HAITI - CORAM DEO

MICHELLE - LIVE - STRONG

2012-01-31T19:37:00.001-05:00

My sister Michelle had her first chemo treatment today. Pray for strength and healing for her as she fights the cancer. This video is for her:

photos - family vacation - part 13

2012-01-31T15:48:00.001-05:00

3 guys were standing on some rocks waving bye to the people on the ship.

I think these rocks were some form of wave breaker. Once we were past this point we were out into the open sea!

It was time to relaxation and enjoy the sun.

There were still quite a few people looking out at the Miami skyline.

And we saw another cruise ship heading up the channel.

photos - family vacation - part 14

2012-01-31T15:43:00.001-05:00

The red/blue color fin is a distinctive mark for a carnival cruise line ship.

American port union have a law requiring union pilots to lead the cruise ships both into and out of port. The pilot boards at the dock and once the ship passes the last buoy guide marker the regular captain of the ship takes the wheel. The pilot boat needs to pick up the union pilot.

There were quite a few people interested in this pilot boat.

The ship started getting closer and closer to the side of the ship's hull.

Shortly after this photo was taken the pilot boat got even closer to the hull and we couldn't see the pilot boat anymore until he pulled away. There is an exit door in the hull of the ship that the pilot accesses to get out and aboard the pilot boat.

photos - family vacation - part 15

2012-01-31T15:39:00.002-05:00

Now that we were out on the open sea we sat down and then explored the ship some more.

It was busy as everyone searched for a lounge chair to sit on.

We took a tour of the spa..

Entered through the Salon..

and found the gym :)

photos - family vacaton - part 16

2012-01-31T15:35:00.001-05:00

They had a lot of walking treadmills.

With an ocean view. The gym is right at the front of the ship.

I couldn't believe how much equipment was in this gym.

I was too lazy to use it though. I had more fun eating pizza, ice cream and other foods that I can only dream about here in Haiti. Cruise boat food sure beats rice and corn meal :) Our menu here in Haiti had rice 4 times a week and corn meal 3 times a week :)

Us sisters shared a cabin...

photos - family vacation - part 17

2012-01-31T15:32:00.001-05:00

... along with Michelle's best friend Lisa

Supper time was 6:00pm and our dining room was the Universe Room.

It is a large, fancy dining room.

It sure reminded me of the Titanic! It was a little intimidating at first with all the fancy food on the menu but some of it tasted good. I even tried alligator fritters :)

There are elevators throughout the ship to go between floors. A few times I walked up 9 floors to get from the bedroom to the Lido deck just for the exercise so that I could eat more food.

photos - family vacation - part 18

2012-01-31T15:25:00.001-05:00

There was a display on the wall where we could monitor the course of the ship.

There were a lot of photographer stations where you could pose for photos. Later they would post them in the photo gallery area. If you liked them they were available for purpose.

They also had some fancy duty free shops.

We had to go to the guest services counter to update our info and get our room card punched. The guy working reminded me of when I watched the Love Boat show on tv.

Some brave people took a line dancing course on the stage in the theatre room.

PRAYER REQUEST - MAN SHOT IN HAITI STILL CRITICAL

2012-01-31T14:52:00.003-05:00

VIDEO LINK: Man Shot In Haiti Still Too Critical To Return To Columbus

MAN SHOT IN HAITI STILL TOO CRITICAL TO RETURN TO COLUMBUS
(10TV) -

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A man who was assaulted in another country remained hospitalized Wednesday night.

David Bompart was helping to build an orphanage in Haiti when a person robbed and shot him at a nearby bank.

He and his wife worked in Haiti to rebuild the lives of families who lost everything from a recent earthquake, 10TV's Glenn McEntyre reported.

Bompart was transported to a hospital in Miami. He was too critical to be brought back to Columbus.

"He was on life support. They took him and continued to do the best they could for him, and a lot of people are praying that that situation would change," family friend Laurie Dietsch said.

Friends, family and strangers reached out with thousands of dollars in donations. They plan to use the money to bring Bompart back home and help pay for treatment to save his life, McEntyre reported.

"Today's update is that his colon was starting to fail, and they are concerned that they might have to take that out, and they are concerned that he wouldn't be able to survive the surgery," Dietsch said. "And the recent update is that they are concerned about his lungs."

Bompart's family has been updating his condition online, McEntyre reported.

"They are very grateful for all of the support, prayer and well wishes," Dietsch said. "They just wanted to get out a thank you to everybody."

On Saturday, a day-long fundraiser will be held at Chick-fil-A on Sawmill Rd. to support Bompart's non-profit organization Eyes Wide Open International as it builds a new orphanage in Haiti, McEntyre reported.

VIDEO - DUVALIER - A CORRUPTION TRIAL

2012-01-31T14:50:00.000-05:00

ARTICLE - DUVALIER - RIGHTS GROUPS UPSET

2012-01-31T14:42:00.002-05:00

RIGHTS GROUPS BLAST HAITI JUDGE ON DUVALIER CASE
(CBS) - By AP

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Human rights groups harshly criticized a Haitian judge Monday after he recommended former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier face trial only on corruption charges — and not for rights abuses during his brutal 15-year rule.

The organizations, both Haitian and foreign, said Investigative Magistrate Carves Jean ignored critical testimony that would've given weight to a prosecution of the once-feared ruler known as "Baby Doc" for crimes that include torture, false imprisonment and murder.

"The Haitian people deserve their day in court to prove Duvalier's culpability, which is an essential part of any meaningful reconciliation process," said William O'Neill, director of the Conflict Prevention and Peace Forum.

Mario Joseph, a lawyer whose Haitian-run firm is representing some of the Duvalier regime's victims, said the judge "made so many errors" that they compromised his pre-trial investigation. He said the judge disregarded testimony from eight people who wanted to file complaints alleging torture and false imprisonment.

Jean decided that Duvalier should go before a special court that handles relatively minor crimes. Duvalier, the former "president for life" who has been free to roam about the capital since his surprise return from exile last year, would face no more than five years in prison if convicted in that court.

Jean said the statute of limitations has run out on any human rights crimes committed during Duvalier's 1971-86 regime but not on accusations of misappropriation of public funds. He did not explain his reasoning, although Duvalier is widely thought to have used money from the Haitian treasury to finance his life in exile.

The judge declined to give reporters a copy of the 20-page order that he held in his hands in his office at the courthouse. The decision, based on a yearlong investigation, must first be reviewed by the attorney general as well as by Duvalier and the victims of his regime who filed complaints against the former leader, Jean said.

Duvalier's lawyer, Reynold Georges, had argued that all charges should be dismissed, and he said he would appeal Jean's finding as soon as he received the paperwork.

"We're going to appeal that decision ... and throw it in the garbage can," Georges told The Associated Press. "I'm very sorry he did that — everybody will condemn this decision."

Human Rights Watch, which has helped push for a trial, also called for an appeal — to overturn the judge's decision against a trial on abuse charges.

"Those who were tortured under Duvalier, those whose loved ones were killed or simply disappeared, deserve better than this," Reed Brody, counsel for Human Rights Watch, wrote in an e-mail. "This wrong-headed ruling must be overturned on appeal if Haitians are to believe that their justice system can work to investigate the worst crimes."

Brody and O'Neill both argued the statute of limitations hasn't expired on alleged rights violations because they wouldn't take effect until the victims' whereabouts or people who disappeared under the regime were identified.

O'Neill added that if the decision isn't appealed, he hopes to see the case taken to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Last May, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights urged Haiti's government to "investigate and punish those responsible for the numerous violations of the right to life and physical security."

Amnesty International researcher Gerardo Ducos said he was puzzled by the judge's findings, saying the "investigation was a sham and its conclusion a disgrace." He said that only a handful of victims were interviewed and that there was no effort to collect testimony from victims and witnesses outside Haiti.

Others said Haiti has an obligation under international law to put Duvalier on trial.

"Just as courts in Chile and Argentina have addressed past atrocities by their former military dictators, Haiti's courts are fully capable of bringing Duvalier to trial, and of seeking international support to do so, if needed," said James A. Goldston, executive director of the Open Society Justice Initiative.

Duvalier has posed a challenge to Haiti since his return from 25 years in exile in France. Haiti has a weak judicial system, with little history of successfully prosecuting even simple crimes, and the government is preoccupied with reconstruction from the devastating January 2010 earthquake.

A majority of Haitians are now too young to have lived under Duvalier, who was only 19-years-old when he was tapped by his feared father, Francois "Papa Doc" Duvaler, to assume the presidency. But many still remember his government's nightmarish prisons and violent special militia, known as the Tonton Macoute, which killed and tortured political opponents with impunity.

More than 20 victims filed complaints shortly after Duvalier's return. Some were prominent Haitians, including Robert Duval, a former soccer star who said he was beaten and starved during his 17 months of captivity in the dreaded Fort Dimanche prison.

On Monday, Duval said he was stunned when he was notified about the judge's decision.

"I don't understand how he could've done that," Duval said by telephone. "If that's the case, that's an outrageous decision."

Since its inception, the case has stumbled along. Prosecutors have been fired and the defendant has made few court appearances, despite pressure from advocacy groups saying a successful prosecution would mark a turning point for Haiti's weak judiciary.

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Haiti said it was eager to see the case go to trial, but Western embassies in Port-au-Prince, including the United States, remained largely mum on the matter, saying it was up to the Haitian government.

Haitian President Michel Martelly gave mixed signals. Last week, the first-time politician recanted a suggestion from a day earlier that he might be open to a pardon for Duvalier, citing a need to end internal strife that has long dogged the country. Presidential adviser Damian Merlo said, "A Duvalier pardon is not part of the agenda."

On Monday, Merlo declined to comment. Presidential spokesman Lucien Jura didn't answer his cellphone.

The Martelly administration has made Duvalier critics uneasy by filling its ranks with former officials from the Duvalier era and grown children of members of the former dictator's inner circle.

Since his return, Duvalier has traveled around the capital and countryside, hobnobbing with friends, dining at high-end restaurants and even attending a memorial service for the victims of the 2010 earthquake. Jean, the investigating magistrate, had threatened to arrest Duvalier this month because he was allegedly violating the terms of his release.

ARTICLE - UN - DUVALIER MUST FACE CRIMES

2012-01-31T14:36:00.002-05:00

DUVALIER MUST FACE TRIAL FOR SERIOUS RIGHTS CRIMES - UN
(Reuters) - By Stephanie Nebehay

* Rapes, torture and killings documented under his rule, UN says

* No statute of limitations for such crimes under int'l law

* Duvalier alleged to have embezzled up to $800 million

GENEVA - Former Haitian dictator Jean Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier should be tried for torture, rape and killings committed during his rule, not merely on corruption charges as proposed by a Haitian judge, the United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday.

The judge handling the case, Carves Jean, told Reuters in Port-au-Prince on Monday that Duvalier will face trial for corruption during his 15 years in power, which ended in 1986, but not for human rights abuses.

But the office of U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay voiced deep disappointment and called on Haitian authorities to ensure he is prosecuted for international crimes.

"Very serious human rights violations including torture, rape and extrajudicial killings have been extensively documented by Haitian and international human rights organisations to have occurred in Haiti during the regime of Duvalier," U.N. human rights spokesman Rupert Colville told a news briefing in Geneva.

"Impunity for such serious crimes cannot be allowed to prevail and we urge the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is, albeit belatedly, delivered to the many victims of human rights abuses committed under the government of Mr. Duvalier," he said.

Pillay's office had repeatedly reminded judicial authorities in Haiti of their "absolute obligation" to investigate the violations, and prosecute those responsible, he said.

"It is clear under international law that there is no statute of limitations for such crimes," Colville added.

Judge Jean told Reuters that he did not find enough legal grounds to retain human rights charges and crimes against humanity against Duvalier and that a 20-page ruling had been delivered to the government prosecutor's office on Monday.

Duvalier is alleged to have embezzled between $300 milllion and $800 million of assets during his rule, stashing some of it in Swiss coffers before fleeing to exile in neighbouring France.

Colville, asked why Duvalier would face corruption charges but not for human rights crimes, replied: "We're puzzled too, because under international law it is the very serious crimes such as crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide, serious violations like torture which can also be a crime against humanity, these have no statute of limitations."

"In Haiti, our understanding is that under the constitution, international law is given supremacy so it does seem rather bizarre that financial charges appear to be possible but not international crimes," he added.

Pillay sent a senior expert to Haiti last March to provide legal and technical advice to Haitian authorities on the issue of prosecuting a former head of state for serious human rights violations, according to Colville.

(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Giles Elgood)

ARTICLE - DUVALIER CASE - STRONG REACTIONS

2012-01-31T14:31:00.002-05:00

STRONG REACTIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS IN THE DUVALIER CASE
(Haiti Libre) -

Following the delivery of the closing order of Mr. Jean Carvès to the Commissioner of the Government, in which he recommends that Jean Claude Duvalier be charged with embezzling of public funds; several human rights organizations, have strongly reacted to this decision.

Anthonal Mortimé, the Executive Secretary of the Platform of Haitian Human Rights Organizations (POHDH), criticizes the decision of Mr. Carvès, estimating that it is an act of trivialization of Haitian justice. "This decision is simply a scandal [...] Impunity and anarchy: there is no other word", noting that only minor facts were brought against the former dictator. He estimates that this order is equivalent to whiten Jean Claude Duvalier and that it is "a slap given to Haitian justice and victims" adding the intention of the POHDH, to take steps to obtain a more appropriate following in the case of Jean-Claude Duvalier.

