Miami on April 16 after he complained of chest pains. His office said doctors diagnosed him with a blood clot that stemmed from an operation on his right shoulder. The surgery was apparently needed because of pain in his arm from years of performing as a musician.

ARTICLES - 3 SENATORS VISIT MARTELLY

3 SENATORS MAKE A "COURTESY" VISIT TO PRESIDENT MARTELLY
(Haiti Libre)  -

Laurent Lamothe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and 3 senators [Kély Bastien, Edwin Zenny, John Joël Joseph] will make a courtesy visit, this Friday, to President Martelly, who is recovering in Miami.

Simon Dieuseul Desras, President of the Senate, indicated that this initiative was taken by the office of the Senate in accordance with Chancellor Lamothe, insisting on a social visit over the political divisions... "This is the President who is sick, we are not indifferent [...] This is a humanitarian act...", indicating that the lower house, could also send representatives to visit the Head of State.

A "sociopolitical" visit which follows [coincidence ?] the allegations of Senator Wesner Polycarpe, who expressed doubts this week about the diagnosis of Haitian doctors [as the Senator and Dr. Kély Bastien] are affirming. "He does not recover overnight from a pulmonary embolism," claimed the office of the Senate, and he made a formal request to the presidency, to get the accurate diagnosis of the illness of the Head of State...

Reacting strongly to the statements of Senator Polycarpe, Senator Edwin Zenny (Edo), a close friend of the Head of State, responded to the Senator: "If he has a duty to inform the public about his illness, for cons, the Chief State has no accountability to senators," adding that "there is a team of 5 Haitian doctors who are treating President Martelly; "and reminding Senator Polycarpe;" We can not be a doctor for 25, 40 years and remain with what we learned in the past. Science advances. It is necessary to constantly retrain to be current and understand some cases..."

Thursday, April 26, 2012

ARTICLE - HAITI ECONOMY - GROWTH OF 7.8%

HAITI'S ECONOMY TO GROW 7.8 PERCENT, LEAD CARIBBEAN IN 2012: IMF REPORT
(Caribbean Journal) -

Haiti’s Gross Domestic Product is projected to grow by 7.8 percent in 2012, according to the recently-released World Economic Outlook from the International Monetary Fund.

Haiti’s projected growth comes after a reported 5.6 percent growth rate in 2011, according to the Fund.

The rate comes largely from reconstruction efforts following the devastating earthquake in the country in 2012.

That number represents the highest projected growth of any country in the Caribbean.

Suriname, with a projected growth of 4.9 percent, has the second-highest projected number.

The projection is in line with a United Nations report from December which pegged the country’s 2012 growth rate at 8 percent.

The IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook for the Western Hemisphere, released Wednesday, projects growth for the region at 3.75 percent this year, before returning to about 4 percent in 2013.

According to the fund, the Caribbean “finally turned the corner” in 2011 after a long recession, although high debt levels and tourism dependence continue to constrain the region’s economic outlook.

ARTICLE - $27 MILLION IDB GRANT

HAITI RECEIVES $27 MILLION IDB GRANT FOR RURAL LAND TENURE PROJECT (Caribbean Journal) -

Haiti will be receiving a $27 million grant from the Inter-American Development Bank for a pilot programme aimed at improving land tenure security in rural areas of northern and southern Haiti.

The grant’s approval was announced Wednesday.

Approximately 60 percent of Haiti’s citizens live in rural areas, making agriculture a predominant economic activity in the country.

But landholdings average about 4.2 acres, and are generally of poor quality, according to the IDB. By some estimates, nearly two-thirds of 1.5 million rural parches have no property title.

The pilot programme will be carried out in two areas covering the Grand Riviere du Nord watershed in the north, and the Ravine du Sud and Cavaillon watersheds in southern Haiti.

Haiti’s Agriculture Ministry is currently carrying out investment projects funded by the IDB and other donors in the latter area.

The plan will finance work to clarify property rights and identify public lands in the two regions, aiming to register all parcels in a basic land registry and to identify their owners and occupants.

