LAURENT LAMOTHE EXPLAINS THE ACTION PLAN OF THE GOVERNMENT
(Haiti Libre) -
Wednesday in the Council of Ministers, the Head of Government, Laurent Lamothe, after having offered his condolences and holding a minute of silence, proceeded to the reading of the Law of 15 April 2010, of the decree declaring a state of emergency in Haiti. He then presented to all the ministers the action plan of the Government.
Government Decree:
"Justification:
Considering that given the gravity of the situation resulting from the passage of Sandy on the whole national territory, it is necessary to take all necessary measures to effectively assist the affected population;
Considering to this end, it is necessary to declare a state of emergency for a period of one month according to the law of 15 April 2010; amending the Law of 9 September 2008 on the state of emergency (Chapter III and Chapter IV Article V Article XVI and VII);
On the report of the Minister of the Interior and Territorial Communities, and after deliberation by the Council of Ministers dated 30 October 2012,
Article 1. - The state of emergency was declared throughout the national territory for a period of one (1) month from the date of publication of this Order.
Article 2. - This Order will be printed, published and executed to the diligence of the Prime Minister and of all Ministers...."
Implications of the proclamation of state of emergency:
This declaration of a state of emergency, will be implemented by the Prime Minister and all the Ministers concerned.
- Authorisations or derogations provided by law for the activities required, to ensure the protection of people, property and infrastructure;
- Faster disbursement procedures for the recovery effort, and a faster response to populations in distress - disposals and reallocations (MEF);
- Facilitation of customs procedures applicable to the management of materials and humanitarian goods.
Infrastructures:
- Opening up: priority treatment of the rehabilitation of vital transport infrastructure deserving urgent intervention (bridges, coastal roads). The inventory of these facilities is in progress;
- Provide departmental directorates, the ability to act faster: investment in the acquisition of heavy equipment and decentralization;
- Gabionade, bank protection, dredging of rivers and canals;
- Rehabilitation of electrical infrastructure;
- Refurbishment and repair of water infrastructure.
Agriculture :
- Irrigation: cleaning and maintenance;
- Rivers: cleaning, containment and consolidation of banks;
- Watershed management: correction of gullies and establishment of nurseries;
- Crop production: distribution of seeds, tools, fertilizers, agricultural mechanization;
- Animal production: distribution of chickens and goats
- Animal health: vaccination and deworming;
- Rural roads: rehabilitation.
Health:
- Prevent the spread of cholera and malaria;
- Reinstallation of Cholera Treatment Units (UTC)
- Renovation of certain structures affected (including hospitals);
- Decontamination of water sources (DINEPA).
Environment:
- Actions of construction biomechanics in gullies, rehabilitation of flooded areas;
- Reshaping the rivers;
- Construction of protective structures of inhabited areas (gabionade);
- Cleaning of canals and rivers;
- Implementation of activities for watershed rehabilitation, and preparation for the next active climate season.
Support of the international community:
- A request for international assistance to respond to the emergency, will be launched by the government, mainly in the recovery of the affected areas, of which are the agricultural sector and the environmental sector;
The next meeting of the Support Group of the International Community will be held Monday, November 5, 2012.
The deputy Rodon Antoine Bien-Aimé, President of the Economic and Financial Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, has welcomed the government's decision and called for collaboration, of all citizens of the country in order to facilitate coming out of the crisis. According to the deputy, this decision will allow authorities to focus on other critical issues the country faces.
A favorable reception, not shared by some parliamentarians, like Senator Joseph François Anick; who challenges the decision of President Martelly, considering that with this decision, the government will in fact, have more means in order to squander funds from the public treasury...
Showing posts with label ARTICLE - MARTELLY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ARTICLE - MARTELLY. Show all posts
Thursday, November 1, 2012
ARTICLE - GOV'T APPEALS FOR INT'L AID
HAITI: GOVERNMENT APPEALS FOR INTERNATIONAL AID
(Defend Haiti)
PORT-AU-PRINCE - Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe on Wednesday appealed for international solidarity in order to help people affected by Hurricane Sandy, the second strong storm in Haiti in as many months, which left in its wake 54 dead, more than two dozen missing and extensive damage valued at hundreds of millions dollars.
It was at a meeting of the Council of Government that Prime Minister Lamothe had ministers present a report of damage within their sectors according to Haiti Press Network . The PM said that with the passage of Tropical Storm Isaac, the country was able to deal with the significant devistation it caused but Hurricane Sandy, which unlike Isaac, did not make a direct landfall on Haiti, was beyond government capabilities.
The number provided by the Minister of Agriculture Jacques Thomas is $104 million for losses in agriculture. Many homes were destroyed as entire neighborhoods were taken by rivers of flood waters. Compounding the troubles is a resurgence in the cholera outbreak that has been in Haiti since 2010.
The Minister of Public Works indicated that considerable damage was recorded in these two sectors with roads destroyed and damaged many bridges on roads. However, the minister ensured that interventions are underway to repair the destroyed road sections.
The Haitian government declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday, 6 days after the storm had passed. The Minister of Communications Ady Jean Gardy said that government officials "estimate that there is a humanitarian emergency that needs an exceptional response."
(Defend Haiti)
PORT-AU-PRINCE - Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe on Wednesday appealed for international solidarity in order to help people affected by Hurricane Sandy, the second strong storm in Haiti in as many months, which left in its wake 54 dead, more than two dozen missing and extensive damage valued at hundreds of millions dollars.
It was at a meeting of the Council of Government that Prime Minister Lamothe had ministers present a report of damage within their sectors according to Haiti Press Network . The PM said that with the passage of Tropical Storm Isaac, the country was able to deal with the significant devistation it caused but Hurricane Sandy, which unlike Isaac, did not make a direct landfall on Haiti, was beyond government capabilities.
The number provided by the Minister of Agriculture Jacques Thomas is $104 million for losses in agriculture. Many homes were destroyed as entire neighborhoods were taken by rivers of flood waters. Compounding the troubles is a resurgence in the cholera outbreak that has been in Haiti since 2010.
The Minister of Public Works indicated that considerable damage was recorded in these two sectors with roads destroyed and damaged many bridges on roads. However, the minister ensured that interventions are underway to repair the destroyed road sections.
The Haitian government declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday, 6 days after the storm had passed. The Minister of Communications Ady Jean Gardy said that government officials "estimate that there is a humanitarian emergency that needs an exceptional response."
Sunday, October 28, 2012
ARTICLE - EXECUTIVE MET WITH PARLIAMENT
MARTELLY AND LAMOTHE MET WITH PARLIAMENTARIANS YESTERDAY
(Haiti Libre) -
After his overflight assessment of the situation (by helicopter), the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe accompanied by President Michel Martelly, met Saturday the parliamentarians in Port-au-Prince, about the crisis that confronts Haiti after the passage of Sandy. After this meeting, the Prime Minister at a press conference explained "[...] As you know, this morning I appealed to national solidarity because it is important that the powers are harmonized, to be able to manage the current crisis we are experiencing, and that we continue to live, because we have a provisional toll of 200,000 victims affected and 44 casualties, and this is a record that will certainly increase.
We have several cities, which are cut off from the rest of the country, which are flooded, as Léogâne, Petit-Goâve and Grand-Goâve. There are many problems in Les Cayes where many gardens are lost. Côtes de Fer is under water, and we are facing a major crisis.
We made an encounter, an assessment, with parliamentarians, to see how the situation is in their community and what we can do together to move forward. The President of the Republic who also attended the meeting made various proposals, which were very well received, such as for example decentralize the National Center for Equipment (CNE), to have a presence in the various departments and respond more quickly [...]
We do not yet have specific figures on the extent of damage, but there are several millions of dollars in losses and damage, so it is important to work together as Senator Benoît said this morning, 'time is for unity, for the union to deal with problems.'
There are big decisions that will be taken, because the state can not be continually on the defensive every time it rains or there is a flood [...] we must invest in prevention, we must protect our shores. It is necessary that we work on the issue of dredging and it will take big budgets, dredging of bays. We need to do it, nothing has been done for 25 years [...]
[...] This morning, I had an aerial view of the damage and there [with parliamentarians], we have taken all the grievances of what exactly happened in each municipality. We have this document; slso, we have different ministers who have visited several municipalities to assess the situation.
I also ask to be patient, because the government can not give an answer everywhere at the same time. We will be forced to do it gradually, with the resources available to the Government.
I would also like to thank the various foreign governments who responded to the call that the Haitian Government has launched. Today we have seen that the U.S. government had an Air Force plane that made an overflight assessment, the Government of Venezuela has sent a ship with 240 tons of food [...] Monday they will also send a plane with humanitarian aid. Taiwan also responded, but we still do not know exactly what they are sending, as is the Government of Mexico, without taking into account other countries.
Yesterday morning [Friday] I had a meeting with all the NGOs to coordinate the response [...] Tomorrow [Sunday] I'll have a meeting with Mr. Nigel Fisher, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator on the response that the international community will give to Haiti.
[...] The situation is very complicated, but in the coordinated execution, we can successfully relieve populations.
Now we will go to the Council of Ministers to decide on the major decisions to manage the problem upstream and invest in prevention, to avoid being all the time on the defensive and respond to emergencies [...] we need to solve the problem once and for all [...]"