Reed Brody, Counsel and spokesperson for the international organization "Human Rights Watch" expressed his surprise at the decision of the investigating judge, to judge the former President Jean-Claude Duvalier for embezzlement, and hopes that this decision will be overturned on appeal.

"Those who were tortured under Duvalier, those whose loved ones were killed or simply disappeared, deserve better than this [...] This wrong-headed ruling must be overturned on appeal, if Haitians are to believe that their justice system can work to investigate the worst crimes."

For his part, Gerardo Ducos, Amnesty International's researcher, said he was intrigued by the judge's findings, stating that "the investigation was an imposture, and his conclusion a shame". He stressed that a limited number of victims were interviewed and that no effort was made to collect testimony from victims and witnesses outside of Haiti.

ARTICLE - COSTA RICA VISIT - AGRICULTURE

2012-01-31T14:23:00.002-05:00

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE IN MISSION TO COSTA RICA
(Costa Rica News) -

The Minister of Agriculture of Haiti, Docteur Hébert, at the invitation of Dr. Victor Villalobos, Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture “IICA” went to San Jose, Costa Rica. During his visit of two days, the Haitian Minister met with Gloria Abraham Peralta, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, and solicited the support and cooperation of Costa Rica to improve the production of coffee and other export products in Haiti.

According to the Costa Rican Minister, the Minister of Haiti was “impressed” by the development of agriculture in Costa Rica, which is a net exporter of food products, while Haiti is largely dependent on imports to meet food needs of its people. Faced with this situation and the serious problems faced by the Haitian economy, Gloria Abraham Peralta has expressed to her Haitian counterpart, her willingness to cooperate as far as possible with Haiti. “[...] With the support of IICA, we will provide the requested cooperation.”

During his stay in San Jose, the Haitian Minister of Agriculture, made a visit to IICA Headquarters, met with representatives of the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE) and visited the facilities of the EARTH (Escuela de agriculture in the region del Trópico Húmedo) where there are currently 16 Haitians scholarship students, beneficiaries of a program of study in agronomy.

ARTICLE - FRENCH ANTILLES - HAITI TOURISM

2012-01-31T14:04:00.003-05:00

TOURISM PARTNERSHIP PROJECT BETWEEN HAITI AND THE FRENCH ANTILLES
(Haiti Libre) -

As part of her visit to France, aimed at promoting the development of tourism in Haiti, Stéphanie Balmir-Villedrouin, the Haitian Minister of Tourism yesterday Tuesday (Jan. 24), met Frédéric Lefebvre, Secretary of State for Tourism.

Stéphanie Balmir-Villedrouin presented her tourism development strategy oriented towards a tourist offer of quality based on historical heritage, but also its living cultural heritage. The Minister of Tourism deplored the fact that, following the earthquake, potential tourists and foreign tourism professionals have a negative image, but false, of the situation of this country, which affects its tourist attractiveness.

The two Ministers desire to encourage the implementation of a partnership between the Republic of Haiti and the French Antilles, to develop tourism on these territories, which may be based among others, on the new air link between the Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport and the French Antilles launched in November 2011.

With this perspective, Frédéric Lefebvre suggested that the CEO of Atout France, Christian Mantei, pay a visit at the end of March to the Republic of Haiti for a mission to accompany the revival of tourism in this country. On this occasion, Christian Mantei will study in conjunction with Guadeloupe and Martinique, the possibilities of establishing joint tourist offers, for example regarding cruises, which may be presented in September at the next "IFTM Top Résa" show.

The two Ministers welcomed the future strengthening of ties between the two countries in tourism, which is part of the aid that France provided for the reconstruction of Haiti. They said: "Haiti and the French Antilles must rely on their recognized strengths, including their living heritage, to develop a joint tourist offer in the Caribbean, and jointly improve their attractiveness among new tourists, especially of emerging countries."

ARTICLE - LAMOTHE - MESSAGE TO FRENCH

2012-01-31T13:52:00.002-05:00

MESSAGE FROM LAURENT LAMOTHE FOR THE DIASPORA AND FRENCH COMPANIES
(Haiti Libre) -

As part of his exploration mission to France, Laurent Lamothe, the Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke this morning on the air of France Info, to encourage the diaspora to return home, and invited French companies to seize the opportunities available to them in Haiti.

"[...] I say to the Haitians [...] we come to see them and to comfort them on the various actions taken by the new Haitian government as part of reconstruction, through the establishment of a policy to rebuild hope in Haiti, and allow for their return to Haiti [... ]

Haiti has a human resources problem which is very serious. We lose over 85% of our teachers who have left the country; so there is a shortage of teachers. There is a shortage of executives; therefore, we must have the return of the diaspora to help us, to accompany us in the refoundation project of Haitian society and the reconstruction of Haiti [...] I think that generally the Haitians living outside want to return to their country. They are very proud to be Haitian, and we are very proud to have executives, doctors, Haitian nurses worldwide. I think that it will be necessary to accompany them. Firstly, the wages are missing; it is necessary that wages are complemented by the Government of Haiti, to have these executives. We're working on that. We have a support plan for executives, we work with many partners to support the Haitian professionals who live abroad, in France, to support their return.

[...] January 12, 2010, created a very difficult situation in Haiti, however, this situation has created opportunities, today, for French business leaders. Club Med, for example, could return to Haiti [...] there were many families who lived on jobs created by the Club Med [...] Unfortunately, after 1986, Club Med has left. Now we are working so that the Club Med will come back, and exploit the beautiful beaches that we have in Haiti.

In Haiti today, we have various agreements with the United States; for example, the HELP agreement, that allows Haitian assembly companies to export to the United States without paying customs duties [...] French employers, French companies are welcome in Haiti.

We have various opportunities in the oil sector. There is Total, that we will meet with today. We hope to work with them for a new strategic reserve, because the storage capacity of Haiti is low; so we will work with them to improve and expand the capacity, and on various other points, Total is welcome in Haiti.

To get investments, for example the support of the French authorities, COFACE [French Insurance Company for Foreign Trade] will be necessary, We'll ask it to return. It is responsible for the accompaniment, of insurance, which gives confidence to companies. We will also ask the company PROPARCO [Society for the Promotion and Participation for Economic Cooperation] that I met yesterday, to commit themselves, to invest more.

[...] There is no emergency in Haiti. Now we must pass to the physical reconstruction phase. We are not there yet; the Government is ready to begin, but it is necessary that the rest of the world follow...

President Martelly wants to maintain excellent relations with France, and he thanks President Sarkozy for being the first French President to have visited Haiti in 208 years....

ARTICLE - LAMOTHE - JUPPE SPEAK

2012-01-31T13:35:00.002-05:00

JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE, LAURENT LAMOTHE - ALAIN JUPPE
(Haiti Libre) -

Yesterday Tuesday (Jan. 24), Laurent Lamothe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as part of his official visit of economic exploration to France, met with Alain Juppé, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of France. This meeting was followed by a joint press conference where the two chancellors spoke.

Speech of Alain Juppé :

" Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very pleased to welcome Mr. Laurent Lamothe, the Foreign Minister of Haiti. I told him how France has been attached to relations with his country for as you know, historical, political, economic and cultural reasons.

I am very happy at the end of this meeting to see that things are progressing, and that they are making good progress in Haiti. Political stability is confirmed and reinforced, the reconstruction of the economy, devastated by the earthquake is also progressing.

France is committed, through its bilateral aid, through the assistance of the French Development Agency [AFD]. We are quite determined to continue in this way and provide particular support in terms of training, given the priorities which are those of Haiti.

I think it's important; I have noted that it was the desire of the Haitian authorities, that private investment moves back to Haiti.

The political context, the country's stability are likely, I think, to attract our investors and of course we encourage them.

The minister met yesterday with my colleague Pierre Lellouche. He will also meet [Wednesday] the leaders of MEDEF. There is a successful collaboration. I am glad, finally, that the discussion I had with President Martelly about adoption procedures allows us today to consider the total unblocking of the situation.

That, Mr. Minister, is what I wanted to tell you by ensuring you of our support, while wishing you a very good opportunity for this coming year."

Speech of Laurent Lamothe :

"Thank you Mr. Minister,

Haiti is very honored to be here today. We intend to continue the excellent cooperation that we have with France. France is a preferred partner for Haiti, and we thank you for the help, assistance and the cooperation that you have given us after the quake [...] We are grateful to President Sarkozy, because he is the first French President who has visited Haiti in 208 years. We thank the French Foreign Minister, who visited Haiti for the swearing in of President Martelly.

Haiti is doing better today. We still have problems, and we are working on these problems to manage them. However, the emergency period after January 12, 2010, is completed. We need to work for a sustainable development of our economy by attracting private investment; that's why I'm here. I have already met with several Heads of French companies. Tomorrow [Wednesday] I will be at the MEDEF [Movement of Enterprises in France], to talk to business leaders, to show the opportunities offered by Haiti in infrastructure, roads, airports and also to ensure that France should be present. We asked that COFACE [French Insurance Company for Foreign Trade] enter back into Haiti, that PROPARCO [Promotion and Participation for Economic Cooperation] be more present.

In general, we want a commitment from the French private sector, because Haiti needs massive private direct investment. We want to continue as one with the cooperation and we thank the French Development Agency, we thank the Government and we want to continue this. Haiti needs private direct investment and Haiti has many opportunities to offer".

A journalist asked the Chancellor Lamothe; "You have met many French investors, are there some who are interested, very interested even, to establish themselves in Haiti?"

Chancellor Lamothe answered that he already had several fruitful meetings, without providing more details. "We met with Veolia today. It was a very good meeting, and it is a great group that can bring a lot to Haiti. There are several meetings scheduled tomorrow with the MEDEF and we think that there are many opportunities, because the Haitian market represents double of the CARICOM market, [...] The Dominican Republic has a lot of French investments, and we would like that Haiti also has investments; and so far the response is very positive.

I think that for an investor throughtout the world there are always constraints. [...] Today in Haiti the security situation is much better [...] the security situation in Haiti is not a problem for investment. To come make the roads, build airports, bridges, hotels, I think the French expertise is there, the experience is there, and we are a growing market [...]"

Another journalist asked Minister Lamothe, "as part of the rehabilitation of the army do you envisage seeking assistance from France; if yes how?"

"Haiti wants to take control of its security services. We now have a situation in Haiti where there is a UN force that provides security; but this force will not be in Haiti forever, so we are looking to our partners for the assurance of a technical assistance to the design, and the formation of a new force primarily to protect the economy. Haiti loses $320 million today because of smuggling on the Haitiano-Dominican border; so we requested assistance, a technical assistance for training of this force.... to protect the economy."

For his part Alain Juppé added, "I confirm that France has responded positively. We are ready to assist Haiti in terms of training for this Security Force. We have in this area a good expertise, and the Minister told me that the issue of customs was a particular concern for him. This is a point on which we will assist Haiti."

ARTICLE - FRANCE - HELPS WITH TAX COLLECT.

2012-01-31T13:29:00.002-05:00

FRANCE WILL HELP HAITI TO COLLECT TAXES FROM ITS TAXPAYERS
(Haiti Libre) -

As part of his official visit to France, Laurent Lamothe, the Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs met last Tuesday with his French counterpart Alain Juppé. They discussed the question of tax reform in Haiti. The delegation was received with military honors, a protocolary gesture that was done for the first time, vis-à-vis for a foreign minister of Haiti; according to specialists in diplomatic affairs of the Quai d'Orsay.

Minister Lamothe, during this meeting, emphasized the board line of Business Diplomacy and immediate emergencies of Haiti for its development and reconstruction. The delegation also discussed the issue of tax reform initiated by the Government of Haiti and the efforts of President Martelly to revive economic growth. Alain Juppé promised, without delay, a technical assistance, to help Haiti to use modern and efficient methods of tax collection; which will enable the Government of Haiti to reach all its taxpayers, especially the 97% who pay nothing to the State.

ARTICLE - FEEDING PROGRAM

2012-01-31T13:26:00.003-05:00

GOVERNMENT TO LAUNCH FEEDING PROGRAM FOR 100K MOTHERS
(Defend Haiti) -

PORT-AU-PRINCE - First Lady Sophia Martelly will begin the Aba Grangou feeding program for 100,000 mothers on Tuesday.

The program will receive technical support from Ecuador and the Economic Commission for Latin American (CEPAL) for its launch.

Aba Grangou (down with hunger) aims to build a network of government, private sector and the international community to fight hunger in vulnerable families.

The Martelly-Conille government hopes to implement a national strategy against hunger and malnutrition.

ARTICLE - MARTELLY - FEEDING PROGRAM

2012-01-31T13:08:00.003-05:00

THE MARTELLY'S OFFICIALLY LAUNCH THE "ABA GRANGOU" PROGRAM
(Haiti Libre) -

President Michel Joseph Martelly and the First Lady of the Republic, Sophia Martelly officially launched Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at the National Palace, the National Programme for the Fight against Hunger and Malnutrition, "Aba grangou". Starting this year, 10,000 development officers will be mobilized throughout the country to each accompany 100 families.

The ceremony was attended by personalities and national and international institutions involved in this program, which aims to create conditions necessary to achieve a healthy diet for all Haitians, the implementation of concrete actions of emergency, and in the long term to break the vicious cycle of hunger and malnutrition by 2025.

