IMMIGRATION CHIEF SLAMS THE REGION'S HUMAN RIGHTS COURT
(Dominican Today) -
Santo Domingo - Immigration director José Ricardo Taveras on Tuesday said the Inter- American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) doesn’t have jurisdiction when it comes to matters of sovereignty, such as nationality or immigration, for which in his view the country should withdraw as a member of the hemispheric tribunal.
"If it were up to me, the Dominican Republic wouldn’t form part of that court; what we ought to do is denounce this Treaty because the attitude it’s taking is honestly questionable," the official said.
He acknowledged however that the Dominican judicial system should’ve prosecuted the case of the “massacre of Guayubín" which occurred in 2000, for which the Dominican Government is before the IACHR today.
Six Haitians and one Dominican were killed when soldiers who fired on the vehicle they were traveling in the town of Guayubin, north-western Montecristi province, after failing to stop at a military checkpoint.
The official noted that Venezuela has recently pulled out of the IACHR, Colombia has warned it could do the same and Argentina and even the host country Costa Rica have questioned that court’s attitude.
"When it issues a ruling on nationality despite that international public law doesn’t allow an international court to judge matters on the issue of nationality or immigration because they are the sovereignty reserved to the states, and it overreaches its jurisdiction and convicts the Dominican Republic, I think they are out of line,” he said.
The official spoke during the signing of agreements with the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD) and the Housing Builders and Promoters Association (Acoprovi), aimed at regulating the unknown number of Haitians working in companies affiliated with the Social Security System.
Showing posts with label Articles - Crime - Justice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Articles - Crime - Justice. Show all posts
Sunday, June 24, 2012
ARTICLE - ESTABLISING SECRET POLICE
PLAN TO ESTABLISH SECRET POLICE CONJURES UP MEMORIES OF TONTON MACOUTES
(Defend Haiti) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE – Plans to establish a secret security force, localized throughout Haiti, are conjuring up memories of the “Tonton Macoutes” according to Senator Jean-Charles Moïse, who fears the new force could be the return of the reign of terror. Senator Edwin Zenny defended the plans for the force, criticizing his colleague.
The new force, that was officially announced last week by the Superior Council of the National Police, will be called “municipal police” and will be localized, having officers for each of the communal sections of Haiti.
Early reports say the officers of the municipal police will not be easily recognized by wearing uniforms, badges or carrying firearms in plain view, and their duties will mainly consist of gathering information and reporting to higher-ups.
Senator Jean-Charles Moïse (Nord/Inite) believes the idea of establishing a municipal police did not come from the CSPN but from the National Palace, and President Michel Martelly. Senator Moïse says weeks before the announcement by the CSPN, close allies to Martelly had already begun to speak about the new force, namely, Senator Edwin Zenny (Sud-Est/Independent).
”Senator Edo Zenny came with some idea of a surveying and reporting body. With this there is an understanding already at the National Palace, and they are all coming together to establish this body.”
”That is why they are coming with the word municipal police. They are coming with these other words, but I believe it is a corps of Tonton Macoutes that they want to introduce into the county.”
A reporter reminded Senator Moïse that it was the CSPN that announced it, to which he replied:
”I told you, it was since last week that Senator Edo has been coming with this news that there will be a surveying and reporting body in the country, and I believe it is in connection with what the CSPN announced.”
”And the CSPN, who is it directed by? Laurent Lamothe. With Laurent Lamothe you already know this person is Martelly. If Edo talks you must know it is Martelly talking. Automatically you know if these people are talking it is Martelly that is acting.”
”Martelly wants to put a Tonton Macoute body in the country.”
Furthermore, Senator Moïse believes it is unconstitutional and unnecessary to install a new security force. The senator recalled the Constitituion of Haiti only allows for the army and the national police, and believes that rather than investing in creating a new force, increasing the capacity of the national police would be better.