(Haiti Libre) -
After his overflight assessment of the situation (by helicopter), the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe accompanied by President Michel Martelly, met Saturday the parliamentarians in Port-au-Prince, about the crisis that confronts Haiti after the passage of Sandy. After this meeting, the Prime Minister at a press conference explained "[...] As you know, this morning I appealed to national solidarity because it is important that the powers are harmonized, to be able to manage the current crisis we are experiencing, and that we continue to live, because we have a provisional toll of 200,000 victims affected and 44 casualties, and this is a record that will certainly increase.
We have several cities, which are cut off from the rest of the country, which are flooded, as Léogâne, Petit-Goâve and Grand-Goâve. There are many problems in Les Cayes where many gardens are lost. Côtes de Fer is under water, and we are facing a major crisis.
We made an encounter, an assessment, with parliamentarians, to see how the situation is in their community and what we can do together to move forward. The President of the Republic who also attended the meeting made various proposals, which were very well received, such as for example decentralize the National Center for Equipment (CNE), to have a presence in the various departments and respond more quickly [...]
We do not yet have specific figures on the extent of damage, but there are several millions of dollars in losses and damage, so it is important to work together as Senator Benoît said this morning, 'time is for unity, for the union to deal with problems.'
There are big decisions that will be taken, because the state can not be continually on the defensive every time it rains or there is a flood [...] we must invest in prevention, we must protect our shores. It is necessary that we work on the issue of dredging and it will take big budgets, dredging of bays. We need to do it, nothing has been done for 25 years [...]
[...] This morning, I had an aerial view of the damage and there [with parliamentarians], we have taken all the grievances of what exactly happened in each municipality. We have this document; slso, we have different ministers who have visited several municipalities to assess the situation.
I also ask to be patient, because the government can not give an answer everywhere at the same time. We will be forced to do it gradually, with the resources available to the Government.
I would also like to thank the various foreign governments who responded to the call that the Haitian Government has launched. Today we have seen that the U.S. government had an Air Force plane that made an overflight assessment, the Government of Venezuela has sent a ship with 240 tons of food [...] Monday they will also send a plane with humanitarian aid. Taiwan also responded, but we still do not know exactly what they are sending, as is the Government of Mexico, without taking into account other countries.
Yesterday morning [Friday] I had a meeting with all the NGOs to coordinate the response [...] Tomorrow [Sunday] I'll have a meeting with Mr. Nigel Fisher, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator on the response that the international community will give to Haiti.
[...] The situation is very complicated, but in the coordinated execution, we can successfully relieve populations.
Now we will go to the Council of Ministers to decide on the major decisions to manage the problem upstream and invest in prevention, to avoid being all the time on the defensive and respond to emergencies [...] we need to solve the problem once and for all [...]"
ARTICLE - HELICOPTER OVERFLY OF COUNTRY
THE PRIME MINISTER FLEW OVER THE COUNTRY BY HELICOPTER
(Haiti Libre) -
Saturday, the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, joined by Senator Steven Benoît, performed an overflight of country to measure the extent of damage after the passage of Sandy.
Upon his return, the Prime Minister summarized the situation at a press conference at the airport "[...] ...we started our visit around 11:30 this morning. We made an overflight of virtually all of the South Coast. We also passed over the South East, and the Vallée of Jacmel very low, in order to see the damage. We flew over Les Cayes, Côtes-de-Fer, Cavaillons, Aquin. We also passed over Petit-Goâve, Grand-Goâve, Miragoâne [...] You know, there are 200,000 people affected who live in conditions very difficult due to flooding, and there are many gardens that are lost [...] we have a lot of work ahead of us in terms of aid, that we will be forced to bring in the coming, days, weeks and months to come. It will not be an easy thing, because there are many roads and bridges cut [...] We also noted a lot of erosion [...]
We will now sit to look at the action plan [...] as I have already said, we have in terms of emergency vouchers 120,000 people that we will help in 5 departments. Yesterday, we decided to add 130 million Gourdes to the emergency program to assist the population. Today we will try to get the number of emergency voucher recipients to 200,000.
We will need a lot of solidarity from the entire society, civil society, the international community; really all sectors, faced with the situation that we live in today [...] I also ask the patience of everyone, because the Government can not get help to everyone at the same time.
Today we have two mobile canteens; one in Léogâne, and the other will go to Petit-Goâve, which will give 10,000 hot meals to the victims. There will be also many baskets of solidarity that will be distributed in these areas. We will ensure that the emergency vouchers are operational on Sunday.
So that's why I did an overflight, to be able to see the extent of the problem [...] from tomorrow [Sunday], the emergency plan will start [...] the U.S. Government also made an overflight to see how to help [...] we must invest in the causes, in the prevention and not only in emergency [...] we've already invested 351 million Gourdes in aid, but it is not enough compared to what we have seen [...] Overall I can tell you that we will make every possible efforts, to assist affected populations [...]"
(Haiti Libre) -
Saturday, the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, joined by Senator Steven Benoît, performed an overflight of country to measure the extent of damage after the passage of Sandy.
Upon his return, the Prime Minister summarized the situation at a press conference at the airport "[...] ...we started our visit around 11:30 this morning. We made an overflight of virtually all of the South Coast. We also passed over the South East, and the Vallée of Jacmel very low, in order to see the damage. We flew over Les Cayes, Côtes-de-Fer, Cavaillons, Aquin. We also passed over Petit-Goâve, Grand-Goâve, Miragoâne [...] You know, there are 200,000 people affected who live in conditions very difficult due to flooding, and there are many gardens that are lost [...] we have a lot of work ahead of us in terms of aid, that we will be forced to bring in the coming, days, weeks and months to come. It will not be an easy thing, because there are many roads and bridges cut [...] We also noted a lot of erosion [...]
We will now sit to look at the action plan [...] as I have already said, we have in terms of emergency vouchers 120,000 people that we will help in 5 departments. Yesterday, we decided to add 130 million Gourdes to the emergency program to assist the population. Today we will try to get the number of emergency voucher recipients to 200,000.
We will need a lot of solidarity from the entire society, civil society, the international community; really all sectors, faced with the situation that we live in today [...] I also ask the patience of everyone, because the Government can not get help to everyone at the same time.
Today we have two mobile canteens; one in Léogâne, and the other will go to Petit-Goâve, which will give 10,000 hot meals to the victims. There will be also many baskets of solidarity that will be distributed in these areas. We will ensure that the emergency vouchers are operational on Sunday.
So that's why I did an overflight, to be able to see the extent of the problem [...] from tomorrow [Sunday], the emergency plan will start [...] the U.S. Government also made an overflight to see how to help [...] we must invest in the causes, in the prevention and not only in emergency [...] we've already invested 351 million Gourdes in aid, but it is not enough compared to what we have seen [...] Overall I can tell you that we will make every possible efforts, to assist affected populations [...]"
Saturday, October 27, 2012
ARTICLE - GOV'T RESPONSE TO SANDY
THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE TO SANDY
(Haiti Libre) -
Following the passage of Sandy, the Government will spend $5 million (± 221 million gourdes) for : the immediate response on the next 48 hours ; the emergency budget for the delegations from affected departments ; the support to affected populations, from Sunday (emergency vouchers, emergency basket, hot meals and displacements of camps).
The immediate response in the next 48 hours, will concern the most affected departments, by the assessment of the affected areas and the distribution of 10,000 food kits (domestic and imported), 10,000 meals, 150,000 bottles of water.
The assistance to the population for 5 departments, that will receive 100,000 of emergency vouchers (1000 Gourdes/voucher), 50,000 baskets (food and hygiene kits). For the West, rehabilitation of camps, 1,000 families relocated. For the South and the West, mobile canteens will distribute 180,000 hot meals.
Concerning the support to delegations, the budget for the West remains to be determined, 3 million Gourdes for the South, 2.5 million Gourdes for the Southeast, 2.5 million Gourdes for Nippes, 3 million Gourdes for Grande Anse.
Assistance to the population
For the Department of the West there is a budget of $2,317,000 for 95,000 beneficiary families (20,000 baskets, 50,000 vouchers, 24,000 hot meals, 1,000 evacuees).
For the Southern Department there is a budget of $1,050,000 for 69,000 beneficiary families (15,000 baskets, 30,000 vouchers, 24,000 hot meals).
For the Southeast Department there is a budget of 475,000 dollars for 20,000 beneficiary families (5,000 baskets, 15,000 vouchers).
For the department of Nippes there is a budget of $ 350,000 for 15,000 beneficiary families (5,000 baskets, 10,000 vouchers).
For the department of Grande Anse there is a budget of 475,000 dollars for 20,000 beneficiary families (5,000 baskets, 15,000 vouchers).
For a grand total of 219,000 beneficiary families, U.S. $ 5 million and 1.095 million beneficiaries.
At the level of Accommodation center of Marassa: 14,403 families were evacuated, Marassa 10: 92 families, Ghiesko Campus, 472 families.
The methodology of distribution is made on the basis of the needs expressed by the DPC on the basis of analyses of the impact in the departments, no distribution in the camps; people with disabilities will be favored (328 families in the camp in Delmas 2).
Relaunch of the local production through baskets (local products: rice, peas, corn ...) in coordination with the associations and the private sector possessing stocks of local products. This approach allows to invest to boost domestic production, especially in the Artibonite. The Government requires that all kits distributed be constituted of product "lakay".
Distributions will be made by the distribution network of the DPC and the delegations of the Ministries of Social Affairs and Labour. Supervision will be made by delegates and Vice Delegates and the DPC will ensure the coordination with the humanitarian community.