In her speech, the First Lady, Sophia Martelly, appointed President of the Commission, will be responsible for coordinating and monitoring the activities of "Aba grangou"and she calls on the solidarity and action, of the international community, the private sector, civil society, community based organizations, and the church...

Speech of the First Lady, Sophia Martelly :

"I thank the President of the Republic for the confidence shown in me, and the members of the Commission. Of all the tasks entrusted to the Haitian State, that of working to eradicate hunger and malnutrition is perhaps the most ambitious; but also the noblest.

The role of civil society is fundamental. The community-based organizations, churches of all denominations and business organizations are all invited to take part in this task.

Working to fight hunger is a first step towards a stable and balanced society. The commitment of the Haitian State in this struggle is irreversible. With "Aba grangou," we will open, together, for our citizens, access to an adequate nutritious food, and to strengthen the mechanisms for the revival of local food production.

Together, we can build a better Haiti, a Haiti without hunger, a Haiti without malnutrition, a Haiti, where, our children can finally develop to their full potential.

Together, we can meet this challenge!

Haiti is too rich to be hungry."

For his part, the Head of State, believes that the fight against hunger is also one of a vicious circle of exclusion; a fight against the social and family disintegration, disease, despair, an increase in violence and the death of children. "Hunger can not wait" concluded the President of the Republic, who is asking for concrete results.

"Dear Compatriots,

To the Haiti who suffers but does not complain.
To the hungry in Haiti.
It is to you that I am speaking.

It is for you that Aba Grangou is created. To those who struggle from morning to night, but do not earn enough to eat healthily and sufficiently. It is for you that Aba Grangou is created.

Is to you that I dedicate most of my action and that I devote my energy.

I do not come crying for you.

We have cried too long for you but not enough has been done for you.

I would just rather tell you that the Haitian state has ceased to capitulate before your suffering, that the state has ceased to sit back, that your state does not want to be out of economic and social policy.

I do not come to talk to you of assistantship. I come to put into practice the obligatory solidarity, the basis of all social justice.

I come reconciled around "Aba grangou" those who win and those who suffer, those above and those below.

To all those that have been taxed, too long taxed without accountability; none, I e say: your contributions are not lost, they are part in part of this chain of solidarity.

Haitians,

The economic and social policy that I have an impulse for is simple: Not one of you will be abandoned or left without recourse.

This policy, is at the heart of my family, it is part of our convictions. We have worked for over 18 years for this.

It is therefore in this same spirit, that I applaud today the launch of the program for the fight against hunger and malnutrition, "Aba grangou".

This program will create the necessary conditions for the reduction of half of the population suffering from hunger by 2016 and eradicate hunger by 2025.

"Aba grangou" is the result of six months of volunteer work by the First Lady. I would like to thank her. It is also the work of a technical team bringing together professionals from 9 Ministries, 7 autonomous organizations, the Haitian Red Cross and Parliamentarians sensitive to this noble cause. They are here and we thank them publicly and specifically.

It is the synthesis of a joint effort that involvs many partners and the participation of representatives of the United Nations, NGOs, grassroot organizations and experts in food safety. They are honored."

Designed in three strategic axes consisting of social security programs, agricultural investment, and improvement of basic services, the program "Aba grangou" mobilizes 9 ministries, 7 independent organizations, the Haitian Red Cross and will implement 21 government programs that will be federated, strengthened and harmonized.

The main objectives of "Aba Grangou" are:

To benefit one million vulnerable mothers and individuals by money transfers and food;

To permit one million children less than 5 years old to benefit from nutritional programs;

Facilitate access to one million small farmers to agricultural programs, facilities for the storage of crops, and tanks for water storage;

Accompanying 200 private investors, of medium size, for the development of agricultural sectors, on uncultivated state-owned land. »

In 2012, the Commission for the Fight against Hunger and Malnutrition, "Aba grangou" will support the preparation of a National Nutrition Policy, a National Policy for school feeding and a National policy on a social safety net. It will assist the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, by constituting contingency food stocks at 35 points in the territory, for 100,000 people, towards a greater investment in the agricultural sector of 6 to 10% of the Treasury.

ARTICLE - SPAIN - SMEs - $50 MILLION EUROS

2012-01-31T13:01:00.002-05:00

FUND OF 50 MILLION EUROS FOR HAITIAN SMEs
(Haiti Libre) -

President Michel Martelly, met yesterday, Monday, January 30, the Ambassador of Spain in Port-au-Prince, Mr. Manuel Hernández Ruigómez and Mr. Edouardo Almeida, the representative of the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) in Haiti to ensure the follow up and planning of the assistance of 50 million euros granted to Haiti by Spain for the benefit of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Haiti.

On this occasion, the representative of the IDB informed President Martelly that the process of operationalizing of the credit program for SMEs, originally scheduled for January 2012, will finally take effect at the end of February.

With the implementation of this program, SMEs in Haiti, will be eligible for the general credit system, from local commercial banks, which will manage the fund in conjunction with the IDB.

President Martelly welcomed the conclusion of this important issue, a success of his official visit to Spain last July, when the Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, had promised him to create this fund of 50 million euros.

ARTICLE - SOLAR GENERATOR - RURAL AREAS

2012-01-31T12:52:00.002-05:00

A MOBILE SOLAR GENERATOR FOR ENERGY-IMPOVERISHED RURAL AREAS
(AOL Energy) - By Ray Larsen

The United Nations identified needed developments to eliminate the worst of world poverty in a program called the Millennium Development Goals. The key is to foster conditions for market-driven economic growth to create a safe infrastructure that includes the people most in need as empowered participants, not mere recipients of a handout. Success would eliminate current ineffectual foreign aid programs and uncoordinated charitable aid in favor of growth by-and for-the people.

In response, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) established a pilot program which identified Reliable Electricity as one of the key enablers of economic growth, especially in areas of the globe containing nearly 2 billion people subsisting on incomes of less than $2US per day. The correlation of poverty with lack of electricity is obvious, but solutions that truly effect sustaining economic change are not. Fortunately, we have learned that a small amount of electricity can have a huge benefit at an affordable cost. Moreover, the technology already exists to create a sustainable business model that, in principle, can grow rapidly to reach millions of people.

Lighting alone in homes makes it possible to read, study, and pursue crafts and routine tasks - some of which enable income generation -as well as providing new safety from theft and violent crimes. Additionally, basic home power supply can enable communications by cell phone, radio, low power TV or web interconnectivity via computers. Simple scaling makes electrification of entire schools, community centers, churches and small businesses possible.

Now an independent IEEE non-profit known as the Community Solutions Initiative, CSI, which is working with the Sirona Cares Foundation, is on track to provide electricity to at least one million people in Haiti in the next 5 years. Starting this year, the program will also expand into many other countries of need.

The CSI SunBlazer Mobile Generator and Home Lighting Kit Products

The guiding design principle was to use technologies, some of which only recently have become mature and cost effective, that are available from multiple suppliers. The design is straightforward, but many details have to be optimized for both performance and low cost. Although units are currently operating successfully in communities in Haiti, work continues to refine the model.

Six 245W solar panels in 2 parallel banks of 3 produce 54V DC to drive a 48V "House Battery" bank of 4-12V 200Ah units in series. Regulation and discharge limiting are controlled by a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar cell charger controller. Discharge limiting to 50% is essential to preserving battery life of the deep cycle sealed lead-acid batteries used in both the House and Home Kit batteries. The House bank can absorb a full day's solar production so in the absence of sun it is still able to charge customer loads.

The station chassis carries 40 customer Home Kits consisting of a 12V 18Ah portable battery pack with an added small Low Voltage Discharge (LVD) limiter circuit board to cut off at 50% drain. Each home pack is accompanied by a prefabricated lighting kit of 2-4W LED white globes and chain-pull wall or ceiling mount sockets with 15 ft (5m) of interconnect wiring from the power supply and between units. The battery pack is a converted commercial automobile jump-start kit with jumper cables and internal trickle charger removed and a second automobile cigarette lighter outlet added for auxiliary loads such as a 12V cell phone charger, small radio or TV, laptop charger etc. With the 50% limiter a customer has 108Wh per day capacity before cutoff. Additional pack conveniences are a push-button state-of-charge meter, plus a flashlight for use when walking at night. The rear access panel is modified with tamper-resistant screws and instructions in 3 languages. The pack will run a single 4W LED room light for 31 hours, 2 bulbs for 14 hours, etc.

The third critical component is a bank of 20 intelligent 48V to 12V fast 3-stage sub-chargers to charge the 40 Home Kit supplies in 2 banks of 20 every day if needed. The solar panel array has a peak capacity to produce full charging of all loads on the lowest seasonal average daily production in Haiti.

Finally, an AC converter / regulator is included to allow connection of an external source such as a wind turbine, emergency diesel generator or, if one should ever become available, a grid connection of 220-240V AC. An auxiliary source can be invaluable in emergency service in critical applications such as a clinic, operating room, school, computer lab or emergency communications system.

Local Entrepreneur Business Model

IEEE's local partner, the Sirona Cares Foundation, developed the entrepreneur teams to take ownership of the first 6 units and has customers lined up for the next 9 units and beyond. Entrepreneurs were found through the organization's connections with church communities that support orphanages and schools and with Jatropha farming cooperatives for bio-fuel production.

Owners contract to receive an initial station, conduct a formal market survey and secure customers who agree to lease a Home Kit for a monthly charge of $6.50 US, the current cost of candles and kerosene. The station operators collect the fees and make a fixed monthly lease payment to Sirona-Haiti, a new for-profit overseeing all operations and set up for future manufacturing in Haiti. The difference is their profit for running the business. The only upfront cost is a small security deposit. The initial 15 units are seed-funded by IEEE entities and CSI volunteer work. Sirona-Haiti must now raise major capital to grow the business at a rapid rate through long term loans or investment. They are off to a good start with a USAID grant for bridge funding to equip a factory, as well as to build, deploy and service the next SunBlazer units. The approximate construction cost of a 40-kit unit in the US is $15,000, which will be reduced considerably in high volume production. The next 9 trailers will be shipped empty and have the components installed in Haiti; all further units will be completely procured and assembled in Haiti. Due to the conservative design, the next units will all be equipped with double the number of home kits, 80 per trailer, to service an estimated 480 people per generator.

CSI and Sirona have worked closely with the Haitian government energy authorities, most prominently the new Secretary of Energy, and have received their full support for the SunBlazer program as synergistic with their new national policy stressing rural energy independence and stimulating economic development.

In 2012 and beyond IEEE and CSI plan to expand the Haiti model to new initiatives in Africa and India, as well as continuing to support and learn from the ground-breaking work of Sirona-Haiti.

Ray Larsen is former Head of the Electronics Department of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, where he currently serves as Project Manager for the Instrumentation and Controls Directorate. His career at SLAC includes accelerator beam instrumentation, high speed pulse instrumentation, high level RF power systems, modular instrumentation standards development for physics, and design and project management of very large scale accelerator and detector instrumentation, control and RF power systems.

Besides forty years of service to SLAC in accelerator and particle detector instrumentation systems and standards, Ray earlier worked in defense research in Canada and from 1988-95 was cofounder, President and CEO of Analytek Ltd., a Silicon Valley instrumentation company. He is a Life Fellow of the IEEE, Past President of the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society (NPSS), and Founder and Co-Chair of the IEEE Community Solutions Initiative (CSI) currently managing the Haiti SunBlazer project. He developed the original conceptual design of the Haiti technical and business models and currently oversees construction of the pilot program for Sirona Cares, participating in technical training and deployment of the first six kW-scale generators established in June 2011 as rural businesses in Haiti.

Ray holds Bachelor's and Master's of Applied Science degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of British Columbia and the Degree of Professional Engineer in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. His IEEE Fellow award was for advances in gigahertz sampling rate analog integrated circuits and systems, and in 2011 he was awarded the prestigious NPSS Merit Award for a career of innovation and service to the Society.

ARTICLE - ELECTRICITY - 200,000 HOUSES

2012-01-31T12:44:00.002-05:00

AMBITIOUS ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAM OF 200,000 HOUSES IN LESS THAN TWO YEARStwo years
(Haiti Libre) -

President Michel Martelly, presented yesterday, Monday, January 23, during a press conference at the Hotel Le Plaza, the program "Ban m limyè, ban m lavi" which aims to electrify in the long term, all communes and communal section of the country.

Initially, in less than two years, the Government aims to enable the electrification of 200,000 homes. The Grand Anse and the Northwest will be the first departments to be targeted; an initiative supported by the Senators Northwest and of the Grande-Anse, Maxime Roumer and Lucas Saint-vil.

"...I must tell you that the power company of Haiti (EDH) which has 40 years of existence, has 200,000 subscribers. We have a program to provide electricity to 200,000 homes over 2 years. It is a very ambitious project. In the long term, we want to provide electricity throughout the country, to help create jobs, help people create wealth through businesses, help to strengthen safety and allow them to enter definitely onto the path of development [...]" said President Martelly.

Through this program, fast and sustainable [estimated at $45 million], to be implemented by the Ministry of Public Works, Transport, Energy and Communications, in partnership with private sector companies, the opportunity is available to households in rural areas for lighting using solar energy [the solar kits each cost between 250 and 350 U.S. dollars] through a $30 million loan. This credit approach, will be developed with banks, credit unions and all institutions that grant credit in rural areas.

Several representatives of companies producing electric power and institutions working in the field of credit (SOGESOL, BPH, SOFIDHES, ANACAPH, E Power, T Energy, Eco Energy Plus Energy Group, etc...), present at the launch, applauded the approach of the Martelly/Conille administration and expressed their willingness to support the Haitian government in the success of this extensive partnership program.