Part of the project looks to reduce the average time it takes to register rural properties, from 300 days down to 60, along with lowering the average cost of the procedures from $600 to $150.

The investment could benefit as many as 40,000 farmers, the bank said. The programme follows several land tenure initiatives funded by the IDB in the region.

ARTICLE - KUWAIT - $9 MILLION IN FUNDING

SIGNATURE OF AN AGREEMENT OF $9 MILLION WITH KUWAIT (Haiti Libre) - Laurent Lamothe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has initialed, this Tuesday, April 24, an agreement of $9 million with Mr. Bassim Romani, the Director for Latin America of the Kuwaiti Fund for Development. $4.5 million will go to the Emergency Centre of the West and the other half will be used in the construction of a high school in Petit-Trou-de-Nippes, in the department of Nippes, and for two national schools.

During the ceremony held on the premises of the Chancellery, Minister Lamothe, welcomed the efforts undertaken by both countries to strengthen their bilateral relationship in order to promote sustainable development for the Haitian people.

While thanking Kuwait for this contribution, Laurent Lamothe assured the regional manager of the Kuwait Fund for Development of the frank cooperation of the Government of Haiti and of the country's strong commitment to continue to forge fraternal ties in the interests of both countries.

ARTICLE - VENEZUELA-ARGENTINA DELEGATION

A DELEGATION OF VENEZUELA-ARGENTINA IN HAITI FOR 48 HOURS
(Haiti Libre) -

A delegation from Venezuela and Argentina arrived in Haiti yesterday Tuesday, for a visit of 48 hours, to keep track of the Tripartite Agreement Argentina-Venezuela-Haiti.

Laurent Lamothe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs explained "[...] When we went to the Summit of the Americas, we met the Chancellor of Argentina and Venezuela, who had promised us to send a technical mission in order to come assess the problems that Haiti has, as part of a donation of tractors, and equipment for farmers.

Today, the delegation is here to hear all the needs that we have in agriculture, what type of tractor is best, and what types of equipment farmers need most. Argentina will provide this equipment and tractors, and Venezuela will pay for it... [...]

They come to track and tell us what projects they'll start funding. They had mentioned they would begin funding a project of identification, then there is a social housing project, of several thousand houses that they will give Haiti. There are also agricultural projects in the Artibonite valley that they will fund; so today, we will sit with them to define the scope of such funding, and to decide exactly what will be done, how it will be done, and for what amount [...]"

Recall that Venezuela had signed in early March, a bilateral agreement with Haiti to donate $369 million in an investment company, for financing various projects in Haiti.

ARTICLE - UN - EARTHQUAKE PLEDGES

BETWEEN PLEDGES AND DISBURSEMENTS
(Haiti Libre) -

The United Nations Office of the Special Envoy for Haiti (OSE) has conducted a new analysis of pledges made for post-earthquake recovery activities, revealing a disbursement rate for the 2010-2012 period among public sector donors of 45.3 percent. Of the funding disbursed by bilateral donors from their pledges, 7 percent has been channeled as budget support through country systems.

The analysis is based upon updates from 55 public sector pledge-makers from the international donors’ conference "Towards a New Future for Haiti," held in New York on 31 March 2010. Of these donors, 14 have disbursed 100 percent of their pledges for 2010 – 2011. And eight out of the 12 major donors have disbursement rates higher than 68 percent for their 2010 – 2012 pledges.

The 55 public sector donors pledged approximately $5.48 billion for recovery activities between 2010 and 2012. (This number does not include debt relief pledges totaling $972.2 million). Of the $5.48 billion pledged, $2.48 billion (45.3 percent) has been disbursed.

A review of pledges made for recovery activities between 2010 and 2011 only, showed that donors pledged $4.56 billion, of which they have disbursed 54.5 percent.