(Haiti Libre) -
Following the passage of Sandy, the Government will spend $5 million (± 221 million gourdes) for : the immediate response on the next 48 hours ; the emergency budget for the delegations from affected departments ; the support to affected populations, from Sunday (emergency vouchers, emergency basket, hot meals and displacements of camps).
The immediate response in the next 48 hours, will concern the most affected departments, by the assessment of the affected areas and the distribution of 10,000 food kits (domestic and imported), 10,000 meals, 150,000 bottles of water.
The assistance to the population for 5 departments, that will receive 100,000 of emergency vouchers (1000 Gourdes/voucher), 50,000 baskets (food and hygiene kits). For the West, rehabilitation of camps, 1,000 families relocated. For the South and the West, mobile canteens will distribute 180,000 hot meals.
Concerning the support to delegations, the budget for the West remains to be determined, 3 million Gourdes for the South, 2.5 million Gourdes for the Southeast, 2.5 million Gourdes for Nippes, 3 million Gourdes for Grande Anse.
Assistance to the population
For the Department of the West there is a budget of $2,317,000 for 95,000 beneficiary families (20,000 baskets, 50,000 vouchers, 24,000 hot meals, 1,000 evacuees).
For the Southern Department there is a budget of $1,050,000 for 69,000 beneficiary families (15,000 baskets, 30,000 vouchers, 24,000 hot meals).
For the Southeast Department there is a budget of 475,000 dollars for 20,000 beneficiary families (5,000 baskets, 15,000 vouchers).
For the department of Nippes there is a budget of $ 350,000 for 15,000 beneficiary families (5,000 baskets, 10,000 vouchers).
For the department of Grande Anse there is a budget of 475,000 dollars for 20,000 beneficiary families (5,000 baskets, 15,000 vouchers).
For a grand total of 219,000 beneficiary families, U.S. $ 5 million and 1.095 million beneficiaries.
At the level of Accommodation center of Marassa: 14,403 families were evacuated, Marassa 10: 92 families, Ghiesko Campus, 472 families.
The methodology of distribution is made on the basis of the needs expressed by the DPC on the basis of analyses of the impact in the departments, no distribution in the camps; people with disabilities will be favored (328 families in the camp in Delmas 2).
Relaunch of the local production through baskets (local products: rice, peas, corn ...) in coordination with the associations and the private sector possessing stocks of local products. This approach allows to invest to boost domestic production, especially in the Artibonite. The Government requires that all kits distributed be constituted of product "lakay".
Distributions will be made by the distribution network of the DPC and the delegations of the Ministries of Social Affairs and Labour. Supervision will be made by delegates and Vice Delegates and the DPC will ensure the coordination with the humanitarian community.
ARTICLE - LAMOTHE APPEALS FOR SOLIDARITY
LAURENT LAMOTHE APPEALS TO NATIONAL SOLIDARITY
(Haiti Libre) -
Friday, at a press conference, the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe expressed his condolences, appealed for national solidarity, announced a support from Venezuela and an addition of 130 million Gourdes to help the population "[...] I begin by presenting my condolences to the families and friends of the 29 people who lost their lives during the passage of Sandy, as well as for the 25 of Cuba, I also extend my condolences to the Cuban Government [...]
These last two days have brought much sadness and desolation throughout the country. With the passing of Sandy, there was a lot of rain, a lot of damage, several towns were flooded; houses, bridges and roads destroyed, gardens and livestock lost. We estimate at more than 200,000, the number of people affected in 5 departments, according to a preliminary assessment. Sandy has spilled more than 500 millimeters of rain on Haiti, which has caused flooding in almost the entire country [...]"
Appeal to national solidarity
"[...] I ask the Haitian people to remain mobilized, to stay alert, because the rain can still continue [...] the National Meteorological Centre, the DPC and the SPGRD, are asking all people to continueto be vigilant, to protect your life. I ask you more particularly, to pay close attention to the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and children. We appeal to national solidarity, for each other [...] we must continue to walk hand in hand to cross these difficult times. The Government will be at your side, whatever the weather [...]"
Assistance of Venezuela
After having thanked all the individuals, organizations, institutions, embassies and foreign governments who have been involved during the passage of Sandy, Laurent Lamothe announced "[...] We talked with several foreign governments, Venezuela has sent a ship containing 240 tons of food and water, which will arrive in Haiti in 3 days. In addition, Venezuela will send Monday, a plane with several tons of food and water to support the population."
351 million Gourdes
The Prime Minister has announced an increase of 130 million gourdes (± 3 million U.S. dollars) to the budgetary envelope of support to the population"[...] Given the extent of damage and with the means at our disposal, the Government has added 130 million Gourdes to the 221 million Gourdes ($ 5 million) that it has already made available to the various government agencies that provide assistance to the population; therefore the new amount is 351 million gourdes (± 8 million) [...] we will continue to mobilize ourselves in the 4 corners of the country, especially in the departments affected [...] we have heard the SOS from Tiburon to Léogâne, and the Government will take all measures to help these populations."
(Haiti Libre) -
Friday, at a press conference, the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe expressed his condolences, appealed for national solidarity, announced a support from Venezuela and an addition of 130 million Gourdes to help the population "[...] I begin by presenting my condolences to the families and friends of the 29 people who lost their lives during the passage of Sandy, as well as for the 25 of Cuba, I also extend my condolences to the Cuban Government [...]
These last two days have brought much sadness and desolation throughout the country. With the passing of Sandy, there was a lot of rain, a lot of damage, several towns were flooded; houses, bridges and roads destroyed, gardens and livestock lost. We estimate at more than 200,000, the number of people affected in 5 departments, according to a preliminary assessment. Sandy has spilled more than 500 millimeters of rain on Haiti, which has caused flooding in almost the entire country [...]"
Appeal to national solidarity
"[...] I ask the Haitian people to remain mobilized, to stay alert, because the rain can still continue [...] the National Meteorological Centre, the DPC and the SPGRD, are asking all people to continueto be vigilant, to protect your life. I ask you more particularly, to pay close attention to the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and children. We appeal to national solidarity, for each other [...] we must continue to walk hand in hand to cross these difficult times. The Government will be at your side, whatever the weather [...]"
Assistance of Venezuela
After having thanked all the individuals, organizations, institutions, embassies and foreign governments who have been involved during the passage of Sandy, Laurent Lamothe announced "[...] We talked with several foreign governments, Venezuela has sent a ship containing 240 tons of food and water, which will arrive in Haiti in 3 days. In addition, Venezuela will send Monday, a plane with several tons of food and water to support the population."
351 million Gourdes
The Prime Minister has announced an increase of 130 million gourdes (± 3 million U.S. dollars) to the budgetary envelope of support to the population"[...] Given the extent of damage and with the means at our disposal, the Government has added 130 million Gourdes to the 221 million Gourdes ($ 5 million) that it has already made available to the various government agencies that provide assistance to the population; therefore the new amount is 351 million gourdes (± 8 million) [...] we will continue to mobilize ourselves in the 4 corners of the country, especially in the departments affected [...] we have heard the SOS from Tiburon to Léogâne, and the Government will take all measures to help these populations."
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
ARTICLE - MARTELLY - TOURS SOUTH-EAST
PRESIDENT MARTELLY ON TOUR IN THE SOUTH EAST
(Haiti Libre) -
On Monday, President Michel Martelly, accompanied by former Senator Joseph Lambert and Senators Wencesclass Lambert and Edwin Zenny [Edo], was on tour in the Department of the South-East where he visited successively, the towns of Baie d'Orange, Mare Briole, Calumette, and the town of Belle-Anse, to assess for himself, the living conditions of the people, and to see the real state of road infrastructure in this department.
In the different localities where he stopped, President Martelly received a very warm welcome from the population, who came en masse to applaud him and bring him their claims, of which the principal one is the construction of the road from Peredo to Belle-Anse.
During this tour, the President of the Republic proceeded to the distribution of 10,000 food kits and, as a sign of encouragement to the livestock sector, has symbolically handed over more than a hundred young goats to various community associations in the Municipality of Belle-Anse.
In the town of Belle-Anse, isolated because of lack of roads, where he was welcomed by members of the municipal cartel, and the deputies of neighboring constituencies, the claims were more numerous; .... the construction of the road, construction of a hospital and a high school, and the modernization of the fisheries sector, the pillar of the economy for the region. These are also priorities for the Bellansois.
The Head of State, who refuses to make empty promises, has nevertheless promised to intervene with the Minister of Public Works, so that appropriate efforts be undertaken to improve the conditions of the road, waiting to find the necessary funds for the construction of this access road, which has existed for decades.
President Martelly stressed that all the beauty and the wealth of the Borough of Belle-Anse are useless, if they do not benefit the population. The development of this zone of the country must necessarily pass through its opening up and the enhancement of its agricultural resources and tourism, asking the various elected of the South East, to be united in their desire to bring real change in their department, and for the wellness of their populations.
(Haiti Libre) -
On Monday, President Michel Martelly, accompanied by former Senator Joseph Lambert and Senators Wencesclass Lambert and Edwin Zenny [Edo], was on tour in the Department of the South-East where he visited successively, the towns of Baie d'Orange, Mare Briole, Calumette, and the town of Belle-Anse, to assess for himself, the living conditions of the people, and to see the real state of road infrastructure in this department.