”The Constitution recognizes the police and the army. The army is off the route, it was disbanded, and we cannot speak of it today. And we know there is only one body operating in the country now, and that is the national police.”
”Today, it is MINUSTAH that represents a bunch of armies in the country; that is a danger for us too. We, must consolidate the country, put in political stability, so that everyone can see, and so that we can have MINUSTAH leave the country.”
”What we have now is one force that is the national police, and what we must do is reinforce the national police. If the police are not enough to enforce all the communal sections than we must reinforce it. We don’t need to come in with a parallel force.”
”All the parallel forces that are being introduced in the country, if it is Martelly that is doing it, it is Tonton Macoutes.”
A reporter asked Senator Moïse to consider if having the new force would help the communal sections throughout the country enforce security. The senator replied:
”We don’t have this problem. Rather than have 10,000 police officers, let’s make it 20,000. Instead of establishing a bunch of these forces we have one here that we can’t even take care of…”
”Did you know that with the 21st or the 22nd graduation of the police we don’t even have batons or guns to equip them? Rather than creating a new force why don’t we purchase guns.”
”Rather than pay a police officer 10,000 HTG, 13,000 HTG ($250.00 - $315.00 [US]) why don’t we pay them 25,000 HTG ($600.00 [US])?”
”Then these guys would be more confident, be able to do their jobs… but today we want to establish a bunch of other bodies instead.”
”All these corps that Martelly says he will establish, if you hear Edo announcing it, if you hear Laurent Lamothe announcing it, it is a corps of Tonton Macoutes.”
Senator Edwin Zenny Responds:
The Senator of the South East, Edwin Zenny, is in favor of the establishment of this new municipal force. As the former Mayor of Jacmel he feels that there is a need for such a body.
Senator Zenny also took the opportunity to criticize his colleague Senator Moïse for his “blind” opposition to the idea.
”As the former Mayor of Jacmel, this is one of the better things that I had hoped to see done already, because the people living in the communal sections, anyone who wants to mistreat them can misbehave, because there’s no police, there’s nothing.”
”This is a good thing for the country because the country has never been managed as long as the communal sections did not have their communal police or police.”
”I heard that Senator Moïse, my colleague, speaks of what they call a corps of Macoutes… ‘po dyab’. He just doesn’t understand. It’s not his fault.”
”It’s not his fault because he is lost in what they call Opposition Tet Kale. It hasn’t even occurred to him that the country has taken steps forward, because he cannot see it.”
”Look at how he spoke of the (Venezuelan) ambassador. Moïse is not a mayor and he is not the President of the Republic, and he is declaring people ‘persona non grata’.”
”Understand? ‘Po dyab’. He is lost.”
”For me, as a Senator of the Republic, it has occurred to me that this is what the country needs. This is what they call a secret police, this is what they call intelligence. They are people who are providing information.”
”People that are providing intelligence don’t have to have guns on them. I will give you an example:”
”If I am at the club and I have a gun on me and a badge on me, everyone will see that I am a police officer. I have handcuffs on me, everyone will see that I am a police officer.”
”But if I’m serving, I am one of the people that are serving inside, no one will know that I am a secret police. I can get information.”
”A secret police can sit and clean your shoes and hear everything you are saying.”
The reporter recalled to Senator Zenny that Haiti has a horrid past with secret police.
Senator Zenny said:
”Listen, I am 42-years-old. I read books, I’ve watched everything that has happened in the country. There’s been bad things that have happened in all the governments that have held power.”
”Duvalier used to kill people, he would take them in the night to be killed. He killed 19 officials in the street, we saw it, we read about it.”
”This has given us many problems. We have seen, and we hope this doesn’t happen in the country again.”
”But the others [perhaps Lavalas] come and they kill people in the streets. They killed Mirielle Bertin, they killed Max Bayard, they killed a lot of people. Everyone knew that they killed these people in the streets.”
”Now we must not make the errors that those who came after Duvalier made, and those during Duvalier made.”