This $2.48 billion was disbursed through four channels :

$1.65 billion (66.6 percent) in grants in support of the Government of Haiti, and to multilateral agencies, NGOs and private contractors;

$337.2 million (13.6 percent) in budget support to the Government of Haiti;

$295.6 million (11.9 percent) in pooled grant funding to the United Nations, Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank through the Haiti Reconstruction Fund; and

$196.9 million (7.9 percent) in loans to the Government of Haiti and other recipients

These donors have disbursed an additional $760.5 million for general development in Haiti, outside of the New York conference recovery pledges.

This analysis does not include funds pledged for humanitarian relief activities. It is also exclusive of pledges made by privately funded organizations at the New York donors’ conference.

ARTICLE - FLOODING IN D.R .- HAITI

FLOODING IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FORCES 11,000 FROM HOMES
(Telegraph.uk) -

Heavy rains drenching the Caribbean island of Hispaniola have caused mudslides and floods that killed up to nine people in Haiti and forced more than 11,000 people to flee their homes in the neighbouring Dominican Republic.

Marie Alta Jean-Baptiste of Haiti's Civil Protection Office said nine people died in the southern and western parts of the country. The deaths included a 6-year-old child and a woman killed by landslides in the capital of Port-au-Prince and four who drowned in rivers outside the city, she said.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs gave a lower toll from three days of heavy storms at the start of the rainy season. It said in a statement that only six people had died since Monday.

High water and heavy rain are creating problems for the nearly 500,000 people still without homes in the aftermath of Haiti's 2010 earthquake.

In the Dominican Republic, officials said there had not been any reports of deaths or injuries, but said about 11,150 people had been evacuated from their homes.

Emergency office spokesman Jose Luis German said nearly 3,000 homes were flooded when rivers and streams spilt from their banks in the northern province of Puerto Plata and some central and southeastern towns.

He said 23 of the country's 32 provinces were at risk for flooding in the coming days since rains were forecast to continue for the rest of the week.

ARTICLE - MARTELLY - NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE

HAITI PRESIDENT SAYS HE CAME CLOSE TO DEATH
(Miami Herald) - By Jacqueline Charles

Haitian President Michel Martelly recounts near-death experience that landed him in a Miami hospital. He says he’s feeling better, waiting for doctors to give him green light to return to Haiti.

Haitian President Michel Martelly said it’s by the grace of God that he is alive.

“I didn’t die because God wasn’t ready for me to die,” Martelly told Haitian radio host Alex Saint-Surin in a live broadcast Wednesday from North Miami Beach.

It was Martelly’s first public appearance since he arrived in Miami nine days ago seeking treatment for pain after shoulder surgery earlier this month. Martelly looked healthy but tired as he recounted his near-death experience that at one point had a team of six doctors in Haiti keeping vigil over him.

“I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t talk, I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t stand. I couldn’t lay down, I couldn’t do anything,” Martelly said. “My stomach was compressed. It felt as if three people were pressing down on it.”

That was 2 a.m. on April 15, Martelly said. By the next afternoon, he was on a flight to Miami. He spent two days at the University of Miami Hospital. Dr. Reginald Pereira, who joined Martelly on the broadcast, said he’s awaiting additional tests before he allows the president to return to Haiti. Martelly has been recovering at a Miami hotel since leaving the hospital on April 18.

Martelly conceded that flying was a deadly risk, but said he didn’t know what he had until doctors diagnosed it as a pulmonary embolism, or blood clot in the lungs.

The radio interview was aimed at quelling rumors that had Martelly either in a coma, dead, or not sick at all. Senate President Simon Desras told The Miami Herald he plans to form a commission to officially assess the status of Martelly’s health.

“No one knows in which hospital the president was in, what he suffers from,” Desras said. “There is a void. No one knows who is running the country.”

Martelly, who also spoke of his record this past year, insisted that he has remained in control despite his illness. But during his absence, a heightened sense of insecurity has plagued Haiti as the country skated from one troubling incident to another. The day after Martelly arrived in Miami, a rogue army disrupted a session in parliament, demanding to speak to lawmakers.

That same night a traffic cop, Walky Calixte, was found dead in Martissant. Rodriguez Sejour, a member of the legislature, has been implicated and an investigation has been opened.