In the different localities where he stopped, President Martelly received a very warm welcome from the population, who came en masse to applaud him and bring him their claims, of which the principal one is the construction of the road from Peredo to Belle-Anse.
During this tour, the President of the Republic proceeded to the distribution of 10,000 food kits and, as a sign of encouragement to the livestock sector, has symbolically handed over more than a hundred young goats to various community associations in the Municipality of Belle-Anse.
In the town of Belle-Anse, isolated because of lack of roads, where he was welcomed by members of the municipal cartel, and the deputies of neighboring constituencies, the claims were more numerous; .... the construction of the road, construction of a hospital and a high school, and the modernization of the fisheries sector, the pillar of the economy for the region. These are also priorities for the Bellansois.
The Head of State, who refuses to make empty promises, has nevertheless promised to intervene with the Minister of Public Works, so that appropriate efforts be undertaken to improve the conditions of the road, waiting to find the necessary funds for the construction of this access road, which has existed for decades.
President Martelly stressed that all the beauty and the wealth of the Borough of Belle-Anse are useless, if they do not benefit the population. The development of this zone of the country must necessarily pass through its opening up and the enhancement of its agricultural resources and tourism, asking the various elected of the South East, to be united in their desire to bring real change in their department, and for the wellness of their populations.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
ARTICLE - TAXPAYER SCREENING PROGRAM
NATIONAL SCREENING PROGRAM OF NEW TAXPAYERS
(Haiti Libre) -
Jean Baptiste Clark Neptune, Director General of Taxes (DGI) with the Secretary of State for Tax Reform, headed by Ronald December, Secretary of State for Tax Reform, met yesterday Monday, with all directors of the DGI of the entire country, in order to discuss the strengthening of the campaign against tax evasion and smuggling.
Ronald Décembre declared, "[...] All regional directorates are here, so that we can give them guidance, because they are the point of operations [...] to give them support, so that operations continue smoothly with all the interactions that must exist between all institutions [...]
We took the opportunity to discuss a set of problems at the level of the DGI, for example the problem of license plates. We know there are a number of vehicles circulating among others, with Dominican plates... We instructed the departmental Director of the DGI, so that they arrange with the police, to avoid that there are vehicles traveling with plates that are not national plates.
[...] The other problem we have posed, is related to interconnection, that must exist of the computer system. To obtain a performance of tax administration, it can not be obtained without interconnection links between computer systems that process data. We looked at the problems in each Departmental Directorate and provided solutions for the situation to be regularized. Because a taxpayer has the right to go to another Departmental Directorate, if his information is not stored in the system, it becomes difficult for the Director of the DGI, to take measures for, perhaps recovery of the declaration made by these taxpayers.
We also posed the problem of screening, which must be done in the short and medium term so that we can broaden the tax base. Currently, there are a number of taxpayers who are not registered; some have good incomes and do not contribute to the tax system. On this point, the DGI has already set up brigades to identify all niches, all these sources of taxes, sleeping and so far untaxed..."
In his speech, Jean Baptiste Clark Neptune explained "[...] While we do that, we will also set up structures so that the taxpayer be able to fulfill his tax duty, without having to walk for two days to an administration, without being able to obtain a license plate... All that goes into a proximity policy that we want to lead with taxpayers [...] in the coming years, the DGI has two major problems to solve. Firstly, create a real central government, and secondly, be an administration that is close to the taxpayer. Within a week or two we will have a national screening program of new taxpayers that will start and will run throughout. This program is a true census of the tax base, which will be made from new technologies..."
Regarding the racketeer problem [illegal facilitators], Ronald Décembre has informed "[...] There's a bunch of people who gather outside the DGI, and who are not employees [...] the problem has been presented with the Director, and we will give a response to this situation [.. .] in the short term the Director will take steps to ensure that all those people in front of the administration leave, so that the taxpayer feels safe, because a taxpayer is not an enemy of the administration, a taxpayer must be a person who who is there to work with the administration and, the tax administration should be a facilitator for him, and not an obstacle for him... We will decongest all the tax and customs administrations of all these people who are encrusted..."
(Haiti Libre) -
Jean Baptiste Clark Neptune, Director General of Taxes (DGI) with the Secretary of State for Tax Reform, headed by Ronald December, Secretary of State for Tax Reform, met yesterday Monday, with all directors of the DGI of the entire country, in order to discuss the strengthening of the campaign against tax evasion and smuggling.
Ronald Décembre declared, "[...] All regional directorates are here, so that we can give them guidance, because they are the point of operations [...] to give them support, so that operations continue smoothly with all the interactions that must exist between all institutions [...]
We took the opportunity to discuss a set of problems at the level of the DGI, for example the problem of license plates. We know there are a number of vehicles circulating among others, with Dominican plates... We instructed the departmental Director of the DGI, so that they arrange with the police, to avoid that there are vehicles traveling with plates that are not national plates.
[...] The other problem we have posed, is related to interconnection, that must exist of the computer system. To obtain a performance of tax administration, it can not be obtained without interconnection links between computer systems that process data. We looked at the problems in each Departmental Directorate and provided solutions for the situation to be regularized. Because a taxpayer has the right to go to another Departmental Directorate, if his information is not stored in the system, it becomes difficult for the Director of the DGI, to take measures for, perhaps recovery of the declaration made by these taxpayers.
We also posed the problem of screening, which must be done in the short and medium term so that we can broaden the tax base. Currently, there are a number of taxpayers who are not registered; some have good incomes and do not contribute to the tax system. On this point, the DGI has already set up brigades to identify all niches, all these sources of taxes, sleeping and so far untaxed..."
In his speech, Jean Baptiste Clark Neptune explained "[...] While we do that, we will also set up structures so that the taxpayer be able to fulfill his tax duty, without having to walk for two days to an administration, without being able to obtain a license plate... All that goes into a proximity policy that we want to lead with taxpayers [...] in the coming years, the DGI has two major problems to solve. Firstly, create a real central government, and secondly, be an administration that is close to the taxpayer. Within a week or two we will have a national screening program of new taxpayers that will start and will run throughout. This program is a true census of the tax base, which will be made from new technologies..."
Regarding the racketeer problem [illegal facilitators], Ronald Décembre has informed "[...] There's a bunch of people who gather outside the DGI, and who are not employees [...] the problem has been presented with the Director, and we will give a response to this situation [.. .] in the short term the Director will take steps to ensure that all those people in front of the administration leave, so that the taxpayer feels safe, because a taxpayer is not an enemy of the administration, a taxpayer must be a person who who is there to work with the administration and, the tax administration should be a facilitator for him, and not an obstacle for him... We will decongest all the tax and customs administrations of all these people who are encrusted..."
ARTICLE - END OF CONTRACT CONTROVERSY
END OF THE CONTRACT CONTROVERSY
(Haiti Libre) -
Yesterday, Monday, July 2, under the leadership of President Michel Martelly, a special Council of Ministers was held, during which the government team, led by Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe reviewed the issue of contracts signed in 2010 by the former Préval-Bellerive government. In this regard, decisions have been adopted.
The Prime Minister stated that the Audit Commission, formed by the former Conille government, recommended to unilaterally cancel contracts for which no disbursement was made. He also stressed that according to the Superior Court of Auditors and Administrative Disputes (CSC/CA), in its final legal advice on the audit report, transmitted to the Government, that the contracts were awarded legally and in accordance with the Emergency Law. The Superior Court of Auditors said, however, to have no objection so that the recommendations of the Audit Commission are implemented.
In this sense, the Prime Minister has clearly shown his determination to put an end to this controversy, by proposing to the Council of Ministers to implement the recommendations produced by the Audit Commission, and has instructed the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation to make the follow up with the exception of two cases:
1 - The Bowenfield contract, for which a large amount was disbursed and reassigned to rehabilitation of the premises of the Villa d'Accueil, to the construction of the Ministry of Interior and Local Authorities, and to the construction of departmental sports fields.
2 - The contract for the construction of the Parliament buildings.
(Haiti Libre) -
Yesterday, Monday, July 2, under the leadership of President Michel Martelly, a special Council of Ministers was held, during which the government team, led by Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe reviewed the issue of contracts signed in 2010 by the former Préval-Bellerive government. In this regard, decisions have been adopted.
The Prime Minister stated that the Audit Commission, formed by the former Conille government, recommended to unilaterally cancel contracts for which no disbursement was made. He also stressed that according to the Superior Court of Auditors and Administrative Disputes (CSC/CA), in its final legal advice on the audit report, transmitted to the Government, that the contracts were awarded legally and in accordance with the Emergency Law. The Superior Court of Auditors said, however, to have no objection so that the recommendations of the Audit Commission are implemented.
In this sense, the Prime Minister has clearly shown his determination to put an end to this controversy, by proposing to the Council of Ministers to implement the recommendations produced by the Audit Commission, and has instructed the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation to make the follow up with the exception of two cases:
1 - The Bowenfield contract, for which a large amount was disbursed and reassigned to rehabilitation of the premises of the Villa d'Accueil, to the construction of the Ministry of Interior and Local Authorities, and to the construction of departmental sports fields.
2 - The contract for the construction of the Parliament buildings.