The whole country should be electrified, according to the desires of President Martelly. To this end, $15 million in credit will be granted to local governments to light 375 km of streets in 3 years, repayable over 7 years at a maximum rate of 7% per annum. In the neighborhoods, electricity will be restored with the repair of streetlights. To begin with, 10 neighborhoods of 400 households each, will be served with a budget of $300,000 dollars from the Treasury. To encourage investment and facilitate the smooth operation of businesses, EDH will make available, in less than two months, 15MW of reliable electricity in some industrial areas.

ARTICLE - RURAL ELECTRIFICATION

2012-01-31T12:36:00.002-05:00

ELECTRIFICATION, THE EDH WILL START TO GIVE CONTRACTS IN RURAL AREAS
(Haiti Libre) -

The Secretary of State for Energy, Dr. Jean René-Jumeau present yesterday Monday (Jan. 23), alongside President Martelly, for the official launch of the electrification program of 200,000 houses "Ban m Limyè, Ban m Lavi", provided some additional details about this intervention.

"...This program aims to have a capacity of provide electricity to small houses scattered in rural areas thanks to solar energy. There will be credits for people to get a small solar system and at the municipality level, to install solar street lights[...]

The EDH [Electricity of Haiti] will start to give contracts in rural areas, areas that have no electricity, so that private companies can intervene, not only in production but in all aspects of the public offer. The EDH will make the regulation, and will define the context, so that little by little we will have these small networks. One day, we will be able to make the interconnexion of these into a national network.

The program will begin immediately. Partners are already working together, defining the mechanisms. The companies have already come to Haiti, and have already started training technicians and actions are already in place.

In terms of duration, this is a program that has no end. We will always need to provide rural electrification. We will establish a permanent fund for that, we will continue the electrification in the cities, and we will continue with the partnerships that are needed for that.

There is something very important for the program to work. It is that we need to work with the deputies, senators, and mayors in the cities [...]"

ARTICLE - MARTELLY - POWER PROGRAM

2012-01-31T12:28:00.002-05:00

HAITI LEADER LAUNCHES POWER PROGRAM
(Seattle Pi) - By Trenton Daniel, AP

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Haiti's president said Monday he hopes to double the number of rural households that receive electricity within two years by offering people small loans to buy solar kits.

The announcement by President Michel Martelly is part of a $45 million-plus energy package that aims to introduce electricity to thousands of people in this impoverished nation who otherwise illuminate their homes by candlelight.

The program, dubbed "Give me light, give me life," seeks to build credit for rural Haitians as they take out loans to purchase small solar kits for charging their cell phones or computers. It also aims to line streets with light posts in the countryside and repair power lines in poor neighborhoods in the capital.

"If a country wants to talk about development it's imperative to talk about energy and electricity," Martelly said at a news conference at a hotel in downtown Port-au-Prince.

The need for energy in Haiti is critical to the reconstruction of Haiti as the Caribbean country struggles to recover from a massive earthquake two years ago that devastated much of the southern half and initially displaced 1.5 million people.

The 40-year-old state-run Electricity of Haiti can only power 200,000 homes, Martelly said, and only 30 percent of the population in this country of 10 million has access to a power supply. Even then, most parts of Haiti only have electricity for a few hours a day, forcing many businesses and some homes to rely on generators and expensive fuel imports.

The new program will call on smaller Haitian banks to issue $30 million in loans with an interest rate of 7 percent, payable over seven years. The credit will help families purchase solar kits that will each cost between $250 and $350.

The families in question live in two of the most remote corners of the country — the Grand-Anse, the mountainous tip of the western peninsula, and the Northwest province.

In the end, the program seeks to give a power supply to 200,000 households within two years before moving onto the rest of Haiti, Martelly said.

"We feel they have less access than the rest of the country," said Rene Jean-Jumeau, Secretary of State of Energy.

Another part of the program, budgeted for $15 million, will give the government loans so that mayors in the countryside can line 375 kilometers (233 miles) of streets with lamps. It will begin in three years.

The government project will also focus on urban areas. It will repair street lights and electric posts in 10 popular neighborhoods with $300,000 from the national treasury.

The program joins other efforts to boost energy production in Haiti.

The Inter-American Development Bank last month announced that it had approved a $20 million grant to help refurbish Haiti's Peligre hydroelectric plant, the country's largest renewable energy generation facility.

photos - family vacation - part 7

2012-01-30T17:50:00.002-05:00

This is the purple lounge. This lounge is only for children younger than 15 years of age. Even the youth have a room for themselves on the Carnival Destiny. I have never been on a cruise before, so I was in tourist mode and took lots of photos:)

There were several ships in port preparing to debark. The ship with the giant water slide is the Carnival Imagination. It is a larger ship than the Destiny.

According to American maritime regulations all cruise ships must conduct emergency escape drills for all passengers and crew before leaving the port. On our room cards we had the emergency meetup area as section E on the 4th deck. We headed down from Deck 9 (Lido) to the staging area. and stood in our assigned spots.

The life boats are a good size and have covers on them to handle possible rough seas.

The lifeboat we were in front of had the following sign: "Lifeboat 15, with a capacity of 141 passengers and 9 crew."

photos - family vacation - part 8

2012-01-30T17:48:00.001-05:00

We waited until the all clear signal which was six short and one long sound from the horn of the ship. Only people who were completely deaf would miss hearing those sounds! At the end of the drill the captain said "chow" which is Italian for bye. You can see the looks of shock on Lisa, Michelle and Tanya's face. The Italian captain on the Carnival Destiny was a good captain and we had no incidents of heading too close to land :)

Once everyone passed the emergency evacuation drill the ship started pulling away from the dock and started heading up the channel to the open sea. We waved Bon Voyage to the Carnival Imagination ship.

This ship is yet another cruise ship. I don't know the name of it.

The Miami port area is beautiful and we all enjoyed looking around as the ship headed up the channel.

Some people with a lot of money have some pretty large boats!

photos - family vacation - part 9

2012-01-30T17:45:00.001-05:00

We passed some beautiful homes.

The Miami coastline is beautiful.

Here we are approaching the end of the channel. You can see the open sea ahead.

We passed a dock where a ferry ship was loading vehicles.

It was the Fisher Island ferry barge.

photos - family vacation - part 10

2012-01-30T17:42:00.001-05:00

We passed the Coast Guard port. Here are 2 of the ships.

There was a large container yard off to the left of the channel.

and some more smaller boats of the Coast Guard.

The last big buildings marking the shoreline are getting closer and we will soon be entering onto the open sea.

Lots of people like to live along the coast.

photos - family vacation - part 11

2012-01-30T17:39:00.001-05:00

Here is a picture of myself, Tanya and Michelle. We had a great time watching the ship's progress up the channel.

Here is a large Coast Guard boat.

It was neat to see this working barge.

It looks like it may be used for dredging operations.

It had a crane and backhoe on board along with some sort of drilling machine.

photos - family vacation - part 12

2012-01-30T17:35:00.001-05:00

In the background is one full marina!

We passed this nicely landscaped public park.

This marked the end of the channel area.

We passed this beautiful stretch of white sandy beach. No wonder so many people like to live in Miami!

My mother loves going to the beach. I made sure to take lots of photos to show my family our travels. I'll post more pictures tomorrow:)

ARTICLE - DUVALIER - TRIAL FOR CORRUPTION

2012-01-30T17:14:00.002-05:00

HAITI'S DUVALIER FACES TRIAL FOR CORRUPTION, NOT ABUSES
(Reuters) - By Joseph Guyler Delva

PORT-AU-PRINCE - Former Haitian dictator Jean Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier will face trial for corruption during his 15-year rule, but not for human rights abuses, the judge handling the case said on Monday.

A 20-page ruling on the charges was delivered to the government prosecutor's office on Monday, Carves Jean, the judge responsible for investigating the case, told Reuters.

It does not include charges for the murders, disappearances, torture and other rights abuses allegedly committed during Duvalier's rule, Jean said.

"I did not find enough legal grounds to keep human rights charges and crimes against humanity against him," he said. "Now my job is over. The case is no longer in my hands."

Duvalier would face up to five years in prison if convicted on the corruption charges. No trial date has yet been set.

Duvalier inherited power from his father, Francois 'Papa Doc' Duvalier in 1971 and ruled Haiti for 15 years until his overthrow in 1986. Under the father-and-son dictatorship, thousands of people were murdered, or were tortured in jails, such as the dreaded Fort Dimanche.

Duvalier, now 60, made a surprise return to his earthquake-stricken homeland in January last year after nearly 25 years exiled in France, opening himself up to possible prosecution.

While the ruling is a setback for human rights victims and advocates, it also marks a victory for those seeking punishment for Duvalier's alleged crimes who had feared that the judge would drop all charges. It would also appear to squash any hopes of a political comeback by the former dictator - at least for the time being - as his lawyers battle with the legal challenge.

One of his lawyers said Duvalier would appeal the decision to send him to trial.

Duvalier is alleged to have embezzled between $300 million and $800 million of assets during his presidency.

The Swiss government has sought to confiscate assets valued at 5.8 million Swiss francs ($6.7 million). It wants to return the funds to Haiti, which is the poorest country in the Americas and is struggling to recover from a devastating earthquake in 2010 which killed more than 200,000 people.

VICTIMS

Government officials could not be reached to comment on the ruling, but it is likely to be challenged by Duvalier's alleged victims, of whom at least 19 have filed complaints with the government prosecutor.

Last week, President Michel Martelly was quoted as favouring a pardon for Duvalier though he later retracted his remarks.

Victims of Duvalier's armed forces and the notorious National Security Volunteer Militia, better known as the Tonton Macoutes, sought to have their claims included in the official case against Duvalier. But the government prosecutor's office did not include them in its recommendations to the judge as the alleged abuses fell outside the statute of limitations stipulated in Haiti's constitution, according to a senior judicial official.

The government prosecutor also recommended dropping the corruption charges, the official said, but the judge decided to let them stand.

"Those other human rights charges were not part of the request I sent to the investigative judge," confirmed Felix Leger, a former prosecutor who prepared the recommendation that was sent to the judge. "We also received other complaints from other people ... but those complaints arrived too late."

Reynold Georges, a lawyer for Duvalier, said the former dictator would appeal any decision to put him on trial for financial crimes, arguing that the Supreme Court has already cleared him of such charges following a previous investigation.

U.N. officials and rights groups have urged Haiti to put Duvalier and senior officials on trial for atrocities committed under his rule, saying that under international law, the statute of limitations does not apply to crimes against humanity.

"The thousands of Haitians who suffered under this regime deserve justice." U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has said.

The judge's ruling will be challenged by lawyers for the victims, said Mario Joseph, who heads the Bureau of International Lawyers in Haiti. "The judge cannot decide only on the financial crimes committed by Duvalier. He should also be tried and sentenced for rapes, torture, disappearances, assassinations and crimes against humanity his regime has been responsible for," he said.

Reed Brody, a lawyer with Human Rights Watch who has worked with the victims in the case, said that if they exhaust their appeal options in the Haitian system, they could take the Haitian state to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

The body that refers cases to the Inter-American Court, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, has already issued a statement on the Duvalier case. In a ruling in May last year, it said Haiti must "investigate the serious violations of human rights that were committed in the period from 1971 to 1986, to prosecute and punish those responsible and to make reparations to the victims."

When Duvalier returned to Haiti on January 16 last year, he was met by a crowd of cheering supporters. He was briefly detained and charged with corruption, theft and abuses of power allegedly committed during his rule and was then freed on the condition he not leave the capital without authorization.

Since then, Duvalier dines frequently in some of the city's finest restaurants, accompanied by former members of his regime. He has also made unauthorized visits outside the capital.

In January, he even managed a handshake with an unsuspecting former U.S. President Bill Clinton at an event outside the capital to mark the second anniversary of the 2010 earthquake. That earned him a rebuke from the judge who warned him not to violate his court-ordered restriction of movement, or risk being jailed.

(Writing by David Adams; Editing by Kieran Murray)

ARTICLE - HINCHE TO ST. RAPHAEL ROAD

2012-01-30T17:05:00.002-05:00

40.7 MILLION EUROS FOR 44 KM OF ROAD
(Haiti Libre) -

As part of the commitment of the European Union (EU) with the Haitian government in the area of strengthening its infrastructure, especially after January 12, 2010, the Charge d'Affaires and Head of Delegation of the European Union in Haiti Mr. Carlo De Filippi, and the Haitian Minister of Public Works, Transport, Energy and Communication (MTPTC), Jacques Rousseau, have proceeded officially today, January 25, 2012, to the joint signature of the contract of rehabilitation of the road section Hinche (Centre) - St Raphaël (North), a length of 44 km which constitutes the penultimate section of the National Highway No. 3 (RN3). The complete restoration of RN3 will link the capital Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haitien, the second largest city of the country in less than 4 hours compared to 8 hours, before the intervention of the European Union.

The financing of the rehabilitation of this new section of National Highway No. 3 (RN3) by the European Union (EU) for an amoiunt of 40.7 million euros through the European Development Fund (FED), is part of the program to support the National Transport Policy (APONTRA), which aims to improve access to the Haitian people to basic infrastructure through the establishment of efficient and sustainable road transport. The program APONTRA also aims to support the government in the establishment of a coherent national road network, articulated between the major cities through efficient management and regular maintenance. The APONTRA Convention signed between the EU and the Republic of Haiti is accompanied by an additional support from France through a contribution of about $40 million euros from the French Development Agency (AFD).