(Defend Haiti) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE – Plans to establish a secret security force, localized throughout Haiti, are conjuring up memories of the “Tonton Macoutes” according to Senator Jean-Charles Moïse, who fears the new force could be the return of the reign of terror. Senator Edwin Zenny defended the plans for the force, criticizing his colleague.
The new force, that was officially announced last week by the Superior Council of the National Police, will be called “municipal police” and will be localized, having officers for each of the communal sections of Haiti.
Early reports say the officers of the municipal police will not be easily recognized by wearing uniforms, badges or carrying firearms in plain view, and their duties will mainly consist of gathering information and reporting to higher-ups.
Senator Jean-Charles Moïse (Nord/Inite) believes the idea of establishing a municipal police did not come from the CSPN but from the National Palace, and President Michel Martelly. Senator Moïse says weeks before the announcement by the CSPN, close allies to Martelly had already begun to speak about the new force, namely, Senator Edwin Zenny (Sud-Est/Independent).
”Senator Edo Zenny came with some idea of a surveying and reporting body. With this there is an understanding already at the National Palace, and they are all coming together to establish this body.”
”That is why they are coming with the word municipal police. They are coming with these other words, but I believe it is a corps of Tonton Macoutes that they want to introduce into the county.”
A reporter reminded Senator Moïse that it was the CSPN that announced it, to which he replied:
”I told you, it was since last week that Senator Edo has been coming with this news that there will be a surveying and reporting body in the country, and I believe it is in connection with what the CSPN announced.”
”And the CSPN, who is it directed by? Laurent Lamothe. With Laurent Lamothe you already know this person is Martelly. If Edo talks you must know it is Martelly talking. Automatically you know if these people are talking it is Martelly that is acting.”
”Martelly wants to put a Tonton Macoute body in the country.”
Furthermore, Senator Moïse believes it is unconstitutional and unnecessary to install a new security force. The senator recalled the Constitituion of Haiti only allows for the army and the national police, and believes that rather than investing in creating a new force, increasing the capacity of the national police would be better.
”The Constitution recognizes the police and the army. The army is off the route, it was disbanded, and we cannot speak of it today. And we know there is only one body operating in the country now, and that is the national police.”
”Today, it is MINUSTAH that represents a bunch of armies in the country; that is a danger for us too. We, must consolidate the country, put in political stability, so that everyone can see, and so that we can have MINUSTAH leave the country.”
”What we have now is one force that is the national police, and what we must do is reinforce the national police. If the police are not enough to enforce all the communal sections than we must reinforce it. We don’t need to come in with a parallel force.”
”All the parallel forces that are being introduced in the country, if it is Martelly that is doing it, it is Tonton Macoutes.”
A reporter asked Senator Moïse to consider if having the new force would help the communal sections throughout the country enforce security. The senator replied:
”We don’t have this problem. Rather than have 10,000 police officers, let’s make it 20,000. Instead of establishing a bunch of these forces we have one here that we can’t even take care of…”
”Did you know that with the 21st or the 22nd graduation of the police we don’t even have batons or guns to equip them? Rather than creating a new force why don’t we purchase guns.”
”Rather than pay a police officer 10,000 HTG, 13,000 HTG ($250.00 - $315.00 [US]) why don’t we pay them 25,000 HTG ($600.00 [US])?”
”Then these guys would be more confident, be able to do their jobs… but today we want to establish a bunch of other bodies instead.”
”All these corps that Martelly says he will establish, if you hear Edo announcing it, if you hear Laurent Lamothe announcing it, it is a corps of Tonton Macoutes.”
Senator Edwin Zenny Responds:
The Senator of the South East, Edwin Zenny, is in favor of the establishment of this new municipal force. As the former Mayor of Jacmel he feels that there is a need for such a body.
Senator Zenny also took the opportunity to criticize his colleague Senator Moïse for his “blind” opposition to the idea.