ARTICLE - OMRH COORDINATOR
INSTALLATION OF THE NEW GENERAL COORDINATOR OF THE OMRH
(Haiti Libre) -
Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe proceeded on Monday, at the Primature, the installation of Mr. Uder Antoine, to the position of General Coordinator of the Office of Human Resource Management (OMRH) within the Office of the Primature, a structure responsible for steering the various reforms within the public administration. Mr. Antoine, has worked inter alia within the the Commission of Inquiry responsible for the audit of contracts signed during the emergency period as a Senior Auditor. In November 2011 he was appointed Secretary General of the Primature.
In his speech, the Prime Minister reminded Mr. Uder Antoine "[...] The state reforms, specifically the reform of public administration [...] are much more than public policy choices; the state reform is imperative. It is imperative for the Martelly-Lamothe Government, that these reforms start quickly and efficiently, so that projects can start, so that our human resources can be prepared, well trained and understand the issues of the challenges [...]
In this vein, the OMRH, in which we install today a new General Coordinator, is a hub, a strategic body, which is responsible for leading the activation of this reform.
Mr. Uder Antoine, the OMRH of which you take leadership today, has to ensure system performance of the public service, by putting in place mechanisms and administrative procedures to enable it to evaluate the performance of public service executives.
Mr. Uder Antoine, I believe in a modern government, more efficient to the service of citizens, and results-oriented, respecting the principles of good governance; an administration where we find the right person at the right place, where employees have a salary allowing them to be motivated.
I believe that state reform is possible, and ask the effective involvement of the three branches of government. I urge all ministers, all Secretaries of State, Directors General of all organizations technically decentralized, and those of the autonomous bodies, to participate actively in this process of change for Haiti.
Mr. Coordinator General, your task is enormous and, by helping to change the operating mode of public administration you will contribute to help your country, your fatherland to rise to the ranks of modern nations, capable of dealing with the challenges of globalization. I only wish you success. Your success will be the success of the entire government, and all the Haitian people..."
In his speech, Mr. Uder Antoine in his preamble stated that the Office of Human Resources Management [established by decree on May 17, 2005], is one of four strategic coordination bodies which were created in order to ensure the control and coordination of all actions that will be undertaken in connection with the reform of the state. "[...] This Office is responsible on the one hand, to advise the Prime Minister in the development and implementation of policy and on the other hand, to ensure the enforcement of laws and regulations relating to the career of Public Service agents, by supporting ministries and administrative agencies in the implementation of proposals for institutional, organizational and managerial reform.
If the Supreme Council of the Administration and of Public Service is responsible for the strategic management of the modernization of public, the OMRH is the body responsible for the operational steering activities of the reform. To this end, the OMRH will provide the technical support necessary to improve management at all levels of government, and will constitute the main hinge that can propose to the Prime Minister, government policies aimed at improving the organization and functioning of the Administration and of the Public Service.
Mr. Prime Minister, I must admit that this function carries with it heavy responsibilities, and I am aware that I can not succeed without your full support, and most importantly that of Government Ministers, State Secretaries and Directors General to name a few.
I am aware that a reform is never universally accepted, and consequently it is necessary initially to adopt a participatory approach, and to involve all stakeholders in a moment of time [...]"
(Haiti Libre) -
Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe proceeded on Monday, at the Primature, the installation of Mr. Uder Antoine, to the position of General Coordinator of the Office of Human Resource Management (OMRH) within the Office of the Primature, a structure responsible for steering the various reforms within the public administration. Mr. Antoine, has worked inter alia within the the Commission of Inquiry responsible for the audit of contracts signed during the emergency period as a Senior Auditor. In November 2011 he was appointed Secretary General of the Primature.
In his speech, the Prime Minister reminded Mr. Uder Antoine "[...] The state reforms, specifically the reform of public administration [...] are much more than public policy choices; the state reform is imperative. It is imperative for the Martelly-Lamothe Government, that these reforms start quickly and efficiently, so that projects can start, so that our human resources can be prepared, well trained and understand the issues of the challenges [...]
In this vein, the OMRH, in which we install today a new General Coordinator, is a hub, a strategic body, which is responsible for leading the activation of this reform.
Mr. Uder Antoine, the OMRH of which you take leadership today, has to ensure system performance of the public service, by putting in place mechanisms and administrative procedures to enable it to evaluate the performance of public service executives.
Mr. Uder Antoine, I believe in a modern government, more efficient to the service of citizens, and results-oriented, respecting the principles of good governance; an administration where we find the right person at the right place, where employees have a salary allowing them to be motivated.
I believe that state reform is possible, and ask the effective involvement of the three branches of government. I urge all ministers, all Secretaries of State, Directors General of all organizations technically decentralized, and those of the autonomous bodies, to participate actively in this process of change for Haiti.
Mr. Coordinator General, your task is enormous and, by helping to change the operating mode of public administration you will contribute to help your country, your fatherland to rise to the ranks of modern nations, capable of dealing with the challenges of globalization. I only wish you success. Your success will be the success of the entire government, and all the Haitian people..."
In his speech, Mr. Uder Antoine in his preamble stated that the Office of Human Resources Management [established by decree on May 17, 2005], is one of four strategic coordination bodies which were created in order to ensure the control and coordination of all actions that will be undertaken in connection with the reform of the state. "[...] This Office is responsible on the one hand, to advise the Prime Minister in the development and implementation of policy and on the other hand, to ensure the enforcement of laws and regulations relating to the career of Public Service agents, by supporting ministries and administrative agencies in the implementation of proposals for institutional, organizational and managerial reform.
If the Supreme Council of the Administration and of Public Service is responsible for the strategic management of the modernization of public, the OMRH is the body responsible for the operational steering activities of the reform. To this end, the OMRH will provide the technical support necessary to improve management at all levels of government, and will constitute the main hinge that can propose to the Prime Minister, government policies aimed at improving the organization and functioning of the Administration and of the Public Service.
Mr. Prime Minister, I must admit that this function carries with it heavy responsibilities, and I am aware that I can not succeed without your full support, and most importantly that of Government Ministers, State Secretaries and Directors General to name a few.
I am aware that a reform is never universally accepted, and consequently it is necessary initially to adopt a participatory approach, and to involve all stakeholders in a moment of time [...]"
Saturday, June 30, 2012
ARTICLE - AN "AWAKENING CITIZEN"
PRIME MINISTER WANTS AN "AWAKENING CITIZEN"
(Haiti Libre) -
The Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, met Thursday, June 28, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Economic Forum of the Private Sector of Affairs, around measures to be adopted in order to fighting against corruption, fraud and smuggling at the Haitian-Dominican border and to increase government revenue.
Other issues constituting a block to the smooth running of the Haitian economy were discussed. The Head of Government hopes for, in this perspective, an awakening citizen whose objective would be to accompany the State to address its primary mission: ensuring an efficient public service to the population. For this purpose, the involvement of the international community and of the Haitian private sector is crucial to carry out the struggle initiated by the Martelly-Lamothe government.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister convened, businessmen and businesswomen attending the meeting, to get more organized, in order to provide a joint and ordered response, against smuggling and tax fraud. This public-private partnership reflects a new era in the policy of change advocated by President Michel Martelly.
In conclusion, Laurent Lamothe said he will continue to raise awareness of the public national and international opinion on the necessity to support the efforts of the new implemented policies.
(Haiti Libre) -
The Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, met Thursday, June 28, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Economic Forum of the Private Sector of Affairs, around measures to be adopted in order to fighting against corruption, fraud and smuggling at the Haitian-Dominican border and to increase government revenue.
Other issues constituting a block to the smooth running of the Haitian economy were discussed. The Head of Government hopes for, in this perspective, an awakening citizen whose objective would be to accompany the State to address its primary mission: ensuring an efficient public service to the population. For this purpose, the involvement of the international community and of the Haitian private sector is crucial to carry out the struggle initiated by the Martelly-Lamothe government.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister convened, businessmen and businesswomen attending the meeting, to get more organized, in order to provide a joint and ordered response, against smuggling and tax fraud. This public-private partnership reflects a new era in the policy of change advocated by President Michel Martelly.
In conclusion, Laurent Lamothe said he will continue to raise awareness of the public national and international opinion on the necessity to support the efforts of the new implemented policies.
Friday, June 29, 2012
ARTICLE - MARTELLY - I WAS NOT AWARE
HAITI PRESIDENT MARTELLY: "...MAYBE, I WAS NOT AWARE."
(Defend Haiti) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE – President Michel Martelly was on full damage control Thursday, distancing himself from plans to demolish 450 homes of a hillside slum in the capital. In an interview, the president said he may not have been aware of the decision, saying his government is there to build homes for people not destroy them.
President Martelly said he learned of Monday’s street protests while out of the country in Brazil for the Rio+20 Sustainable Development Conference. At this time, the Head of State says he suggested that the approach should be reviewed.
On Scoop FM Radio, (via Le Nouvelliste) Martelly said of the decision to demolish the homes:
”If the decision is correct, we cannot retreat. We have an Environment Minister who made the decision; maybe I was not aware. Maybe I should not have used the technique employed. We are a government that is here to build more houses for people.”
”The idea should not have been to mark houses for demolition. I think we should have first prohibited the uncontrolled construction.”
Indeed, Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe said the area was restricted from construction. Lamothe said owners of the hundreds of homes on the hillside did not have proper documentation to build. But the homes were not built overnight. These shanties have been a part of Haiti’s landscape for nearly two decades.
President Martelly provided an approach he would have preferred. It is an approach that involves giving other homes to the hillside residents and giving them jobs, perhaps meaning in the Northern Industrial Park, 80 miles north in Caracol, expected to be open in November 2012.