Upset residents protested, paralyzing his neighborhood. The day after the police killing, tension flared on the Haiti-Dominican border near Fond Parisien after a presidential adviser, Calixte Valentin, was accused in the shooting death of a young merchant. Valentin was arrested, and Martelly has suspended him pending an investigation.

This week, concerns about insecurity continued on Monday amid rumors that the Haitian National Police would strike. In a warning to U.S. citizens in Haiti, the U.S. embassy said there were “reports of sporadic incidents of civil unrest occurring in various locations of Port-au-Prince. There have been reports that some of these incidents involve people setting up road blocks or firing shots into the area.”

In response, Haitian government officials have tried to defuse the situation. Outgoing Prime Minister Garry Conille, after condemning the disruption at parliament along with Martelly, called a cabinet meeting but ministers refused to attend. Police chief Mario Andresol has called for calm and Interior Minister Thierry Mayard-Paul, in response to the rouge army, invited former soldiers to register for back payment.

ARTICLE - WYCLEF JEAN VOUCHES FOR KANZKI

WYCLEF JEAN VOUCHES FOR THE HONESTY OF EDOUARD KANZKI
(Haiti Libre) -

Pierre Édouard Kanzki, whose name was mentioned on April 12, in a joint statement from the Dominican and Haitian governments, as being involved in an alleged plot to destabilize the government of President Michel Martelly, has rejected from that day all the allegations against him, claiming his innocence and is trying with his lawyers, to get out of this political and financial imbroglio, of which he is a victim.

Wyclef Jean, Goodwill Ambassador for the government of President Martelly, in a press note, vouches for the honesty of Pierre Édouard Kanzki :

"I, Wyclef Jean, Goodwill Ambassador for the government of President Martelly, am speaking today, to secure my position before the government, the political, economic, religious sectors, before the press, the organizations defending human rights, the people of Haiti, the international community, and the whole world, in the case of the alleged plot against the government of President Martelly.

Pierre Edouard Kanzki is my friend, he's like my younger brother. I like him. He likes me a lot. I know him thoroughly. Pierre Edouard and his family are also friends of the President Martelly. They are friends of the government. Peter Edouard was at my side throughout the campaign for the second round of elections. He is a young man who is honest, dynamic, intelligent, a hard worker, and who has never been involved in any shady or illegal business. Before all sectors of the country: political, economic, religious, media, organizations defending human rights, the people of Haiti, the international community and the entire world, I Wyclef Jean, can vouch that Pierre Edouard Kanzki is not part of any conspiracy, and has never been involved in a plot.

Thank you very much."

Wyclef Jean

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

ARTICLE - POLICE CASE

AN ALLEGED POLICE KILLER'S CORPSE UNDER THE ORDERS OF JUSTICE
(Defend Haiti) -

PORT-AU-PRINCE - The corpse of one of the alleged murderers of police Walky Calixte was placed under the orders of justice during the past weekend, according to Jean Renel Senatus. The government commissioner in Port-au-Prince has promised that justice will soon shed light on the assassination, which sparked protests paralyzing the town of Carrefour (south), and part of the metropolitan area last Monday.

The government prosecutor wants to quickly resolve this matter. “The investigation will not continue indefinitely this time", reassured the Commissioner.

The government commissioner upheld the forfeiture of the corpse of a young man who allegedly participated in the murder of the policeman. "According to information we have gathered, one of the alleged assassins had been hit by two bullets, one in the thigh and one in the testicles in a gunfight with the police. Rushed to the Hospital in Delmas 31 (North), the suspect died of his injuries and his body was deposited in a private morgue in the capital, "said Jean Renel Senatus, noting that it is currently to the hospital morgue by order of prosecution of the Civil Court of Port-au-Prince.

After working all weekend on this case, Jean Renel Senatus confirms he ordered the confiscation of the corpse of the young man who was registered under the name Junior Ciméus in the private morgue. Accompanied by one parent in a private car, he was identified as Junior Thermidor by hospital administration. He is also known also known as Johnny, "The official said the prosecution of the Civil Court of Port-au-Prince sees a set of indices that could justify the thesis of his alleged involvement in the murder of the policeman.