"The launch of this new major project by the European Union and the Republic of Haiti is in line with the priorities set by the 10th European Development Fund (10th FED), which made infrastructures one of the major sectors of European cooperation in Haiti. This vast project also demonstrates the continued involvement and support of the European Union in favor of the development of the country, which is largely by the strengthening of basic infrastructure" declared Mr. Carlo De Filippi, Charge d'Affaires and Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Haiti, during the official signing ceremony held today (Jan. 25) on the premises of the Haitian Ministry of Public Works , Transport, Energy and Communication (MTPTC).

After completion with funding from the European Union of the section between Port-au-Prince and Mirebalais of a length of 42 km in 2009, and the section between Hinche and Mirebalais of a length of 54 km in 2011, led to a significant revival of road transport and greater movement of goods and people. The rehabilitation of this new section of 44 km between St Raphaël and Hinche will allow to strengthen the economic growth throughout the region.

This new investment aims to continue to promote the flow of agricultural products to the markets, by increasing trade with the capital, while fostering economic development in the Central Plateau and the North, regions identified as areas with high potential for economic development.

Today, the launch of the construction of this new section between Hinche and Saint Raphaël launches the penultimate stage of the total rehabilitation of national highway number 3 between Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien, which will be completed with the rehabilitation of the section between St. Raphael and Cap-Haitien which will begin, through a new financing of the European Union in early 2013.

ARTICLE - EU $40.7 MILLION EUROS

2012-01-30T16:59:00.002-05:00

EU AND HAITI SIGN DEAL TO LENGTHEN RURAL HIGHWAY
(Tuscaloosa News) - By AP

The Haitian government and European Union have signed an agreement for building a road to connect the capital with the country's second largest city.

The European Union will spend 40.7 million euros ($52.6 million) on a project that will first pave a dirt national highway linking the central towns of Hinche and St. Raphael. It is 27 miles (44-kilometer) long.

The second phase of the project calls for the highway to be extended 20 miles (33 kilometers) from St. Raphael to Cap-Haitien, a coastal city on the northern end of Haiti.

The work is to begin in 2012. Organizers hope the paved highway will improve commerce between the north and the capital.

The agreement was signed Wednesday.

ARTICLE - AGRICULTURE - COFFEE - $3 MILLION

2012-01-30T16:47:00.002-05:00

$3 MILLION TO INCREASE AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF HAITIAN COFFEE
(Haiti Libre) -

The Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) of the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) and the French Development Agency (AFD) will contribute about $3 million for a project to increase production and improve the quality of Haitian coffee in order to increase the income of some 10,000 small farmers.

20 years ago, coffee was the main agricultural export of Haiti, representing nearly 70% of revenue from foreign sales. A combination of internal and external factors led to a sharp decline in production, compounded by a continuing lack of of investment in agriculture. As a result, coffee exports fell by 191,000 bags in 1990, and only 16,000 bags produced in 2009.

The MIF has recently approved a grant of U.S.$ 1.9 million for this project. "The Haitian coffee sector has real potential. This project is designed to meet the various barriers that limit the volume and the quality of the production. Thousands of small farmers will benefit," informed Nancy Lee, the Director General of the MIF. "We are committed to the successful implementation of this project, and with the resources we provide to our allies in this effort, we can restore Haiti as a world class producer of coffee."

AFD, with a donation of 900,000 euros "will contribute to financing this program that will directly benefit farmers' cooperatives in central and southeastern Haiti, by completing the activities supported by the MIF in other regions," declared Yves Malpelo, Director of the French agency in Port-au-Prince. "These resources will be concentrated mainly in the training to strengthen the management capabilities of our partners, and provide technical assistance and advice, on the production and processing of coffee, in order to increase the value of their grain."

The project will receive an additional contribution of the Colombian government, which will enable the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia to provide technical assistance to their Haitian counterparts. Nestlé, a world leader in food will participate in this partnership, to support the Haitian farmers in renewing their plantations.

The MIF and AFD will work with farmers in areas with high potential, for producing high quality coffee in the departments of the North, Central, Southeast and Grand Anse, which emphasizes several major problems in the coffee value chain, that requires increasing production, improve quality control, and strengthening the management of cooperatives and farmer associations.

The project will also mobilize resources from other initiatives funded by the IDB in Haiti, as a program of agricultural technology transfer, and a mitigation program of major natural hazards.

A key element of this project, will help cooperatives and farmers' associations to improve the process of the grinding of Haitian coffee to reach an acceptable quality, and to reduce the high rates of rejection. It will also strengthen the management capacity of farmers' organizations to reduce harvesting costs. Processing, transport and export costs are two times higher than the average costs of Andean cooperatives.

Finally, the project will provide resources to help cooperatives to diversify beyond the commercialization of grain. By offering for example the leasing of agricultural machinery, and the development of coffee roasting businesses, for sales in the local market.

ARTICLE - PETIT BOUCAN - $5.6 MILLION

2012-01-30T16:41:00.002-05:00

$5.6 MILLION FOR 450 HOMES IN PETIT BOUCAN
(Haiti Libre) -

A project of Development and Peace will soon give new permanent houses, to some 450 families in Petit Boucan, a mountainous and isolated area from the Gressier region, where houses had been destroyed almost entirely by the earthquake of January 12, 2010. The houses will be for people identified as the most vulnerable in the community, such as the elderly and single parents.

The project is implemented in collaboration with the Institute of Animation and Technology (ITECA), a Haitian Development and Peace partner since 1988. ITECA has mobilized the community through consultations, and ensured the participation of the population in the design of houses, which will contribute to the sustainability of the project.

The architectural firm ACDF of Quebec, is responsible for the design of the houses. They will be built according to earthquake standards, be hurricane resistant, equipped with systems to collect rain water, and latrines. The community members will receive training from the ACDF in order to participate in the construction.

The project is undertaken with the financial support from the Government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for a contribution of $4,997,436 dollars and that of Development and Peace of $1,645,500 dollars. "Working with a local organization that has earned the trust of the community, ensures that homes meet the real needs and realities of people living there. Our goal is to improve living conditions in the long run," declared Paul Cliche, Deputy Director of International Programs for Development and Peace.

The project should be completed by the end of 2012.

ARTICLE - OAS - HAITI - COOPERATION

2012-01-30T16:35:00.002-05:00

STRENGTHENING THE TIES OF COOPERATION BETWEEN HAITI AND THE OAS
(Haiti Libre) -

The Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, yesterday reported to the Permanent Council of the Organization on his recent visit to Haiti, and reaffirmed the commitment of the organization with the people and government of Haiti. In his report on OAS activities in that member country and perspectives towards the future, Ambassador Ramdin recalled that peace and stability in Haiti have been until now the priorities in cooperation with the Caribbean country and that in the future the Organization will continue to work with government authorities to pursue development and growth of the Haitian people and institutions.

The Assistant Secretary General traveled to Haiti last week to Port-au-Prince, where he met with President Michel Martelly, Prime Minister Garry Conille, representatives of MINUSTAH and other high-level authorities. "There seems to be a positive dynamic in Haiti in terms of planning towards the future," he said before the Permanent Council. "The Haitian government and willing partners are taking advantage of various investment opportunities, new initiatives are being explored, and new markets are being sought. Also, Haitian citizens are taking advantage of scholarship opportunities and training programs with renewed vigor," he added.

Nevertheless, there is still much to be done, said Ambassador Ramdin, highlighting the "real need to improve the method of coordination and execution" between donors and non-governmental organizations, since it is estimated there are between 3,000 and 10,000 organizations that conduct diverse projects in the country, of which only three hundred are officially registered. "There is no comprehensive plan between these groups."

Regarding the work of the OAS, the Assistant Secretary General asserted that the Organization "has found a real interest in the development and strengthening of Haitian institutions and their capacities." Among the ongoing projects he mentioned: the civil registry, which has provided identification cards to nearly five million Haitians; the scholarship program, which offers new opportunities for education; the youth orchestra program, which has benefitted 150 youths; and the computers for communities and schools program, which has benefitted more than 600 children in 48 schools, among others.

The Permanent Representative of Haiti to the OAS, Ambassador Duly Brutus, who assumed the chairmanship of the Permanent Council, recalled the initiatives conducted by the OAS in his country under the guidance of the Haitian government and expressed the gratefulness of his government for the work conducted by the Assistant Secretary General as Chair of the Group of Friends of Haiti.

The Deputy Ambassador of Haiti to the OAS, Bocchit Edmond, thanked Ambassador Ramdin for the visit to his country, which "fits within the framework of strengthening the ties of cooperation between Haiti and the OAS," and thanked Secretary General José Miguel Insulza for the recent appointment of Frédéric Bolduc, of Canada, as new representative of the OAS to the Caribbean country. "There is no doubt that the level and importance of cooperation between the OAS and my country represent the irrefutable testimony of the need to continue to strengthen the objectives of the Organization," he said, recalling for example that the program of civil registry modernization has benefitted more than four million adults. Finally, he reaffirmed the will of President Michel Martelly to "continue working for the strengthening of democratic institutions with the different sectors of the country," and he expressed his conviction that "the OAS will contribute as it always has with its own influence to this process."

ARTICLE - DAVOS - MARTELLY AND HARPER

2012-01-30T16:25:00.002-05:00

PRESIDENT MARTELLY MET STEPHEN HARPER IN DAVOS
(Haiti Libre) -

The Haitian President Michel Martelly, met Thursday with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper during his visit to Davos, Switzerland, where he participated in the World Economic Forum. During this meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and assistance of Canada in Haiti. Recently, Ms. Beverly J. Oda, the Canadian Minister of International Cooperation, had announced together with President Martelly, a program of $20 million for the relocation of the 5,000 Haitian families living in the area of the Champ de Mars.

President Martelly also addressed, with Prime Minister Harper, the way those funds are disbursed in Haiti, and has discussed the possibility, that the disbursement of funds is done directly through Canadian firms able to submit proposals to the Canadian government, to simplify the bureaucratic process.

Prime Minister Harper expressed his desire to return to Haiti in 2012 and invited President Martelly, to visit Canada; at a date still to be determined.

ARTICLE - FREEDOM OF PRESS PROGRESSING

2012-01-30T16:19:00.002-05:00

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IS PROGRESSING IN HAITI
(Haiti Libre) -

Reporters Without Borders (RWB) has released its world ranking of press freedom in 2011. Haiti is ranked 56th of 179 countries, two places higher than in 2010 [58th]. In its report, RSF says "In Haiti [...] the political tensions occurred on the eve of the inauguration of Michel Martelly, May 14, will fortunately not exceed the critical threshold for the security of journalists."

In this new classification, Haiti is only 5 places from that of the United States (47th) and 15 places from that of France (38th), and ahead by 43 positions of the Dominican Republic (95th). The first 2 places are Finland (1st) and Norway (second), while the latter two countries in this ranking are North Korea (178th) and Eritrea (179th).

"This shows a progression for which we can be proud of our democracy in motion," declared the Prime Minister of Haiti, Dr. Gary Conille about this classification. He noted that "As part of the efforts of my Government to encourage accountability and transparency in state affairs, I insist that I have the duty to explain my policies and decisions, and to inform the citizens of priorities established for the country. To do this, the media, whoever they are, are key partners allowing us to maintain this link between the government and the people. Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of our democratic system and I will ensure that is is guaranteed."

ARTICLE - FORST - HUMAN RIGHTS IN HAITI

2012-01-30T16:15:00.001-05:00

NEW MISSION OF MICHEL FORST ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN HAITI
(Haiti Libre) -

Michel Forst, the United Nations Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Haiti, Michel Forst, will visit Haiti from January 31 to February 8, 2012 to evaluate the human rights situation there since his last mission in September 2011, and to follow up on recommendations made in his last report to the Human Rights Council.

"I will focus on issues of human rights in the context of the humanitarian crisis, the implementation of a human rights-based approach to reconstruction, preventing impunity for serious human rights violations and the pursuit of reforms in the area of the rule of law. I also would like to propose to Haitian authorities a work plan for 2012, with activities addressing the enjoyment of economic and social rights in particular" indicated Mr. Forst at the launch of this first mission in Haiti in 2012.

During his mission, the Independent Expert will visit Port-au-Prince and Gonaives. He will meet with the new Haitian authorities, Members of Parliament, the national human rights institution, the diplomatic corps, representatives of Minustah and the UN System in Haiti, as well as members of the diplomatic corps and civil society.

ARTICLE - FOREIGN NATIONALS - 15 DAYS NOTICE

2012-01-30T16:12:00.002-05:00

NOTICE OF 15 DAYS FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS
(Haiti Libre) -

"The Ministry of Interior, Territorial Collectivities and National Defense reminds all foreign nationals staying for more than 90 days in the country or living on national soil, of the formal obligation upon them to obtained from the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration (DIE), a residence permit valid for one fiscal year from October 1 to September 30 [next year].

Fault by these foreign nationals to not comply, they will incur the measures provided for in Articles 305, 313 and 315 of the Decree - Law of December 26, 1978 concerning Foreigners.

In addition, private companies, supermarkets, beauty studios, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) etc... Will now have to ask of any foreigner, a residence permit before hiring, under pain of prosecution.

A period of 15 days is granted to them from the publication of this.