”This is a state decision. Once these buildings are prohibited, there should have been a team that oversees that there are no homes under construction in the area. After, they should meet with the owners of the 100 homes involved – I was told about 100 homes – to tell them, first, we’ll give you another house.”
”Secondly, we will give you a job. If the husband is already working, it will be given to his wife, because there will be an industrial park where they will be relocated to.”
”Thirdly, accompaniments for children, playground, free schools…”
The Head of State said he has spoken with the Minister of the Environment on changing the approach:
”I told him to review the approach. However, we must work on the hill.”
”If necessary, I will enter into the dynamics of talking to people to raise awareness and reassure them. A government that came to construct can not demolish houses. The approach was perhaps bad."
"We cannot demolish the houses and put people on the street. We should never do that. President Martelly can talk to them, and it could happen any other way… "
On Monday, protests in the streets of upper Port-au-Prince were hostile to the Head of State. The crowds marched and chanted threats to burn down the home of President Martelly. Despite the pressure, Martelly is steadfast that work must be done on the hillside, and people must be moved who are in danger of flooding and mudslides, as well as residents at the bottom of the hill in the city.
The hillside residents were given 15 days to relocate, as their homes will be demolished. The space will be used to construct drainage channels aimed at curbing flooding in the city.
The residents were offered 25,000 HTG ($600 [US]) to be moved and another 100,000 HTG ($2,400 [US]) for the construction of new homes. Residents are requiring ten times that amount to relocate.
(Defend Haiti) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE – President Michel Martelly was on full damage control Thursday, distancing himself from plans to demolish 450 homes of a hillside slum in the capital. In an interview, the president said he may not have been aware of the decision, saying his government is there to build homes for people not destroy them.
President Martelly said he learned of Monday’s street protests while out of the country in Brazil for the Rio+20 Sustainable Development Conference. At this time, the Head of State says he suggested that the approach should be reviewed.
On Scoop FM Radio, (via Le Nouvelliste) Martelly said of the decision to demolish the homes:
”If the decision is correct, we cannot retreat. We have an Environment Minister who made the decision; maybe I was not aware. Maybe I should not have used the technique employed. We are a government that is here to build more houses for people.”
”The idea should not have been to mark houses for demolition. I think we should have first prohibited the uncontrolled construction.”
Indeed, Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe said the area was restricted from construction. Lamothe said owners of the hundreds of homes on the hillside did not have proper documentation to build. But the homes were not built overnight. These shanties have been a part of Haiti’s landscape for nearly two decades.
President Martelly provided an approach he would have preferred. It is an approach that involves giving other homes to the hillside residents and giving them jobs, perhaps meaning in the Northern Industrial Park, 80 miles north in Caracol, expected to be open in November 2012.
”This is a state decision. Once these buildings are prohibited, there should have been a team that oversees that there are no homes under construction in the area. After, they should meet with the owners of the 100 homes involved – I was told about 100 homes – to tell them, first, we’ll give you another house.”
”Secondly, we will give you a job. If the husband is already working, it will be given to his wife, because there will be an industrial park where they will be relocated to.”
”Thirdly, accompaniments for children, playground, free schools…”
The Head of State said he has spoken with the Minister of the Environment on changing the approach:
”I told him to review the approach. However, we must work on the hill.”
”If necessary, I will enter into the dynamics of talking to people to raise awareness and reassure them. A government that came to construct can not demolish houses. The approach was perhaps bad."
"We cannot demolish the houses and put people on the street. We should never do that. President Martelly can talk to them, and it could happen any other way… "
On Monday, protests in the streets of upper Port-au-Prince were hostile to the Head of State. The crowds marched and chanted threats to burn down the home of President Martelly. Despite the pressure, Martelly is steadfast that work must be done on the hillside, and people must be moved who are in danger of flooding and mudslides, as well as residents at the bottom of the hill in the city.
The hillside residents were given 15 days to relocate, as their homes will be demolished. The space will be used to construct drainage channels aimed at curbing flooding in the city.
The residents were offered 25,000 HTG ($600 [US]) to be moved and another 100,000 HTG ($2,400 [US]) for the construction of new homes. Residents are requiring ten times that amount to relocate.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
ARTICLE - HAITI - 7TH PLACE - FAILED STATE
FACTORS ATTRIBUTING TO HAITI'S 7TH PLACE RANK AS A "FAILED STATE"
(Defend Haiti) -
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Haiti ranked 7th in the world on the “2012 Failed State Index” published by the Washington, D.C.- based Foreign Policy magazine on Monday. It was the only country in the Western Hemisphere to make, at least, the top 60, based on factors such as human flight, economic decline and external intervention.
In a photo essay, Foreign Policy reflected on President Michel Martelly’s 2011 succession into power but took notice of the problems encountered after one year in office.
…his [Martelly’s] time in power has been marred by corruption scandals and plagued by political infighting and suggestions from critics that Martelly, better known as "Sweet Micky," plans on setting himself up as a dictator. There could be some hope for future development: As foreign aid continues to dwindle, the country is attempting to rebrand itself as a tourist destination. Still, social, economic, and political unrest, paired with the the country's enduring image as a disaster zone, have so far stymied the return of vacationers.
Factors
The Foreign Policy Index bases its findings on a dozen factors. Those most damaging to Haiti were, demographic pressures, human flight, economic decline, public services – or lack thereof –, and external intervention.
Historical Rankings
FACTOR RANK
Demographic Pressures......................4th
Human Flight.................................... 2nd
Deligitimization of the State............... 14th
Security Apparatus............................ 24th
Refugees/IDPs................................... 22nd
Uneven Development.............................. 11th
Public Services................................. 4th
Factionalized Elites............................ 21st
Group Grievance................................. 38th
Economic Decline................................ 2nd
Human Rights.................................... 35th
External Intervention........................... 4th
In 2011, the Preval administration had just ended after a hot and prolonged election and President Martelly was only one month in office. The cholera epidemic was in its 9 month and was surging following the April rainy season. Haiti was ranked 5th on this index
In 2010, Haiti was ranked 11th, even after succumbing to an earthquake about 6 months prior. This was during the administration of Rene Preval.
In 2009, Haiti was ranked 12th, in the world.
(Defend Haiti) -
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Haiti ranked 7th in the world on the “2012 Failed State Index” published by the Washington, D.C.- based Foreign Policy magazine on Monday. It was the only country in the Western Hemisphere to make, at least, the top 60, based on factors such as human flight, economic decline and external intervention.
In a photo essay, Foreign Policy reflected on President Michel Martelly’s 2011 succession into power but took notice of the problems encountered after one year in office.
…his [Martelly’s] time in power has been marred by corruption scandals and plagued by political infighting and suggestions from critics that Martelly, better known as "Sweet Micky," plans on setting himself up as a dictator. There could be some hope for future development: As foreign aid continues to dwindle, the country is attempting to rebrand itself as a tourist destination. Still, social, economic, and political unrest, paired with the the country's enduring image as a disaster zone, have so far stymied the return of vacationers.
Factors
The Foreign Policy Index bases its findings on a dozen factors. Those most damaging to Haiti were, demographic pressures, human flight, economic decline, public services – or lack thereof –, and external intervention.
Historical Rankings
FACTOR RANK
Demographic Pressures......................4th
Human Flight.................................... 2nd
Deligitimization of the State............... 14th
Security Apparatus............................ 24th
Refugees/IDPs................................... 22nd
Uneven Development.............................. 11th
Public Services................................. 4th
Factionalized Elites............................ 21st
Group Grievance................................. 38th
Economic Decline................................ 2nd
Human Rights.................................... 35th
External Intervention........................... 4th
In 2011, the Preval administration had just ended after a hot and prolonged election and President Martelly was only one month in office. The cholera epidemic was in its 9 month and was surging following the April rainy season. Haiti was ranked 5th on this index
In 2010, Haiti was ranked 11th, even after succumbing to an earthquake about 6 months prior. This was during the administration of Rene Preval.
In 2009, Haiti was ranked 12th, in the world.
ARTICLE - MARTELLY VISITS BEAUMONT
HAITI'S MARTELLY VISITS TOWN OF BEAUMONT, EYES FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
(Caribbean Journal)
Haiti President Michel Martelly visited the town of Beaumont to examine living conditions in the area and its possibilities for future development.
Beaumont is in Corail Arrondissement of Haiti’s Grand’Anse department, deep in Haiti’s southern mountains.
The President has spent much of his time in office pushing a plan to “decentralize” Haiti, an initiative that focuses on developing the country’s more rural areas.
“I must bring development to Beaumont,” Martelly said, pointing to agricultural potential in the area including the production of yams, bananas and cassava. “And Grand Anse must expect that from me.”
Martelly also took the opportunity Tuesday to visit members of the Men Kontre charity, which has been in the area since 2000.
The programme, which is directed by Anke Brugmann, includes a centre for counseling and child support.
The President also met with officials of a Brazilian construction firm OAS, which is currently working on the Les Cayes-Jeremie road project, which passes through the area.
(Caribbean Journal)
Haiti President Michel Martelly visited the town of Beaumont to examine living conditions in the area and its possibilities for future development.
Beaumont is in Corail Arrondissement of Haiti’s Grand’Anse department, deep in Haiti’s southern mountains.
The President has spent much of his time in office pushing a plan to “decentralize” Haiti, an initiative that focuses on developing the country’s more rural areas.