”As the former Mayor of Jacmel, this is one of the better things that I had hoped to see done already, because the people living in the communal sections, anyone who wants to mistreat them can misbehave, because there’s no police, there’s nothing.”
”This is a good thing for the country because the country has never been managed as long as the communal sections did not have their communal police or police.”
”I heard that Senator Moïse, my colleague, speaks of what they call a corps of Macoutes… ‘po dyab’. He just doesn’t understand. It’s not his fault.”
”It’s not his fault because he is lost in what they call Opposition Tet Kale. It hasn’t even occurred to him that the country has taken steps forward, because he cannot see it.”
”Look at how he spoke of the (Venezuelan) ambassador. Moïse is not a mayor and he is not the President of the Republic, and he is declaring people ‘persona non grata’.”
”Understand? ‘Po dyab’. He is lost.”
”For me, as a Senator of the Republic, it has occurred to me that this is what the country needs. This is what they call a secret police, this is what they call intelligence. They are people who are providing information.”
”People that are providing intelligence don’t have to have guns on them. I will give you an example:”
”If I am at the club and I have a gun on me and a badge on me, everyone will see that I am a police officer. I have handcuffs on me, everyone will see that I am a police officer.”
”But if I’m serving, I am one of the people that are serving inside, no one will know that I am a secret police. I can get information.”
”A secret police can sit and clean your shoes and hear everything you are saying.”
The reporter recalled to Senator Zenny that Haiti has a horrid past with secret police.
Senator Zenny said:
”Listen, I am 42-years-old. I read books, I’ve watched everything that has happened in the country. There’s been bad things that have happened in all the governments that have held power.”
”Duvalier used to kill people, he would take them in the night to be killed. He killed 19 officials in the street, we saw it, we read about it.”
”This has given us many problems. We have seen, and we hope this doesn’t happen in the country again.”
”But the others [perhaps Lavalas] come and they kill people in the streets. They killed Mirielle Bertin, they killed Max Bayard, they killed a lot of people. Everyone knew that they killed these people in the streets.”
”Now we must not make the errors that those who came after Duvalier made, and those during Duvalier made.”
ARTICLE - UN - STUDENTS CONFLICT
UN PEACEKEEPERS CLAIM STUDENTS ATTACKED, UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS SAY PROVOCATION
(Defend Haiti) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE - The UN peacekeeping mission denied on Wednesday that Brazilian peacekeepers tried to violate the space of the State University on June 15, instead saying that it was students who attacked its soldiers by throwing rocks and bottles.
The Head of Communications for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, Eliane Nabaa denied any information stating that peacekeepers tried to enter the School of Humanities (FASCH) at the State University of Haiti.
Eliane Nabaa said that peacekeepers on Avenue Christophe in Port-au-Prince were on patrol, and that "people friendly spaces are inviolable including the University..."
Rather, Nabaa said, "the Brazilian soldiers were conducting a routine patrol when they were attacked, for unknown reasons; with stones and broken bottles, by members of the public and students."
The windshields of vehicles were smashed and a slight injury was recorded, according to Ms. Nabaa who stressed that peacekeepers were forced, she said, to fire into the air, with rubber bullets, to gain control of the situation.
But, officials at the university said, a bullet entered the door on the inside of the FASCG. This caused a great panic.
Following the incidents of Friday, more informed voices have been raised to denounce what they called a provocation by MINUSTAH soldiers.
In a written statement issued June 18, the coordinator of the Faculty of Humanities required explanations and clarifications, noting that three times, the peacekeepers had tried to enter the inviolable space of the university; thus disrupting the midterm exams, and a joint meeting which was held there, which caused its adjournment.
The Rector of the State University of Haiti (EUH), Jean Vernet Henry, also saw in the act of peacekeepers, a provocation.
"It's a challenge because, besides the fact that the university area is and remains inviolable, nothing justifys the presence of soldiers at the entrance of an institution such as the FASCH, which is at the end of a lane of a residential area," said Mr. Henry, who also asked students to remain calm and not give in to provocations.