A Brigade of Control of Foreigners of the DIE will conduct surprise visits, in view to the full implementation of the Law."

Thierry MAYARD-PAUL, av.
Minister

Port-au-Prince, January 27, 2012

ARTICLE - MODERNIZING COMPANY CREATION

2012-01-30T15:59:00.002-05:00

MODERNIZATION OF THE PROCESS OF CREATION OF A LIMITED COMPANY
(Haiti Libre) -

President Michel Martelly, will announce Tuesday, January 31, an ambitious project to modernize the process of the creation of a limited company. A response to the administrative red tape that the President has found in many of his earlier interventions. "For starting a business, Haiti ranks 180th out of 183 [...]" He committed to "simplify the administrative procedures to encourage private initiative and boost investment [...] He said that it takes 280 days, and I'll see if I can reduce that period to 10 days [...]" declared the Head of State, speaking of one single window where Haitian and foreign investors will find all the necessary paperwork, instead of going to too many ministries...

The project, to be announced tomorrow, aims to make the re-engineering and computerization of steps associated with the creation of a limited company, while meeting what the current legislation prescribes. It will be implemented by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MCI), with the active support of the various actors involved directly and indirectly in the process, including lawyers, notaries, entrepreneurs, investors, public sector entities external to MCI, and the mobile operators and entities of the international community.

ARTICLE - DAVOS - MARTELLY - INVESTMENT

2012-01-30T15:42:00.002-05:00

IN DAVOS, PRESIDENT MARTELLY EXPLAINS THE POTENTIAL OF HAITI TO INVESTORS
(Haiti Libre) -

The President of Haiti, Michel Martelly, in his address to the 42nd World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, has once again encouraged foreign investors to come to Haiti. In discussions focusing on business opportunities in the country, the Head of State clearly explained to the potential investors that it is time to engage in the new Haiti, noting that the challenges can also be favorable opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and invest like never before.

President Martelly has renewed his determination to adopt significant measures to maintain a stable security environment and facilitate investment in the country. He is convinced that the potential investors will not be disappointed: "In the past, corruption drove away foreign and domestic investors. "This is changing under my administration. Corruption will not be tolerated, and furthermore we have a zero tolerance policy on corruption. I want to assure you that I will personally ensure that your investments in Haiti are and will be protected. Many large international companies that already invest in Haiti can attest [...]

In November 2011, over 1,000 entrepreneurs, including 479 international investors from 30 countries were in Haiti in search of opportunities. New investments in different areas are estimated at more than 200 million U.S. dollars. Activities related to tourism, textiles, agriculture, fisheries, livestock, construction and telecommunications have been identified as the economic sectors in which there are many opportunities for investors."

Martelly-Conille administration has identified the top five sectors of the Haitian economy with the most opportunity for foreign investment.

1. Tourism

For twenty years from 1950 to 1970, Haiti was the first tourist destination in the Caribbean. Tourism was then the source of nearly 20% of total exports and generated around 60,000 direct and indirect jobs. After 25 years of absence, in 2012, Haiti returns to the Tourism Circuit. We have signed several agreements with the World Organisation of Tourism to promote tourism. Private sector investments in the tourism and hospitality sector are in the order of over USD $450 million for 30 projects in different stages of planning.

2. Manufacturing and Textiles

The Korean clothing manufacturer Sae-A Co. Ltd is investing upwards of $60 million for textile manufacturing and will be creating 20,000 jobs starting in March. Companies can take advantage of Haiti's preferential trade promotion legislation to export product duty free to the US market.

3. Agriculture, Fisher and Livestock

Agriculture is estimated to contribute roughly 25% of the country's GDP, accounting for around 50% of overall employment, 66% of employment in rural areas, and 75% of employment in low- income households. In the past, Haiti produced more than 80% of its own food, and exported coffee, cocoa, meat and sugar. Nowadays the country is one of the most open markets in the region, relying heavily on imports. The President Martelly government has articulated its vision for the reconstruction and recovery of the sector in the National Agriculture Investment Plan, which is leading to a variety of interventions representing an USD $800 million investment once fully implemented.

4. Infrastructure and Construction

Damages and losses from the 2010 earthquake are estimated at USD$ 7.9 billion and total reconstruction costs of around $11.5 billion. This year alone we expect to spend upwards of $250m on infrastructure projects alone, which will create countless opportunities for companies. The infrastructure that needs to be rebuilt includes airports, ports, roads, water supplies, power generation...

5. Telecomunications

Principal regional telecom companies trust in our market and they have been involved for years; and most recently, another important company has entered the market, [Natcom] and made a substantial investment.

The President of the Republic, before an audience discussing the political and economic situation of the global economy at the summit of Davos, reaffirmed its commitment to bring more results to meet the needs of the Haitian people and to propel Haiti on a path of sustainable economic growth.

ARTICLE - MOISE REMOVED FROM COMM.

2012-01-30T15:38:00.002-05:00

SENATOR MOISE REMOVED FROM SENATE NATIONALITY COMMISSION
(Defend Haiti) -

PORT-AU-PRINCE – Senator Jean-Charles Moise (Nord/Inite) is not okay with being removed from the special senate commission reviewing the nationality of members of government. The senator was removed without notice by the commission’s chairman, Joseph Lambert (Sud-Est/Inite).

Senator Lambert said the grounds for the removal of the Senator from the North was because he is the main accuser.

Senator Moise says he heard of the decision on the radio, but not from his colleagues. Although Moise is not okay with being removed he accepts it based on the grounds relayed to him.

The investigation will continue and Senator Moise says he will work with the commission as it continues its investigation locally and abroad.

Also removed from the commission was Senator Simon Desras (Centre/Lavni), as he is now the President of the Senate and unable to participate.

The commission has so far confirmed that two members of the government hold other nationalities. Senator Moise insists that the President of the Republic holds U.S. and Italian citizenship.

ARTICLE - ANACACIS SUPPORTS MOISE

2012-01-30T15:30:00.002-05:00

SENATOR ANACACIS SUPPORTS SENATOR MOISE
(Defend Haiti) -

PORT-AU-PRINCE - Senator Jean-Anacacis Hector (Ouest/Inite) says that the two confirmed cases of foreign nationals found in the government concerned a man and a woman. He would not reveal their identity, but said that there were two "guinea fowl"; an animal symbolizing the Duvalier regime.

Senator Jean Hector Anacacis accredited Wednesday the charges of his colleague Jean-Charles Moses (Nord/Inite) of the multinationality of alleged members of the Executive, the Head of State included. Following the revelations of the Special Commission of Inquiry, there are at least two elements of the Martelly/Conille team who are foreign nationals.

"This is the start of evidence. The information provided by Senator Jean-Charles has begun to be confirmed," said the MP, with some asserting that the first two officials whose multinationality has been found by the investigators are respectively a man and a woman.

But Senator Anacacis refrained from revealing their identity. He just joked that there were two "guinea fowl", a "male" and a "female."

The guinea fowl was the symbol of the Duvalier’s regime. This fowl symbolized the Tontons Macoutes and the officials of the regime.

According to Senator Anacacis, one must not speak anymore of the « allegations » of Senator Moise Jean-Charles, who, he says, has given evidence of what he said.

Meanwhile, he expressed confidence in the special commission, which should provide an excellent job of verifying the nationality of the 39 members of the current administration.

Jean Hector Anacacis however, refers to the desire of some members to guide the investigation in a given direction and to seek a "way out" for the Presidency.

The former Haitian Constitution that the executive adheres to prohibits dual nationality in all cases.

ARTICLE - BAKER - ADVICE FOR MARTELLY

2012-01-30T15:26:00.002-05:00

CHARLES HENRI BAKER INVITES MARTELLY TO COOPERATE WITH SENATE COMMISSION
(Defend Haiti) -

PORT-AU-PRINCE – Former presidential candidate, Charles Henri Baker, invites the President of the Republic Michel Martelly to submit his parts to the special senate commission reviewing the nationalities of members of government.

Baker, head of the Respe Party, believes the Head of State should put the population and international partners at ease by cooperating with the senate commission.

According to Vision 2000, Charles Baker does not agree with the notion that ministers and secretaries of state are permitted to have other nationalities, referring to the Constitution of Haiti (1987-unamended).

Along with Baker, the former head of the Organization of People in the Struggle (OPL) and the head of the Christian Movement for a New Haiti, have also called for the Head of State to cooperate with the investigating senate commission.

ARTICLE - NATIONALITY - REPONS PEYIZAN

2012-01-30T14:48:00.002-05:00

HAITI-DUAL NATIONALITY: REPONS PEYIZAN SAYS IT WAS UNABLE TO VERIFY NATIONALITY OF CANDIDATE MARTELLY
(Defend Haiti) -

CAP-HAITIEN – Repons Peyizan, the political banner that President Michel Martelly ran on has distanced itself from the Head of State on Friday amid allegations that he, Martelly, would have multiple nationality.

The two ranking members of the president’s party held a press conference where they made it known to the public that they are not culpable for passing the candidate, Michel Martelly, that, if true, would have passports to other countries. The party leaders do feel that there is some responsibility because it was their name and symbol that the candidate carried.

Repons Peyizan coordinator, Fednel Monchery, says the party did not have the ability to make the assurances that their candidate was not a holder of another citizenship. Furthermore, the party desires that a technical investigation be continued on the matter, and that it doesn’t transpire into a political witch hunt.

The party leader asked that the Head of State and members of his government cooperate with the investigation, warning that any obstruction of justice will require consequences. “Now is the time that light be shed…” he said. Monchery also asked that an investigation be done throughout the government of every individual in the public administration.

In the end, there is a distaste in the administration’s former party because they were isolated from any positions in the government. The party coordinator ultimately said that Repons Peyizan does not have one position in the government.

The leader hopes that the law is respected in the case of dual nationality.

JEAN CLAUDE DUVALIER

2012-01-29T16:33:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is the day that the judge says he will make his decision on whether Jean Claude 'Baby Doc' Duvalier will be prosecuted for crimes committed while in power. This is a video from Amnesty International.

photos - family vacation - part 1

2012-01-29T15:20:00.002-05:00

I just got back from a one week cruise to the Cayman Islands and Jamaica. It was a whirlwind of a week, and I am sure glad that I went. It was a time to see how other islands in the Caribbean function and to see how Haiti could possibly one day too be a tourist destination. We stayed for a couple of days in a rented condo unit. I wasn't prepared to be staying on the 17th floor and was worried about possible earthquakes but the whole neighborhood was surrounded by high buildings :)

My mother loves to sit outside in the sun and the apartment balcony had a view of the harbor below.

Michelle's best friend Lisa came too. We all got along and had a lot of fun. Michelle and Lisa are both nurses who work in the cancer unit. Michelle recently got diagnosed with colon cancer that also had some cancer areas on her liver. She will be starting chemo treatments this coming week and last week was a time for fun and relaxation. Lisa will be giving Michelle the chemo. Pray for Michelle, that the chemo will eradicate the cancer from her body.

I wonder if Port-au-Prince will construct skyscrapers to cope with a growing population. I wonder too how many Haitians would feel comfortable living one after going through an earthquake.

It was amazing to see the many different designed buildings along the coast.

photos - family vacation - part 2

2012-01-29T15:16:00.001-05:00

From the balcony we had a great view of the drawbridge that opened for big boats to go through (usually they were sail boats with high masts)

Some of the boats we saw were huge.

Here is a nice view of the skyline in the early evening. Every building had electricity :)

It was a nice view even at night.

On the other side of the marina is Duffy's bar and grill. We went there one night for takeout food and it was delicious.

photos - family vacation - part 3

2012-01-29T15:13:00.001-05:00

On one of our walks we passed by this heron perched in a dead tree.

Alex, a Brazilian drove us from Ft. Lauderdale to the Miami port. We have Haitian tap-tap experience and we were able to squeeze in 9 passengers and the luggage. Tanya was perched on our laps and ducked when we neared police. It was a fun ride and we didn't get caught for a traffic violation!

We entered into the Carnival Destiny terminal to check in and get our cabin room key.

Looking through these windows you can see that the Destiny is a big cruise ship.

We were able to board the ship but had to wait until 1:30 before we could enter our cabins. We waited on the 9th floor, Deck 9 - the Lido deck.

photos - family vacation - part 4

2012-01-29T15:10:00.001-05:00

There were deck lounge chairs everywhere.

From the 9th deck we had a good view of the Miami port surrounding areas. This was also my first trip to Miami.

The marina was full of boats of all types and sizes.

When the ship was ready we would head up this channel to the open sea.

There was a constant flow of people entering into the boat.

photos - family vacation - part 5

2012-01-29T15:07:00.001-05:00

This is a view of the dock area. The Miami port is huge.

This is a view from the front of the Lido deck looking back. There is a large screen television, and a couple of pools. Lots of room for the around 3,000 people who are on the ship.

This is a view of the Seaboard container compound.

There was constant movement on the ship as it prepared to set sail.

At 1:30pm we were able to enter our cabins. There were 2 above beds that were brought down during the night. The room steward's job was to put the bed in place each night. It worked out well. We were on deck 2 and didn't have a window but that was no problem because the room was air conditioned. We rode in comfort!

photos - family vacation - part 6

2012-01-29T15:04:00.001-05:00

I live in a country, Haiti where there are not many fancy things around. I took a picture inside the cabin washroom. There was a mounted hair driver in place.

And in the shower a shower gel and shampoo dispenser. I thought this was kind of neat and took a photo.