“I must bring development to Beaumont,” Martelly said, pointing to agricultural potential in the area including the production of yams, bananas and cassava. “And Grand Anse must expect that from me.”
Martelly also took the opportunity Tuesday to visit members of the Men Kontre charity, which has been in the area since 2000.
The programme, which is directed by Anke Brugmann, includes a centre for counseling and child support.
The President also met with officials of a Brazilian construction firm OAS, which is currently working on the Les Cayes-Jeremie road project, which passes through the area.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
ARTICLE - CARREFOUR - TAXES NOT PLEASANT
IN CARREFOUR, THE TAX OBLIGATIONS ARE NOT PLEASANT
(Haiti Libre) -
Yvon Jérôme, Principal Mayor of the Commune of Carrefour, thanks to the positive results of an initiative of tax mobilization, launched last year by the administration of this Municipality, which allowed the collection of 63 million gourdes, has announced within the framework of the implementation of its Five-Year Plan of Municipal Investment (PIM) several immediate projects, including: construction of a municipal school in Taifer and Corail-Thor, construction of 1 km of road to Côte-Plage 22, dredging of canals, installation of 120 protection sewer grates... The Mayor mentioned that more than fifty other projects are pending and will be conducted based on tax revenues from taxpayers.
In this regard, Yvon Jérôme has reminded the population that the "grâce fiscale" (the fiscal due) for taxpayers who have not regularized their situation, for the year 2011-2012, expires on June 30, 2012. Underlining his determination to enforce the law and collect taxes, the Mayor informed the laggards, who have not fulfilled the payment of their rental taxes and their patents, that after June 30, they will have to pay 20% interest, and for those who would not have paid their 2010-2011 taxes, they will have to pay 75% interest. In addition, the Mayor informed that the names of violators will be published in newspapers, broadcast on the radio, and they will face the sealing of their house, if they fail to meet their tax obligations.
The population is warned. It is preferable to pay taxes in Carrefour...
(Haiti Libre) -
Yvon Jérôme, Principal Mayor of the Commune of Carrefour, thanks to the positive results of an initiative of tax mobilization, launched last year by the administration of this Municipality, which allowed the collection of 63 million gourdes, has announced within the framework of the implementation of its Five-Year Plan of Municipal Investment (PIM) several immediate projects, including: construction of a municipal school in Taifer and Corail-Thor, construction of 1 km of road to Côte-Plage 22, dredging of canals, installation of 120 protection sewer grates... The Mayor mentioned that more than fifty other projects are pending and will be conducted based on tax revenues from taxpayers.
In this regard, Yvon Jérôme has reminded the population that the "grâce fiscale" (the fiscal due) for taxpayers who have not regularized their situation, for the year 2011-2012, expires on June 30, 2012. Underlining his determination to enforce the law and collect taxes, the Mayor informed the laggards, who have not fulfilled the payment of their rental taxes and their patents, that after June 30, they will have to pay 20% interest, and for those who would not have paid their 2010-2011 taxes, they will have to pay 75% interest. In addition, the Mayor informed that the names of violators will be published in newspapers, broadcast on the radio, and they will face the sealing of their house, if they fail to meet their tax obligations.
The population is warned. It is preferable to pay taxes in Carrefour...
ARTICLE - CARREFOUR TAX MOBILIZATION
SUCCESS OF THE TAX MOBILIZATION IN CARREFOUR
(Haiti Libre) -
Yvon Jérôme, Principal Mayor of the Commune of Carrefour informs us that he will present tomorrow, Monday, from 10:00 am in Room Louverture 2, of the Plaza Hotel, the results of a tax mobilization initiative, launched last year by the administration of this Municipality.
Thanks to this initiative, revenue from communal taxes have increased by 484%, from 13 million to 63 million gourdes during the first seven months of the fiscal year 2011-2012.
The municipal administration, will take the opportunity to perform, within the framework of the implementation of its Five-Year Plan of Municipal Investment (PIM), the launch of the first projects to be executed by the city, from this tax revenue.
In an environment where bad news is daily, this fiscal dynamic in Carrefour deserves to be congratulated and widely stressed to the attention of all sectors interested in local development and decentralization.
The Town Hall reminds the public, that "grâce fiscale" (the fiscal date) expires June 30, 2012.
(Haiti Libre) -
Yvon Jérôme, Principal Mayor of the Commune of Carrefour informs us that he will present tomorrow, Monday, from 10:00 am in Room Louverture 2, of the Plaza Hotel, the results of a tax mobilization initiative, launched last year by the administration of this Municipality.
Thanks to this initiative, revenue from communal taxes have increased by 484%, from 13 million to 63 million gourdes during the first seven months of the fiscal year 2011-2012.
The municipal administration, will take the opportunity to perform, within the framework of the implementation of its Five-Year Plan of Municipal Investment (PIM), the launch of the first projects to be executed by the city, from this tax revenue.
In an environment where bad news is daily, this fiscal dynamic in Carrefour deserves to be congratulated and widely stressed to the attention of all sectors interested in local development and decentralization.
The Town Hall reminds the public, that "grâce fiscale" (the fiscal date) expires June 30, 2012.
ARTICLE - PUTTING CNE BACK IN SHAPE
THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE AN EFFORT TO PUT BACK THE CNE IN "GOOD SHAPE"
(Haiti Libre) -
The Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, accompanied by several cabinet members, visited Friday the National Center of Equipment (CNE). He wanted to inquire about the functioning of the CNE.
Following this visit, the Prime Minister stated "[...] The CNE has problems, the same way that many State agencies have problems. But the CNE is a strategic agency for the government; thus it was necessary for us to come to physically look how things are and how we can provide to the directorate of the CNE, a support, financial and moral, so that work can be done,... so that we can give results... The results depend on many agencies, and the CNE is a key, so we want that the CNE is in good shape, that the CNE is working, and that's why we're here [...]"
During his visit, the Prime Minister found "[...] there are many machines that do not work. We have over 500 million dollars worth of equipment here, and we have seen, there are many vehicles that do not work and only a small amounts of money to fix them [...] We are able to make an effort, and we will try to make an effort to put back the CNE in good shape..."
(Haiti Libre) -
The Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, accompanied by several cabinet members, visited Friday the National Center of Equipment (CNE). He wanted to inquire about the functioning of the CNE.
Following this visit, the Prime Minister stated "[...] The CNE has problems, the same way that many State agencies have problems. But the CNE is a strategic agency for the government; thus it was necessary for us to come to physically look how things are and how we can provide to the directorate of the CNE, a support, financial and moral, so that work can be done,... so that we can give results... The results depend on many agencies, and the CNE is a key, so we want that the CNE is in good shape, that the CNE is working, and that's why we're here [...]"
During his visit, the Prime Minister found "[...] there are many machines that do not work. We have over 500 million dollars worth of equipment here, and we have seen, there are many vehicles that do not work and only a small amounts of money to fix them [...] We are able to make an effort, and we will try to make an effort to put back the CNE in good shape..."
ARTICLE - LOUIS-JEUNE - ARTICLE 137
THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOWER HOUSE, DEFENDS THE AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE 137
(Haiti Libre) -
Levaillant Louis-Jeune, President of the Lower House and Rapporteur of the Commission having read Article 137 during the vote on May 9, 2011 in the National Assembly, has reacted strongly Monday, to criticism from parliamentarians, including the President of the Senate, Simon Dieuseul Desras and other political figures like Sauveur Pierre Etienne, National Coordinator of the Struggling People's Organization (OPL) and the former Colonel Himmler Rébu, Leader of the Grand Rally for the Evolution of Haiti (GREH), who declared Saturday on a local radio station that, "The amendments, published last week in the official gazette Le Moniteur includes an omission in Article 137 that now removes the parliaments' prerogative to ratify the choice of prime minister appointed by the head of state," stressing that this is not a clerical error (material error) but "a criminal act of state" [?]
Levaillant Louis-Jeune considers the criticisms unjustified and unfounded, noting that 80 deputies and 20 senators of the 48th Legislature, voted the text as it was published in the official gazette "Le Moniteur" "...the article was passed as is, in fact there are pictures and audio tapes [...] I think that the deputies and senators must remain consistent to the vote they made on May 9, 2011 [...] I want to be clear, contrary to what everyone thinks, no right of Parliament to make the ratification, has been removed. Compared to the last sentence [deleted] of Article 137 which said 'in both cases the choice must be ratified by parliament' because the Article that provides the eligibility of the Prime Minister, Article 158 remains unchanged, so the Parliament will continue to play its role as it did before [...]"
Note that Article 158 does not refer to the eligibility of the Prime Minister-designate, but to the ratification of his General Policy... An article, with the amendment of Article 137, could in the future, become a new point of blockage...
Article 158 :
"The Prime Minister in accordance with the President chooses the members of its Cabinet, Ministers and presents himself before the Parliament in order to obtain a vote of confidence on his statement of general policy. Voting takes place by open ballot, and to the absolute majority of each of the two (2) Houses.
In the case of a vote of no confidence by one of two (2) Houses, the procedure is repeated."
So it seems to be confirmed that this omission is not a clerical error, but rather the result that is voluntary and concerted, of an mendment passed by a majority of members of both Houses. But, since the vote in the Assembly, some parliamentarians now regret, having voted for the amendment of Article 137...