The information secretary of the National Union of Haitians Professors (UNNOH), John Willy Belfleur , stated that this was not at their first attempt in this form of violation of the rights of Haitian citizens and institutions of the country by UN peacekeepers, and noted that in 2009 students had been beaten, arrested and humiliated within the UEH's National School of Arts (ENARTS), Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS) and the Faculty of Ethnology.
Belfleur called on Haitians to intensify the fight for the departure of peacekeepers from the country.
(Defend Haiti) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE - The UN peacekeeping mission denied on Wednesday that Brazilian peacekeepers tried to violate the space of the State University on June 15, instead saying that it was students who attacked its soldiers by throwing rocks and bottles.
The Head of Communications for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, Eliane Nabaa denied any information stating that peacekeepers tried to enter the School of Humanities (FASCH) at the State University of Haiti.
Eliane Nabaa said that peacekeepers on Avenue Christophe in Port-au-Prince were on patrol, and that "people friendly spaces are inviolable including the University..."
Rather, Nabaa said, "the Brazilian soldiers were conducting a routine patrol when they were attacked, for unknown reasons; with stones and broken bottles, by members of the public and students."
The windshields of vehicles were smashed and a slight injury was recorded, according to Ms. Nabaa who stressed that peacekeepers were forced, she said, to fire into the air, with rubber bullets, to gain control of the situation.
But, officials at the university said, a bullet entered the door on the inside of the FASCG. This caused a great panic.
Following the incidents of Friday, more informed voices have been raised to denounce what they called a provocation by MINUSTAH soldiers.
In a written statement issued June 18, the coordinator of the Faculty of Humanities required explanations and clarifications, noting that three times, the peacekeepers had tried to enter the inviolable space of the university; thus disrupting the midterm exams, and a joint meeting which was held there, which caused its adjournment.
The Rector of the State University of Haiti (EUH), Jean Vernet Henry, also saw in the act of peacekeepers, a provocation.
"It's a challenge because, besides the fact that the university area is and remains inviolable, nothing justifys the presence of soldiers at the entrance of an institution such as the FASCH, which is at the end of a lane of a residential area," said Mr. Henry, who also asked students to remain calm and not give in to provocations.
The information secretary of the National Union of Haitians Professors (UNNOH), John Willy Belfleur , stated that this was not at their first attempt in this form of violation of the rights of Haitian citizens and institutions of the country by UN peacekeepers, and noted that in 2009 students had been beaten, arrested and humiliated within the UEH's National School of Arts (ENARTS), Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS) and the Faculty of Ethnology.
Belfleur called on Haitians to intensify the fight for the departure of peacekeepers from the country.
ARTICLE - THOMONDE MAYOR DISMISSED
INTERIOR MINISTER DISMISSES MAYOR FOR ATTACK ON JOURNALIST
(Defend Haiti) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE - In connection with the attack on a 21-year-old journalist, Wendy Phele, the Mayor of Thomonde was relieved of his duties, announced the Interior Minister, Thierry Mayard-Paul on Monday.
Minister Mayard-Paul did not initially take action against Mayor Delva. Early Monday he had announced that the matter, which he was not directly involved in, was in the hands of law enforcement and justice officials.
SOS Journalists and Reporters Without Borders were threatening to name Minister Mayard-Paul among Haitian government officials predatory to press freedom before the removal of Mayor Souverne Jean Delva.
"Mayor Souverne Jean Delva was removed from office. It is the departmental delegate who now assumes the administrative responsibilities that were invested in Mr. Delva," said Minister Mayard Paul. "Now it is up to justice," he said.
"The Martelly-Lamothe government is a government that respects the freedom of the press and individual freedoms. It would in no way tolerate such abuses," said Mayard Paul.
"There is a chief, the president, and he is careful not to commit wrongdoing. An individual who is guilty of serious violations will be arrested and prosecuted," added the minister.