After putting our suitcases away we explored the ship and it sure was fancy! This is the 5th floor where the fancy shops were. They were all duty free shops.

Here is a view of the glass elevators that traveled between the floors of the ship.

And this entrance is the Millionaires Club. There are casinos on the ship but also lounges and a theater. We needed to head through the Millionaire Club to get to the Dining Room. This is one fancy ship. More photos will be posted tomorrow and each day until my vacation photos are finished posting. I sure had fun on this trip! Stay tuned for tomorrow and more of our adventures!

ARTICLE - AMERICAN SHOT IN HAITI

2012-01-29T14:37:00.002-05:00

I was surprised to read this article today. I know Big Dave and saw him quite often at Bernard Mevs/Project Medishare Hospital. Pray for healing for Big Dave so that he can return to the work that he loves doing. I was also at the hospital when they brought in the driver for a French journalist a few weeks ago. That man died of his wounds. Pray that the police and UN form a stronger presence in the Airport Rd/La Piste/Delmas 2 areas.
Karen

AMERICAN WORKING IN HAITI CLINGS TO LIFE AFTER ROBBERY ATTEMPT
(Sacramento Bee) - By Adam H. Beasley

MIAMI - Bernard Mevs Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, couldn't survive without people like Dave Bompart, a gregarious do-gooder from Ohio known to doctors and nurses by his nickname: Big Dave.

But Big Dave is now the one in need of care after he was shot in the abdomen three days ago during a robbery attempt outside a nearby bank, where he had just withdrawn money to buy food for Haitian orphans. Bompart survived the original attack Tuesday afternoon, holding the wound together as he walked a block to Mevs, but has spent the last three days fighting off death both there and at Miami's Ryder Trauma Center.

Brazen thieves fired multiple rounds at Bompart, striking him once in the torso before fleeing without any money. Bompart, 50 of Columbus, underwent two emergency surgeries in Haiti before medics airlifted him to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

As of Friday afternoon, he remained in critical condition, without any noticeable improvement. Many of the same University of Miami doctors that had once worked alongside Bompart in creating Haiti's only trauma hospital are now trying desperately to save him.

"It's extremely painful not to be able to talk to him," said wife Nicolle, speaking to reporters Friday. "But he knows that I love him. There's nothing that's been left unsaid."

Dr. Nicholas Namias, Ryder's top trauma surgeon, wouldn't speculate on Bompart's chances of survival, saying only that the patient was on life support and was "very, very sick."

Despite Bompart's high-profile and jarring attack, robberies outside of Haitian banks have, for the most part, been rare. Compared to other countries with high crime rates, Haiti remains relatively safe.

But with the ongoing high unemployment and deteriorating social conditions, there is anecdotal evidence of crime being up. Last year, a young radio journalist was killed outside a bank in a similar ambush. A few weeks ago, the chauffeur of a French radio journalist stuck in traffic near the international airport was killed in a robbery attempt.

More so than robberies, however, fears have centered around kidnappings, where in recent months kidnappers were killing victims even after ransoms were paid.

Not surprisingly, her husband's safety has been a worry for Nicolle Bompart ever since he relocated to Haiti following the country's devastating 2010 earthquake. The couple knew the dangers involved in his charity work, but Dave always believed it was worth the risk, his wife said.

Both lost their first spouses to premature deaths, and Big Dave - a veteran of the Trinidad and Tobago military who also spent time working for the United Nations - believed it was his calling to help people who have experienced a similar tragedy. In 2009, the Bomparts established Eyes Wide Open International, a religious-based non-profit aimed at helping the poor.

And so, when the earthquake struck two years ago, he was on a plane to the impoverished nation within two weeks.

Once on the ground, Bompart hooked up with University of Miami's Project Medishare, a joint initiative with American and Haitian doctors at Bernard Mevs dedicated to providing comprehensive health and development services. He ran Medishare's logistics operation for a time, before creating an orphanage on the island. The couple also adopted a 14-year-old Haitian boy who lost his parents in the disaster.

"He's a huge person in every sense, but his heart is bigger than his body," said Dr. Barth Green, Project Medishare's co-founder.

In a bittersweet twist, Bompart was at a bank withdrawing money to feed hungry kids Tuesday when at least one assailant approached him and opened fire. A bullet struck Bompart, who Nicolle lovingly called "a bit out of shape," in the lower chest. Doctors believe his ample natural insulation might have helped save his life, as none of his vital organs was fatally injured. Squeezing together the wound, he rushed to Bernard Mevs, located just a block away.

He has been mostly sedated ever since, although Nicolle said her husband of 14 years did respond the first time they were reunited.

"We know that God loves us, we know that no matter what the results are, He's going to use it for good," she said. "Honestly, if (Dave) was able to talk, he'd tell you he'd do it all over again."

(Staff writer Jacqueline Charles contributed to this report.)

ARTICLE - FRANCE - SET UP NEW HAITI FORCE

2012-01-29T14:25:00.002-05:00

FRANCE TO HELP HAITI SET UP NEW "SECURITY FORCE"
(Defend Haiti) -

PARIS, France - French Chancellor Alain Juppe, at a meeting in France with his Haitian counterpart Laurent Lamothe confirmed that "France was ready to accompany Haiti in terms of formation of a Security Force." This would be a new military force whose mission is to combat smuggling and to secure our borders.

The Foreign Minister of France promises to help Haiti build a new « security force of defense economy-oriented ». Alain Juppe, who met on Wednesday with his counterpart Laurent Lamothe at the Quai d'Orsay, wants to stop smuggling and secure the borders of the two countries sharing the island of Haiti.

"I have confirmed that France has responded positively. We are ready to assist Haiti in terms of training for the Security Force. We have in this area a good expertise and the Minister [Lamothe] told me that this is an issue of concern, especially for Customs. This is a point on which we will support Haiti," said Alain Juppe.

The head of French diplomacy made the promise after a direct request from his Haitian counterpart. According to Laurent Lamothe, President Michel Martelly intends to adopt new strategies to combat smuggling through which the country lost more than $320 million per year. "Hence the need for a new security force at the border," he said to the attention of Alain Juppé.

The question of the formation of a new military force has always been a bone of contention between the administration of Martelly and the international community. The Washington Post had written last year that it was not a priority right now in Haiti, a country struggling against cholera and trying to rebuild.

ARTICLE - UN - ABUSE ALLEGATIONS

2012-01-29T13:55:00.002-05:00

UN: ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE BY UN POLICE IN HAITI
(CBC) - By AP

UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. is investigating two new allegations of U.N. police abuse and "sexual exploitation" of children in Haiti, spokesman Martin Nesirky said Monday.

One case involves U.N. police officers in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, Nesirky said. They have been removed from duty while under investigation, he added. The second case involves one or more members of a police unit in the northern city of Gonaives.

Nesirky did not release the nationalities of the police or provide any other details.

"The United Nations is outraged by these allegations and takes its responsibilities to deal with them extremely seriously," Nesirky said.

He said the organization's mission in Haiti alerted U.N. headquarters in New York last week about the allegations.

The new charges of abuse come just months after six Uruguayan troops with the U.N. peacekeeping force in the Caribbean country were accused of raping a young Haitian man. That case has been referred to the Uruguayan judicial system.

Nesirky said that while home countries investigate military members of peacekeeping missions, the U.N. investigates police officers.

Allegations of abuse have dogged U.N. peacekeeping missions since their inception over 50 years ago.

The issue was thrust into the spotlight after the United Nations found in early 2005 that peacekeepers in Congo had sex with Congolese women and girls, usually in exchange for food or small sums of money.

The U.N. peacekeeping department instituted a "zero tolerance" policy toward sexual abuse, a new code of conduct for its more than 110,000 peacekeepers deployed around the world, and new training for officers and all U.N. personnel.

Nonetheless, allegations of sexual abuse persist.

Among the key reasons that Ban Ki-moon won U.S. backing to become U.N. Secretary-General in January 2007 was his pledge to restore the U.N.'s reputation — battered by corruption in purchasing and sexual abuses by peacekeepers — through effective oversight.

ARTICLE - CSPJ TO BE ESTABLISHED IN FEB.

2012-01-29T13:44:00.003-05:00

EXECUTIVE GOV'T TELLS JUDGES THAT CSPJ BE ESTABLISHED IN FEBRUARY
(Haiti Libre) -

PORT-AU-PRINCE – In a meeting between Haitian judges and the Minister of Justice Michel Brunache, a work stoppage was held off by a promise from the executive to establish the Supreme Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ) by February 29, 2012.

Speaking on Vision 2000 radio on Tuesday, Judge Durin Duret, President of the National Association of Haitian Magistrates (ANAMAH) said the meeting which was scheduled for 2PM did not begin until 5PM and ended at 8PM. From that meeting, the judge says that following discussions with the justice minister, the date of February 29 was set as the date the CSPJ would be established.

Minister Michel Brunache followed Judge Duret on Vision 2000 and was asked if that date of February 29, that was given to the leaders of ANAMAH, would be respected. The minister said that he was not well versed on the agenda of the president, but believed that without an objection by the Head of State, the CSPJ would be established at the end of February.

The establishment of the CSPJ has been a matter outstanding for nearly 5 years. The effect of not having the institution and its members installed has caused a weak Judicial power in Haiti, that has been manipulated by other powers.

President Michel Martelly promised during his campaign to establish the judicial body within days of being inaugurated. He then promised to establish it within his first 100 days. When that time had passed he had promised to do this by October 2011 and later promised to establish it before the end of 2011.

At the end of 2011 Haitian judges had threatened a work stoppage if the CSPJ is not established within a month.

ARTICLE - JUSTICE - TRAINING SEMINAR

2012-01-29T13:36:00.002-05:00

45 YOUNG PEOPLE ATTEND A TRAINING ON THE FUNCTIONING OF JUSTICE
(Haiti Libre) -

The Justice Section of the Minustah (South) and the Multimedia Centre of Les Cayes, have co-organized a training seminar for 45 young members of the Organization of the South for the Defense of Human Rights (OSDDCH).

Organized around the theme, "Functioning of the criminal justice system in Haiti," this training was responding to a request from the committee of young academics gathered within the OSDDCH, for most defenders of human rights. The training was, in fact, giving to them a better understanding of the functioning of the Haitian judicial system.

During the two days, participants were able to update their knowledge on the Haitian judicial system, individual freedoms, the issuance of judicial warrants, the actors of the criminal justice system, and their respective roles. Discussions and workshops devoted to the study of practical cases followed.

After the training, participants were eligible, each, to receive a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights dated 10 December 1948, a copy of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966 and that of the Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1988, among other documents.

ARTICLE - COURT CLERKS - STRIKE

2012-01-29T13:25:00.002-05:00

THE STRIKE OF CLERKS PARALYZES A PART OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM
(Haiti Libre) -

Clerks of the country have been on strike since Wednesday, January 25, demanding from the Haitian state a salary adjustment. Deputy Jean Tholbert Alexis of the Justice Commission reminded the clerks, that if they should indeed have better salary conditions, they must have the patriotic spirit and find a common ground with the Ministry of Justice, so that these adjustments are undertaken gradually.

The Deputy stated that justice is a sensitive area, and that he is concerned about the lack of service to the public during this strike; of which he highlighted the serious consequences.... "if there is a death due to an accident, there must be a clerk, a Justice of the Peace to make the observation [...] The operation of lawyers has been paralyzed, because if for example, a lawyer must take an execution or a ruling it's the clerk who must carry them, [...] you know that some delay can be short [...] but when the delay time has been exceeded, ... that those concerned did not act within the time, then we are foreclosed and when we are foreclosed, we can not go back [in a case] [...]"

Before the paralysis of a part of the judicial system, Deputy Jean Tholbert Alexis asked the Prime Minister, Dr. Garry Conille to get involved in negotiations with the Minister of Justice to quickly unlock this serious situation.

ARTICLE - INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC MEDICINE

2012-01-29T13:20:00.002-05:00

SOON REOPENING OF THE INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC MEDICINE
(Haiti Libre) -

An important meeting was held this week at the local Ministry of Justice and Public Security around the reopening of the Institute of Forensic Medicine. Dr. Florence D. Guillaume, Minister of Public Health and Population, and Mr. Michel Pierre Brunache, the Minister of Justice and Public Security, have clearly expressed their desire to reopen the Institute of Forensic Medicine in the month of February. A working group was established to accelerate the process.

The following decisions were adopted

- The appointment of two forensic doctors;

- The repair of the building housing the IML and its opening to the Hospital of the State University of Haiti;

- The opening of the Centre of anapathologie to the Hopital La Paix on Delmas 33;

- The appointment of medical staff by the Ministry of Public Health and Population;

- Continuous staff training;

- The approval of an operating budget;

- The allocation to the Centre of material resources and specialized equipment.

By late January, training sessions will be organized by experts for Police officers and Magistrates.

ARTICLE - DORSINVIL - JUSTICE - FEB. 1ST

2012-01-29T13:13:00.002-05:00

GAILLOT DORSINVIL BEFORE THE JUSTICE ON FEBRUARY 1ST, FILES A COMPLAINT AGAINST THE PNH
(Haiti Libre) -

Mr. Jean Renel Sénatus, the Commissioner of the Government of the prosecution of Port-au-Prince has informed that several complaints had been formulated against the former President of the Provisional Electoral Council, Gaillot Dorsinvil; "we, as Government Commissioner, as the prosecuting authorities,... have seen that in the complaints there is indicated: bribery, corruption and collusion of public officials, conspiracy and crime against the Constitution [...] I have already seized the cabinet of instruction since January 13 and the cabinet of instruction with the files [...] Mr. Gaillot Dorsinvil will appear before the judge of instruction, Mr. Altidor on February 1st, 2012 [...]"