The young man, who resided in the town of Carrefour, told his doctors before he died that he had been shot near La Marine Haitienne, said Senatus, trying to make the connection with the assassination of Police Walky Calixte in Martissant.

ARTICLE - DISCIPLINARY MEASURES - STRIKE

DISCIPLINARY MEASURES PLANNED AGAINST THE STRIKERS
(Defend Haiti) -

PORT-AU-PRINCE - The Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Michel Brunache, and the Director General of the National Police of Haiti, Mario Andresol (photo), raised the possibility of punishing the police strike of April 23 under the principles of ethics.

Michel Brunache told the press that "if police officers were involved in the troubles of Monday, I regret that I'll have to take disciplinary action against them."

The Minister of Justice resigned “assured his support to the High Command of the National Police for all legal and regulatory measures to return to calm" in a note dated April 23.

The Director General of the National Police of Haiti, Mario Andresol, for his part, disagreed with the strike of his troops, who mourn one of their murdered comrades.

"We will not accept any deviant behavior," insisted the chief executive of the National Police of Haiti, outraged by the strike on Monday of the various units of the police institution. Law and internal regulations governing the Police force, he said, do not allow for a strike and protest. "It is not the right way to do things. I want the police to get back to work," commented Andrésol, who returns to office after several months of convalescence from a surgery.

Some sectors that Mario Andresol has not indexed would be behind the movement of police, causing a confusing situation in the country. "This is how the Armed Forces of Haiti have been dismantled. They have been infiltrated by manipulators, "said the former officer of the disbanded army.

A group of police officers observed a work stoppage throughout the day on April 23 in protest against the assassination of their colleague, Walky Calixte, killed while driving his car in the Martissant area on April 17, 2012.

Brothers in arms and the victim's relatives suspect Deputy Sejour Rodriguez of masterminding the crime.

In a press note, the MP presented his sympathies to the bereaved relatives of the police, and says that he is involved in this case.

ARTICLE - TENSION IN CARREFOUR

HIGH TENSION IN THE CARREFOUR ZONE
(Haiti Libre) -

Since the assassination in his car, on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 of the police officer, Walky Calixte, murdered in the neighborhood of Martissant; the situation continues to deteriorate in the zone. Monday, traffic on National Highway No. 2, passing through the municipality of Carrefour at the Mariani level was completely blocked. For several days, barricades of burning tires, old car chassis, guarded by individuals who say they supported the claim of police officers, make it difficult and dangerous for movement in this zone, because of the many stones thrown...

Reacting yesterday to the deterioration of the situation, Sylvie Van Den Wildenberg, the Spokesman of the MINUSTAH declared "[...] we can understand that people are raising their voices, because it has security concerns, [. ..] but violence is not an appropriate means, and burning tires is certainly not the best solution. It is understandable that there are legitimate concerns. In addition, in this case there is really an effect of solidarity with the National Police [...]"

In a statement, Mr. Thierry Mayard-Paul, the Ministry of Interior, Local Authorities and National Defense "condemns all attempts to disturb public peace and asks the people to kindly go about their usual activities; "stating that, "The Government has already taken a package of measures to allow police to ensure security of lives and goods, and ensure public peace. The Minister took the opportunity to ask the local authorities who are the privileged managers of their commune, to ensure the respect of the public order."

ARTICLES - POLICE THREATEN TO STRIKE

POLICE OFFICERS THREATEN TO STRIKE
(Haiti Libre) -

Following the killing of their fellow police officer Walky Calixte on April 17, [and several other members of the PNH in recent weeks], members of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) no longer hesitate to openly show their "fed up" face to the situations of violence. They are more often the target and victim, threatening last week to strike on Monday.

Faced with this threat, the Ministry of Justice has reacted strongly, reminding the members of the PNH, that the right to strike is prohibited in the police institution.