The interior minister said he acted on the public statements and instructions passed on June 7th by Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, on the day of Latin American Press Freedom. PM Lamothe declared that press freedom and respect for journalists would be upheld in his government.
The Secretary General of SOS Journalists, Guyler Delva, congratulated Minister Mayard Paul for the decision that he sees as a commitment of those in power to respect and uphold the freedom of the press.
"I congratulate Minister Mayard Paul for this important decision, which is likely to facilitate the ongoing investigation. It is now up to justice and the police to fulfill their responsibilities," said Guyler Delva.
(Defend Haiti) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE - In connection with the attack on a 21-year-old journalist, Wendy Phele, the Mayor of Thomonde was relieved of his duties, announced the Interior Minister, Thierry Mayard-Paul on Monday.
Minister Mayard-Paul did not initially take action against Mayor Delva. Early Monday he had announced that the matter, which he was not directly involved in, was in the hands of law enforcement and justice officials.
SOS Journalists and Reporters Without Borders were threatening to name Minister Mayard-Paul among Haitian government officials predatory to press freedom before the removal of Mayor Souverne Jean Delva.
"Mayor Souverne Jean Delva was removed from office. It is the departmental delegate who now assumes the administrative responsibilities that were invested in Mr. Delva," said Minister Mayard Paul. "Now it is up to justice," he said.
"The Martelly-Lamothe government is a government that respects the freedom of the press and individual freedoms. It would in no way tolerate such abuses," said Mayard Paul.
"There is a chief, the president, and he is careful not to commit wrongdoing. An individual who is guilty of serious violations will be arrested and prosecuted," added the minister.
The interior minister said he acted on the public statements and instructions passed on June 7th by Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, on the day of Latin American Press Freedom. PM Lamothe declared that press freedom and respect for journalists would be upheld in his government.
The Secretary General of SOS Journalists, Guyler Delva, congratulated Minister Mayard Paul for the decision that he sees as a commitment of those in power to respect and uphold the freedom of the press.
"I congratulate Minister Mayard Paul for this important decision, which is likely to facilitate the ongoing investigation. It is now up to justice and the police to fulfill their responsibilities," said Guyler Delva.
ARTICLE - CONFLICTING ACCOUNTS - CHILE
CONFLICTING ACCOUNTS OF DEATH OF CHILEAN SERGEANT IN HAITI
(Ilovechile) - By Mariana Zepeda
SANTIAGO – Conflicting stories have emerged about the recent death of Sergeant Guillermo Arévalo in Haiti last Sunday. This has prompted further investigation of the circumstances surrounding his death, which will be led by Rodrigo Pérez, the Chilean Ambassador to Honduras.
When information first emerged concerning the Sergeant’s murder, members of the Sergeant’s family held that the crime had occurred while Arévalo served as bodyguard and chauffeur for the Ministry of Defense Attaché Miguel Pennaroli and Chilean Ambassador to Haiti, Diego Rivera. The Ambassador denied this version of events, declaring that he had found the wounded Sergeant in a diplomatic car outside the bar where Arévalo was enjoying a night out with a friend.
Yesterday, Ambassador Rivera went back on his original allegations, revealing that he was indeed in the presence of Sergeant Arévalo on the night of his death. Rivera explained that he had invited the Sergeant, along with another friend, to the bar “Jet Set” in Port-au-Prince, where they all remained until around 2:40 a.m.
Jet Set is rated by the United Nations Mission in Haiti to be an “inadvisable” location, as the bar is in an area known for prostitution. According to Rivera’s version of events, he and his friend decided to relocate to another bar named “Barak” on the same street. However, Rivera claimed that Sergeant Arévalo chose to remain at Jet Set on his own.
While at Jet Set, Arévalo ran into Sergeant Jorge Oyarzo, a member of the security team for the Chilean embassy in Haiti. At the bar, the two sergeants allegedly got into a fight with a brothel-keeper. The fight ended when Sergeant Oyarzo took several bullets to the legs, and Sergeant Arévalo received four fatal gunshots.