In addition, the Government Commissioner, stated that Gaillot Dorsinvil had also filed two complaints at the prosecution office against the National Police of Haiti (PNH). In a complaint, Gaillot accused the police of detaining him at home, and having seized his passport. He asks for the return of his passport, and the departure of the police outside his home. In another complaint, Gaillot accuses the PNH of having entered into his home, to rob from him the juice in his fridge...

On these complaints, the Government Commissioner declared that "I must examine if the rights of Gaillot Dorsinvil have been respected,... I will look to see if they [the PNH officers] have respected his freedom, .... in the same way, I'll see if I have the opportunity to continue..."

ARTICLE - PRISON TRIAL VERDICT = SATISFACTION

2012-01-29T13:03:00.002-05:00

SATISFACTION AFTER THE VERDICT IN THE TRIAL IN LES CAYES
(Haiti Libre) -

Following the verdict in the trial at Les Cayes the Prime Minister Garry Conille declared on behalf of the Haitian government, "My Government welcomes the dynamism of the Haitian Justice in the trial of 13 police officers in Les Cayes. This reflects the will of the Haitian State, through its justice system, to guarantee to the litigants a free and fair trial [...] The trial of the police officers in Les Cayes also reflects the Government's determination to protect and strengthen the independence of the judicial authority mandated by the Constitution of the Republic to enforce the law, without any form of political interference", adding "...the Government that I lead will continue to make every effort to preserve the independence of the judiciary and contribute to give back to the Justice its brand image in order to strengthen the confidence of our fellow citizens in the justice of our country."

For its part the U.S. Embassy in Haiti has declared "... We commend the verdict handed down yesterday in Les Cayes, which marks a significant step forward in the Haitian judicial system’s stance against impunity, and demonstrates a renewed commitment for the respect of human rights, the rule of law, and accountability"; adding, "reinforcing the rule of law and combating impunity are essential to a better future for Haiti, and the United States will continue to support Haitian efforts in these critical areas."

ARTICLE - A JUDGE IN THE DOCK

2012-01-29T12:53:00.002-05:00

A JUDGE IN THE DOCK
(New York Times) - By Dan Kaufman, Op-Ed Contributor

IN October 1998, British police officers arrested the Chilean general Augusto Pinochet while he was recuperating from back surgery at a London hospital. They were acting on an international warrant issued by the Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón, seeking General Pinochet’s extradition to stand trial in Spain on charges of torture and murder. After a 17-month legal battle, General Pinochet was released on medical grounds, but Judge Garzón’s warrant paved the way for stripping the former dictator of immunity and prosecuting him in Chile.

Since the Pinochet arrest, Judge Garzón has indicted human-rights violators around the world. His actions helped make it possible to prosecute expatriate Rwandans for their role in the 1994 genocide and Chad’s former dictator, Hissène Habré, who was indicted for crimes against humanity by a Senegalese judge.

Yet Judge Garzón is now himself under legal attack for confronting Spain’s own dark history. He is on trial this week before the Spanish Supreme Court for daring to investigate crimes committed during the Spanish Civil War and the nearly four-decade dictatorship of Gen. Francisco Franco. The case against him is fueled by domestic political vendettas rather than substantive legal arguments and it could dramatically set back international efforts to hold human-rights violators accountable for their crimes.

In October 2008, in response to a petition from victims and relatives of those killed or tortured by Franco’s forces, Judge Garzón ordered the exhumation of 19 mass graves and charged Franco and his accomplices posthumously with the murder and disappearance of more than 114,000 people.

Shortly after Judge Garzón issued his edict, Spain’s chief prosecutor, Javier Zaragoza, challenged it, partly by claiming that it violated Spain’s sweeping 1977 amnesty law. This law, which the United Nations Human Rights Committee has urged Spain to repeal, was passed after Franco’s death in 1975 with the military’s support and forbade the prosecution of any crime “of a political nature” committed during the Franco years.

An appellate court ruled against Judge Garzón in late 2008 and the case appeared to be resolved. But several months after the ruling, two tiny far-right groups sued Judge Garzón for “prevarication” — knowingly overstepping his authority — in violating the amnesty law.

As international criticism grew, and supporters staged large protests backing Judge Garzón, the Supreme Court accepted two other spurious suits brought against him, despite the state prosecutor’s opposition to pursuing them.

Although Judge Garzón’s actions have always been controversial, they have been instrumental in the global fight against impunity. His pursuit of General Pinochet relied on universal jurisdiction, a legal principle asserting that heinous crimes like torture and genocide may be prosecuted in any country, regardless of who the victims or perpetrators were. Indeed, the current case against Judge Garzón shows just how necessary universal jurisdiction is when countries are unable to confront their own pasts.

Criminally charging judges for prevarication is extremely rare in Spain, and a conviction would disbar Judge Garzón for 20 years — effectively ending his career. The Supreme Court’s zeal to try him has little legal basis; rather, it reflects Spanish elites’ widespread unease with applying international legal principles to Spain’s conflicted history and a deep-seated animosity toward Judge Garzón that is as much personal as political.

While the Supreme Court has many justices appointed by the rightist Partido Popular (founded by one of Franco’s former ministers), Judge Garzón also has made powerful enemies on the left, because in the late 1980s he investigated government-backed death squads created to battle the Basque separatist group ETA. His findings helped bring down a Socialist government in 1996.

Judge Garzón’s prosecution has already had a chilling effect on worldwide efforts to hold human-rights violators accountable, and a conviction would be interpreted as an even stronger warning sign. According to Reed Brody of Human Rights Watch, the Haitian judge Carvès Jean is following Judge Garzón’s legal travails intently as he deliberates whether to indict Jean-Claude Duvalier for crimes against humanity or to adhere to Haiti’s statute of limitations, which would place those crimes off limits.

More disturbingly, due to Judge Garzón’s legal woes, the case brought by Franco’s victims and their families is now languishing. (The only exception is in Argentina, where a prominent human-rights lawyer, using universal jurisdiction, recently filed suit charging Franco with crimes against humanity.)

In his 2005 memoir, Judge Garzón wrote, “A system built on the corpses of those who are still awaiting justice so they can rest in peace is an illegitimate system and one that is condemned to eventually suffer the same fate.”

It would send a tragic and telling message to those victims — and others like them around the world — if the one person convicted for Franco’s crimes is the judge who dared to investigate them.

ARTICLE - DUVALIER - JUDGE CARVES

2012-01-29T12:46:00.002-05:00

JUDGE CARVES EXPLAINED THE LAW TO DUVALIER
(Haiti Libre) -

Former Haitian President Jean-Claude Duvalier, who convened Friday January 20, was heard by the Judge Jean Carvès. According to his lawyer Reynold Georges, "The investigating judge Jean Carvès asked my client to remain peaceful within the limits of Petion-ville," stating that the judge is "under pressure from human rights organizations who confuse justice with revenge and hatred", adding that every time Jean Claude Duvalier moves, he attracts many people and more and more supporters,.... "it bothers some political sectors..."

After a 20 minute meeting with Jean Claude Duvalier, Judge Jean Carvès told the media "...you know that Jean-Claude Duvalier is under house arrest [...] in the order of house arrest, there are restrictions that say that movements and home visits are limited, .... when he can receive people , ..... when he can move, as well as territorial limits on his movements [...] sometimes he sends a request to warn us that he moves and to obtain an authorization [...]; but since I'm in the closing phase of the order and that I see he does make movements, ... that sometimes I have not authorized; I was obliged to convene him today [...] Today I said to him for the last time, a judge, an authority does not speak twice,.... an order is an order, .... I do not pretend to make an abuse, but when you break the law, you fall under the law [...]" adding that if necessary he would apply the law, and send him to the National Penitentiary, "until I give the closing order, that I am writing [...] He will know his fate at the end of January..." added Judge Carvès.

ARTICLE - DUVALIER CASE - OPEN LETTER

2012-01-29T12:20:00.002-05:00

OPEN LETTER AGAINST THE TRIVIALIZATION OF DUVALIER IN HAITI
(Defend Haiti) -

PORT-AU-PRINCE - A coalition of social organizations and influential persons have written an open letter to Haitian President Michel Martelly urging him to take the legacy of the Duvalier dictatorship seriously.

Port-au-Prince, January 23, 2012
Mr. Joseph Michel Martelly
President of the Republic of Haiti
National Palace

Subject: Record of the former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier

Mr. President,

We, the signatories of this open letter, estimate of the utmost importance that in the name of truth and justice the nation is informed of the action of setting in motion the prosecution against the former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier, returning, after 25 years to the devastated country, having been forced by a popular revolt to take refuge in France.

Just days after his return, several complaints were filed by victims of the dictatorial regime. The floor of the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince was quick to send them to the office of instruction, without trying, as the law requires him to conduct preliminary investigations to identify the perpetrators, co-authors and accomplices of all wrongdoing indexed. The office of instruction, except for the hearing of the plaintiffs, an investigation has not taken place.

We want to remind that it is the responsibility of the State to take all necessary steps to establish the facts relating to crimes committed under the responsibility of the former President for Life Jean-Claude Duvalier, who had proclaimed himself supreme chief, and observance of Armed Forces of Haiti the Volunteers of National Security (VSN) (aka Tonton Macoutes) who reigned supreme. To do this, it is essential to demonstrate absolute firmness, first by giving the magistrate the human and material resources to conduct a thorough investigation and then, using the expertise available to the government and the Haitian justice by authoritative bodies, including the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH).

We note that the crimes against humanity are defined both in number and nature of their systematic brutality and inhumanity of their execution. The crimes committed under Jean-Claude Duvalier respond well to this definition, according to the practice of international law, which Haiti has submitted to. Contrary to the claims of supporters of the former dictator, the systematic and serious crimes are imprescriptible and Haitian courts have jurisdiction to try them. We note with concern and indignation, that after one year, Jean-Claude Duvalier, has not been disturbed, even though he is being prosecuted by the state and there are complaints from victims. Co-authors and accomplices of these crimes are not worried. The case has not progressed satisfactorily in terms of the need for justice.

We object in the most formal manner this tendency to normalize the dictatorship, against the disregard of the legitimate claims of justice from people who have suffered and continue to suffer in silence in the face of arrogance and threats from those for whom the law is only fantasy. Who ordered to hand over Jean-Claude Duvalier assets acquired by the price of blood of Haitians and Haitian? How do I accept that he be paid a pension as if he had been a good president who served his country with honor and integrity?

Mr. President, the state authorities can not continue to play Pontius Pilate. The role of the executive and Parliament, it is precisely to ensure that adequate resources are made available to the court so that it can fulfill its fundamental mission: Let the truth be made. Reconciliation with the nation itself, as expected and desired, necessarily involves also the truth about this slice of our history which has so lasting an impact on society. We, the sons and daughters of Haiti, protest against all these affronts to those who repeatedly suffered by direct and indirectly as victims of the Duvalier regime. After the provocation of his "sponsorship to promote the School of Law and Economics of Gonaives," it is intolerable to see Jean-Claude Duvalier in Titanyen with the President of the Republic.

Mr. President, the presence of Jean- Claude Duvalier in Titanyen, may be regarded as an act of desecration and complicity. This is an unspeakable insult to the nation and an insult that we can not accept. Can we forget that, like Titanyen, Fort Dimanche is the grave of thousands of Haitians, tortured by the henchmen of the Duvalier father and son, dehumanized and whose bodies were delivered as food to the dogs?

Mr. President, during your election campaign and in the government program that you run with the Prime Minister, Mr. Garry Conille, you promised to get on with the establishment of the rule of law in our suffering country. Impunity and the rule of law can not coexist in any way. There can be no reconciliation without justice. To meet the promises made must be in accordance with our constitutional rights, engage citizens to resolutely turn their backs on old practices to favor the application of the law without bias, without exception.

Jean-Claude Duvalier must be tried for crimes against humanity that he has committed and for the embezzlement scandal and that has been recognized by a court in Switzerland. This is the message expected, an unequivocal commitment to end impunity, a sine qua non for the overhaul / national reconstruction.

Receive, Mr President, our patriotic salutations.

Signatory organizations and individuals (open list):

1. Collective against Impunity (structure involving plaintiffs-es and human rights organizations)
2. Ecumenical Centre for Human Rights (ECHR)
3. Centre Petion Bolivar
4. Centre for Research and Training for Economic and Social Development (CRESFED)
5. Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace (JILAP)
6. Support Group for Returnees and Refugees (GARR)
7. Research Group Education Alternative (GRIEAL)
8. KAYFANM
9. Haitian Women's Movement for Education and Development (MOUFHED)
lO.Plateforme of Haitian Human Rights Organizations (POHDH)
l.Réseau the national human rights (RNDDH)
12.Alix AMBROSE
l3.Jean Max CALVIN
l4. Carlo CANTAVE
l5.Bernac CELESTIN
l6.Eddy Chapoteau
17.Paul A. Corbanese
18.Dr Georges JEAN-CHARLES TWIN
19.Julien
20.Patrick LEMOINE
2l.Michèle MONTAS
22.Raoul PECK
23.Dr Eider F. THEBAUD

For authentication:
Sylvie W. BAJEUX, director of the ECHR
HOPE Pierre, executive director of RNDDH