"The Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) notes with astonishment that, following the assassination of one of them, some officers of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), exhibited behavior inconsistent with their core mission, which is to guarantee the safety of lives and goods.

The MJSP would like to remind to the police officer strikers that under Article 34.1 of the Staff Manual of the PNH, the right to strike is prohibited at the police institution level. The PNH officers are subject to the right of reservation and must exercise restraint in the exercise of their function. The MJSP ensures the High Command of the National Police of Haiti of its support for all legal and regulatory provisions taken for a return to calm.

Moreover, the MJSP, while addressing his sympathies to the relatives of victims and police officers and to the police institution, requires of the judicial authorities the initiation of public action to ensure justice [...]"

Monday, at a press conference, Mario Andrésol, Director General of the PNH called to order the police officers and launched an appeal for calm "[...] To the police officers, I told them not to be manipulated [...] At the police command level we are following the situation closely. We expect to have all data on hand to talk about not only the police officers, but also the population. Police officers are not allowed to strike, and to make protest movements. The regulation prohibits it [...] We will not tolerate people with deviant behavior. At the same time [...], we see that the Government Commissioner with all good will, is already at work on the issue. The file is already in the cabinet of instruction [...] We will leave that in the hands of justice, so that justice continue on the issue. It is the only way, I think, to get out of the situation of disorder... [...] I reiterate my appeals for calm [...] We are here to work together. I ask the police not to take to the street [...] We are here to protect and serve, police can not be a problem, the police is the solution [...] the police commander urges you to recover. We want everyone to return to work correctly, and we ask the population, which is there to support the police, to let justice do its work [...]"

ARTICLE - ROGUE FORCE WON'T DISBAND

HAITI ROGUE FORCE REFUSES TO DISBAND
  (AP) - By Evens Sanon

PORT-AU-PRINCE — A rogue band of armed men pushing for revival of Haiti's military are refusing to disband and clear out of old military bases, the leaders of the group said Tuesday, despite repeated orders from the government.

In a news conference at an army barracks just outside Haiti's capital, several veterans of the defunct army said Haitian officials broke a promise by failing to appoint them to the helm of an interim force until the military is officially reinstated.

"We've decided that we're not going to back down," said former Sgt. Larose Aubin, who was flanked by a mix of ex-soldiers and younger recruits. "We're not going to keep doing press conferences."

Aubin and the other former officers made their strongest demand yet since they began recruiting men and a few women a year ago with the hope that the armed force disbanded in 1995 would be reinstated. President Michel Martelly raised their hopes further by saying as a candidate, and then in office, that he would bring back the military, a goal that has met opposition from Western embassies.

The Haitian government has repeatedly ordered the former soldiers and their followers, which number about 3,500, to vacate the old bases they seized several months ago, but it has taken no concrete action. Since then, the rogue force has paraded around the country in pickup trucks and carried weapons as if on patrol.

Last week, about 50 men in military fatigues, some of them armed, disrupted a legislative session when they showed up to speak to lawmakers about the government's plans for them.

Their presence has become increasingly worrisome to Western diplomats, who have described the armed men as "paramilitary elements."

The United Nations' envoy to Haiti, Mariano Fernandez, called the parliament incident "an unacceptable act of intimidation."

Police Chief Mario Andresol said on Haitian radio Monday that the country has only one public security force, the national police department, along with the U.N. peacekeeping mission.

On Tuesday, leaders of the band said they had met with senior officials who agreed to appoint them to the high command of an interim force until the government officially restores the army by decree. They also said they expected a response from Haitian authorities within 72 hours, but instead heard over the radio that the government ordered them to leave the bases.

The Interior Ministry said it plans on Wednesday to give back pay to former soldiers who can show proof that they served in the military. The ex-soldiers have long argued they are entitled to $15 million in lost wages and pensions.

But the group of ex-soldiers said they have no intention of showing up, pointing to an earlier effort by the government that proved futile.

"We're telling them that the army must return," Aubin said. "Liberty or death. Victory will be for us no matter what."