(Haiti Libre) -
Levaillant Louis-Jeune, President of the Lower House and Rapporteur of the Commission having read Article 137 during the vote on May 9, 2011 in the National Assembly, has reacted strongly Monday, to criticism from parliamentarians, including the President of the Senate, Simon Dieuseul Desras and other political figures like Sauveur Pierre Etienne, National Coordinator of the Struggling People's Organization (OPL) and the former Colonel Himmler Rébu, Leader of the Grand Rally for the Evolution of Haiti (GREH), who declared Saturday on a local radio station that, "The amendments, published last week in the official gazette Le Moniteur includes an omission in Article 137 that now removes the parliaments' prerogative to ratify the choice of prime minister appointed by the head of state," stressing that this is not a clerical error (material error) but "a criminal act of state" [?]
Levaillant Louis-Jeune considers the criticisms unjustified and unfounded, noting that 80 deputies and 20 senators of the 48th Legislature, voted the text as it was published in the official gazette "Le Moniteur" "...the article was passed as is, in fact there are pictures and audio tapes [...] I think that the deputies and senators must remain consistent to the vote they made on May 9, 2011 [...] I want to be clear, contrary to what everyone thinks, no right of Parliament to make the ratification, has been removed. Compared to the last sentence [deleted] of Article 137 which said 'in both cases the choice must be ratified by parliament' because the Article that provides the eligibility of the Prime Minister, Article 158 remains unchanged, so the Parliament will continue to play its role as it did before [...]"
Note that Article 158 does not refer to the eligibility of the Prime Minister-designate, but to the ratification of his General Policy... An article, with the amendment of Article 137, could in the future, become a new point of blockage...
Article 158 :
"The Prime Minister in accordance with the President chooses the members of its Cabinet, Ministers and presents himself before the Parliament in order to obtain a vote of confidence on his statement of general policy. Voting takes place by open ballot, and to the absolute majority of each of the two (2) Houses.
In the case of a vote of no confidence by one of two (2) Houses, the procedure is repeated."
So it seems to be confirmed that this omission is not a clerical error, but rather the result that is voluntary and concerted, of an mendment passed by a majority of members of both Houses. But, since the vote in the Assembly, some parliamentarians now regret, having voted for the amendment of Article 137...
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
ARTICLE - PM RATIFICATION - DELAY?
PROBABLE DELAY ON THE VERIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS OF DESIGNATED PM
(Haiti Libre) -
The Commission responsible for the verification of documents of the Prime Minister-designate, Laurent Lamothe, will meet today Tuesday. The two subcommittees nationality and residence should "in principle" present at that meeting their respective preliminary reports, indicated Senator Kély Bastien, member of the Sub-Committee, responsible for the issue of nationality. "What we have done is that the 3 passports that Laurent Lamothe gave us, we have transmitted them to the Commission in the senate who is working on the issue of the nationality of members of the government. They will give us back a preliminary report [...] by tomorrow [Tuesday] They will give us a report on this issue [...] The 2 points that seem confused and that deserve a clarification, ... is especially the question of nationality and residence [...] When the Commission report is completed, it will give us the passports, so that we can validate the information that has been given to us, and the analysis has been made, so that we can put this in our own report [...]"
Contrary to what had been announced, the final report of the Commission, to be presented Thursday, March 29 before the Assembly of Senators, has a high chance of being postponed. Senator Hyppolite Mélius, Head of the
"Residence" Sub-Committee, with his colleagues Franky Exius, and Lucas Sainvil, stated that the Commission should ask of Laurent Lamothe, additional documents regarding his residence,... and that the verification work takes time.
(Haiti Libre) -
The Commission responsible for the verification of documents of the Prime Minister-designate, Laurent Lamothe, will meet today Tuesday. The two subcommittees nationality and residence should "in principle" present at that meeting their respective preliminary reports, indicated Senator Kély Bastien, member of the Sub-Committee, responsible for the issue of nationality. "What we have done is that the 3 passports that Laurent Lamothe gave us, we have transmitted them to the Commission in the senate who is working on the issue of the nationality of members of the government. They will give us back a preliminary report [...] by tomorrow [Tuesday] They will give us a report on this issue [...] The 2 points that seem confused and that deserve a clarification, ... is especially the question of nationality and residence [...] When the Commission report is completed, it will give us the passports, so that we can validate the information that has been given to us, and the analysis has been made, so that we can put this in our own report [...]"
Contrary to what had been announced, the final report of the Commission, to be presented Thursday, March 29 before the Assembly of Senators, has a high chance of being postponed. Senator Hyppolite Mélius, Head of the
"Residence" Sub-Committee, with his colleagues Franky Exius, and Lucas Sainvil, stated that the Commission should ask of Laurent Lamothe, additional documents regarding his residence,... and that the verification work takes time.
ARTICLE - PM RATIFICATION - ELIGIBILITY
PRIME MINISTER RATIFICATION HINGES ON CONSTITUTIONAL ELIGIBILITY
(Defend Haiti) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE - Proving that he meets eligibility requirements to be the Prime Minister appears challenging for Laurent Lamothe, who submitted 58 documents (14 were requested by the Haitian Senate) to support his ratification.
According to Senator Steven Benoit (Ouest/Alternative), this is the first time a candidate for prime minister has submitted such a quantity of supporting documents, 58, when only 14 are needed. Senator Benoit says that even with the 58 submissions, items critical to obtaining ratification are still outstanding.
The Constitution of Haiti requires that a Prime Minister be a Haitian citizen and having never renounced their nationality, or have accepted nationality in another country. The Head of Government also must have resided in Haiti for at least five (5) consecutive years.
Lamothe is currently the outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs, and was already a prime subject of a senate investigation on nationality. The Chairman of the Senate Commission on Ratification of the Prime Minister, Senator Jean R. Joazile (Nord-Est/Alternative) has chosen to refer to the findings of the nationality commission's investigation as part of his committees work on ratification.
A preliminary report by the senate commission investigating the nationality of members of the government reported that in the case of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Laurent Lamothe, there is evidence missing, and nationality could not be determined.
Specifically, the commission says that Lamothe has had 10 passports recorded at the Department of Immigration but only submitted 6 to the nationality commission. The commission is requiring the 4 remaining passports carried by Lamothe, or an explanation, before proceeding.
For Senator Francois Anick Joseph (Artibonite/Alternative), Mr. Lamothe has nothing to worry about for his ratification so long as he conforms with ARTICLE 157 of the Constitution of Haiti, which determines the eligibility of a prime minister.
"If the entire case... I say it clearly, if the entire case, conforms with what is prescribed by ARTICLE 157 of the Constitution, Mr. Lamothe can tell himself already that he has 6 votes," said Senator Joseph commenting on the position of his political party, Alternative, and its 6 senators.
ARTICLE 157, Constitution of Haiti
To be appointed Prime Minister, a person must:
1. Be a native-born Haitian, and never have renounced Haitian nationality;
2. Have attained thirty (30) years of age;
3. Enjoy civil and political rights and never have been sentenced to death, personal restraint or penal servitude or the loss of civil rights;
4. Own real property in Haiti and practice a profession there;
5. Have resided in the county for five (5) consecutive years;
6. Have been relieved of his responsibilities if he has been handling public funds.
(Defend Haiti) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE - Proving that he meets eligibility requirements to be the Prime Minister appears challenging for Laurent Lamothe, who submitted 58 documents (14 were requested by the Haitian Senate) to support his ratification.
According to Senator Steven Benoit (Ouest/Alternative), this is the first time a candidate for prime minister has submitted such a quantity of supporting documents, 58, when only 14 are needed. Senator Benoit says that even with the 58 submissions, items critical to obtaining ratification are still outstanding.
The Constitution of Haiti requires that a Prime Minister be a Haitian citizen and having never renounced their nationality, or have accepted nationality in another country. The Head of Government also must have resided in Haiti for at least five (5) consecutive years.
Lamothe is currently the outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs, and was already a prime subject of a senate investigation on nationality. The Chairman of the Senate Commission on Ratification of the Prime Minister, Senator Jean R. Joazile (Nord-Est/Alternative) has chosen to refer to the findings of the nationality commission's investigation as part of his committees work on ratification.
A preliminary report by the senate commission investigating the nationality of members of the government reported that in the case of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Laurent Lamothe, there is evidence missing, and nationality could not be determined.
Specifically, the commission says that Lamothe has had 10 passports recorded at the Department of Immigration but only submitted 6 to the nationality commission. The commission is requiring the 4 remaining passports carried by Lamothe, or an explanation, before proceeding.
For Senator Francois Anick Joseph (Artibonite/Alternative), Mr. Lamothe has nothing to worry about for his ratification so long as he conforms with ARTICLE 157 of the Constitution of Haiti, which determines the eligibility of a prime minister.
"If the entire case... I say it clearly, if the entire case, conforms with what is prescribed by ARTICLE 157 of the Constitution, Mr. Lamothe can tell himself already that he has 6 votes," said Senator Joseph commenting on the position of his political party, Alternative, and its 6 senators.
ARTICLE 157, Constitution of Haiti
To be appointed Prime Minister, a person must:
1. Be a native-born Haitian, and never have renounced Haitian nationality;
2. Have attained thirty (30) years of age;
3. Enjoy civil and political rights and never have been sentenced to death, personal restraint or penal servitude or the loss of civil rights;
4. Own real property in Haiti and practice a profession there;
5. Have resided in the county for five (5) consecutive years;
6. Have been relieved of his responsibilities if he has been handling public funds.
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