ARTICLE - A CARNIVAL WITHOUT VIOLENCE

A CARNIVAL 2012 WITHOUT VIOLENCE, SITUATION OF THE FIRST 2 DAYS
(Haiti Libre) -

Shortly before the start of the festivities, many doubted the capacity of the city of Les Cayes to make an event of this size, and many were those who worried about the security aspect of the 2012 Carnival. So far these concerns have proved unfounded. The Carnival was held in a family atmosphere, where children and adults participated massively, safely and without major incidents.

This is primarily thanks to the people of the city of Les Cayes that we have so far a non-violent Carnival, explained in a press conference Réginald Delva, Advisor to the mixed National Committee, (public-private) and the Secretary of State for Public Security. "The credit belongs firstly to the inhabitants of Les Cayes. The population of Les Cayes wanted Carnival. It was organized, and done in a safe manner. People watched one another and the police accompanied them. [...] Once again, I think we should say thank you to the people of Les Cayes for their behavior [...]"

In a press conference Tuesday, President Martelly wished to commend the National Police for their behavior, and pay tribute to the people of Les Cayes. "...I think the police have done an amazing job. I want to congratulate the police, thank them for their behavior, and I also want to congratulate the population of Les Cayes who wanted Carnival, and went out to preserve the Carnival, and to protect it. I wanted to honor them, because through this attitude they allowed the Carnival to become the success that it is today. Thank you very much..."

Indeed, we hear comments from everywhere, and all welcome the success of the event. "I can have fun, go dancing in the crowd, without fear of victimization. That's what I like," says a partygoer. A woman in her thirties, from Port-au-Prince added: "I ​​took a walkabout for the first time in the national carnival. I am delighted."

Situation of the first 2 days (Sunday and Monday)

Florence Duperval Guillaume, the Minister of Public Health and Population took stock of the first 2 days (Sunday and Monday) "[...] The first day we treated 60 people and no deaths were related to carnival festivities [...] The second day we treated 70.

On these two days, 69 people were treated for minor injuries, and for most of the others there were interventions related to respiratory problems, due to heat and excessive alcohol consumption. One person is still under observation in a critical condition for a head injury, and we have had several cases of poisoning due to alcohol. The second day, we deplored a fatal accident. A young man (Guerrier Berno Benchiler), 29-years-old, from Port-au-Prince, was drunk, and he fell on the road and was crushed by the trailer of a generator for the group Barikad Crew. For the last day, we have strengthened our staff."

The Minister stated that the data of this balance for the first 2 days, came from the 10 ambulances from the public health ministry; 6 ambulances from OFATMA, 2ambulances from the Haitian Red Cross, and 2 ambulances of the OAVCT, at the Emergency stand of the First Lady and a mobile clinic.

The Head of State wished to pay tribute particularly to the rescue work and scouts. "I want to send a big nod to the 250 volunteer rescue workers trained within the MTK (Tet Kale Movement), and the scouts that I saw in the streets, and I wanted to take this opportunity to salute them, and tell them that it is through their efforts that what we call 'a success' what has been made ​​possible."