Reached by telephone, Justice Minister Michel Brunache declined to comment.

ARTICLE - FAD'H - COMPENSATION PROCESS

COMPENSATION PROCESS OF FORMER FAD'H, ONGOING
(Haiti Libre) -

Monday, Mr. Thierry Mayard Paul, Minister of the Interior, Local Authorities and National Defense convened the members of the former staff of the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'H) to receive the compensation due to them. A step, which should [we hope], contribute to the return to normal in our country.

"Following the recommendations of the State Commission for the Organization of the Military Component of the Public Force created by Decree on November 21, 2011 submitted to the President of the Republic, prescribing among others a solution to the problem of compensation of members of the former staff of Armed Forces of Haiti.

Considering that the Armed Forces are a decentralized service of the Ministry of Defence.

Considering that the Ministry of Interior, Local Authorities and National Defense is therefore the legal normative framework at the disposal of the elected civilian authorities of the nation for the political control of the Armed Forces.

CONVOCATION

The members of the former staff of the Armed Forces of Haiti, who have not yet received by that date, from the Bureau of Management of Demobilized Soldiers (BGMD), their first and / or second tranche of the compensation process, will be convened Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 10:00 am, at the headquarters of the School of Magistrates (former headquarters of the Military Academy of Haiti) located in Frères, Pétion ville, in order to finalize this phase of the process.

Beneficiaries will present themselves in this place, at the date and time indicated, with their military identification card and any other legal documents legal or administrative issued by the military institution, to verify their belonging to that institution."

ARTICLE - NEWS OF MARTELLY'S HEALTH

NEWS ON THE HEALTH OF PRESIDENT MARTELLY
(Haiti Libre) -

This Wednesday, President Martelly, who continues his recovery in the U.S., following a pulmonary embolism, says he feels healthy, but he is still waiting the authorization of his doctors to fly and return home.

"I salute the Haitian population and all those who follow me abroad. This is a great pleasure today for me to feel healthy, and in good shape to talk with you. Before I begin I want to say thank you to the great Master. I also say thank you to everyone who kept me in their prayers, and in their heart, in the difficult times I had to cross. Your prayers mounted, and grace descended.

As you know, after the surgery on my right shoulder on April 5, I had some discomfort [...] The examination revealed a pulmonary embolism. It is a complication that can cause death [...] The Grand Master [...] has spared me...

In Haiti and in Miami there are Haitian doctors who took care of the President. Here there is pride, and thanks to the doctors, today the President is in shape and ready to return home Tet Kalé ! [...]

The President will be back soon [...] We look forward to the next government being installed so that we can continue working for the people, because promises are debts. The victory is for the people. We have never stopped working, but Haiti needs its President inside the country. Today we are awaiting the authorization of the medical team, which will allow us to fly back home. Thank you and goodbye".

Laurent Lamothe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Prime Minister-designate stated yesterday Monday, "[...] the President is recovering, the President is 'rebuilt' [...] The problem for him is to take a plane to return [...] He is in shape, at 100%. I met him, I speak with him on the phone every day; but he has to take precautions, because with what he had in his lungs, he must be careful; especially when he travels by air. Doctors have estimated that by the end of next week he could return and that it will not be a problem..."

Monday, April 23, 2012

haiti update - april 23, 2012

“To show partiality in judging is not good; whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent – people will curse him and nations denounce him. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them. (Proverbs 24:24,25)

The political uncertainty caused by a resigning prime minister and political bickering in the senate and parliament in the ratification of a new prime minister, Laurent Lamothe has also brought about an increase in insecurity on the streets. People are getting robbed after exiting a bank and some are killed by thieves riding on motorcycles, which is the most common form of transportation used by the thieves. There have been some incidents where nothing has been stolen but the only purpose of the crime has been an assassination for one reason or other.

Last week, 3 policemen were assassinated on the streets. Walky Calixte, a member of the traffic police was allegedly killed by those close to a Member of Parliament. A nephew of the parliament member, who also served as his bodyguard was arrested for having a weapon, without the appropriate paperwork. In anger, someone told the policeman that he would be killed for arresting him and last week this happened. Fellow police officers in anger went to where the parliament member was giving a radio interview about the incident and the officers barricaded the street and shot up the parliament members’ vehicle. Nobody was in the vehicle at the time. Roseanne, a friend who lives in Cite Soleil came to the house early Saturday morning to tell us that she heard that over the radio people were being told to stay at home on Monday, because there were going to be protests over the policeman who was assassinated. Today, we had one teacher who did not come to school and one who walked on foot from the lower Delmas area. We also have fewer students in school today as parents have kept them at home. Pray for protection for the Haitian police as they try to give the country security.

One of our Coram Deo family, Johnny Jean, is a young man whose ambition is to be a member of the Haitian military or police. He registered for both. Yesterday was an examination day for those interested in applying for the police force. Over 28,000 applications are on file for this next round of police training. Yesterday, Johnny arrived at 5:00am at the Lycee testing site. He and the other applicants waited in the sun until 3:00pm, when they were let inside to write the exam. The exam was supervised by UN police as well. The academy will choose from the applicants who passed the written exam to go on to the next stage of the recruitment process. Pray for Johnny as he pursues his dream of being involved in bringing security to the country.

The increase in crime has also affected our area. On Saturday evening, Reginald came to the house to say that there was a terrible odour coming from a home in the Cite Aux-Cayes area. When we arrived, the police were there and they were waiting for a justice of the peace to arrive before breaking into the home. It looked suspicious because the house was locked from the outside with a padlock. The body was that of a 13-year-old child. He lived with his sister and her boyfriend. Her boyfriend and sister had an argument and things got heated and the sister was able to get away but the boyfriend killed her younger brother. He then shut the door and padlocked it. This incident happened on Thursday evening. What really was terrible is that this all happened and nobody contacted the police until Saturday evening. I don’t know if they were scared of the guy who killed the boy or just didn’t realize what had happened. The house is located in a narrow corridor within Cite Aux-Cayes that people would walk through to get to their homes. The killer is still at large. Pray that he is found and that justice is given for the crime that he committed.

In the Rte. Frere area of the city a young man was buying a pate. While he was waiting, a man walked up to him and shot him in the stomach. The man died and the shooter was arrested. The shooter talked with the father of the young man he killed. He told the father that it was an accident and that he had shot him by mistake. He thought he was somebody else.

There is more going on with insecurity but I don’t want to write the entire Haiti update about violence.

The Timothy Leadership Training Seminars are being held again at the Christian Reformed Missions Centre from May 2-4 . Pastor Pierre and the 7 other pastors/church leaders will now take the 2nd course in the Timothy Leadership Program. Another 9 pastors have approached him expressing interest to take part. They will register for the 1st course in the series of leadership training courses. If they are accepted into the program there will now be 17 pastors/church workers involved. It is great to see their enthusiasm and the growth of the Timothy Leadership Program. Pray for the staff of Christian Reformed Missions who will be teaching the courses, and for those who will be participating.

Haiti just launched a massive vaccination program this weekend for children from infants to 9 years of age. There were health workers on the streets yesterday telling parents to get their children vaccinated against polio, chicken pox, measles, diphtheria, meningitis, pneumonia as well as Vitamin A and albendzole. Their goal is to vaccinate every child in the country against polio with the goal of eradicating polio from the island and a 95% coverage with the polyvalent injection. This would mean vaccinating over 2.5 million children for 100% coverage.

Recently, a vaccination program against cholera was launched for 100,000 people in the slum areas of Port-au-Prince where sanitation is poor and also in the Central Plateau area where the cholera was introduced. This vaccine will protect the people against cholera for a 3-year period. With the rainy season starting, cholera has now began increasing again. There is a Medecins Sans Frontieres Cholera Treatment Center located nearby on Delmas 33. Pray for all the vaccinations that will be given. It is good to see these efforts being made to improve the health of Haitian society.

That’s all the news for today. Have a good week!
Karen Bultje