Ambassador Rivera claimed that he left Barak around 4 a.m. and headed home. A few minutes later, he explained, he went out to buy two hot dogs, noticing a car parked in front of Barak.
In the car, Rivera found a blood-covered Sergeant Arévalo, and immediately took him to the Lambert Santè Hospital, where he died an hour later.
However, Rivera’s version contradicts other information that indicates that Rivera remained at Jet Set the entire night, finding Arévalo only when he left the bar in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Yesterday, Rodrigo Hinzpeter, Minister of the Interior, expressed his frustration at the conflicting versions of events.
“There cannot be this many different versions of the circumstances surrounding Arévalo’s death,” he said, highlighting the importance of clearing up contradictory information. “We need to establish a definitive version.”
Hinzpeter explained that the government’s information of the Arévalo case comes entirely from intelligence gained by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He admitted that he has not been in contact with the authorities that are handling the case.
On that note, Ambassador Pérez announced this morning that he would begin investigations to clear up the conflicting versions of the events in the next twenty-four hours. Pérez will begin by collecting statements from individuals involved in the case.
The Haitian National Police will continue a parallel investigation, aiming to reveal the identities of those responsible for General Arévalo’s death.
(Ilovechile) - By Mariana Zepeda
SANTIAGO – Conflicting stories have emerged about the recent death of Sergeant Guillermo Arévalo in Haiti last Sunday. This has prompted further investigation of the circumstances surrounding his death, which will be led by Rodrigo Pérez, the Chilean Ambassador to Honduras.
When information first emerged concerning the Sergeant’s murder, members of the Sergeant’s family held that the crime had occurred while Arévalo served as bodyguard and chauffeur for the Ministry of Defense Attaché Miguel Pennaroli and Chilean Ambassador to Haiti, Diego Rivera. The Ambassador denied this version of events, declaring that he had found the wounded Sergeant in a diplomatic car outside the bar where Arévalo was enjoying a night out with a friend.
Yesterday, Ambassador Rivera went back on his original allegations, revealing that he was indeed in the presence of Sergeant Arévalo on the night of his death. Rivera explained that he had invited the Sergeant, along with another friend, to the bar “Jet Set” in Port-au-Prince, where they all remained until around 2:40 a.m.
Jet Set is rated by the United Nations Mission in Haiti to be an “inadvisable” location, as the bar is in an area known for prostitution. According to Rivera’s version of events, he and his friend decided to relocate to another bar named “Barak” on the same street. However, Rivera claimed that Sergeant Arévalo chose to remain at Jet Set on his own.
While at Jet Set, Arévalo ran into Sergeant Jorge Oyarzo, a member of the security team for the Chilean embassy in Haiti. At the bar, the two sergeants allegedly got into a fight with a brothel-keeper. The fight ended when Sergeant Oyarzo took several bullets to the legs, and Sergeant Arévalo received four fatal gunshots.
Ambassador Rivera claimed that he left Barak around 4 a.m. and headed home. A few minutes later, he explained, he went out to buy two hot dogs, noticing a car parked in front of Barak.
In the car, Rivera found a blood-covered Sergeant Arévalo, and immediately took him to the Lambert Santè Hospital, where he died an hour later.
However, Rivera’s version contradicts other information that indicates that Rivera remained at Jet Set the entire night, finding Arévalo only when he left the bar in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Yesterday, Rodrigo Hinzpeter, Minister of the Interior, expressed his frustration at the conflicting versions of events.
“There cannot be this many different versions of the circumstances surrounding Arévalo’s death,” he said, highlighting the importance of clearing up contradictory information. “We need to establish a definitive version.”
Hinzpeter explained that the government’s information of the Arévalo case comes entirely from intelligence gained by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He admitted that he has not been in contact with the authorities that are handling the case.
On that note, Ambassador Pérez announced this morning that he would begin investigations to clear up the conflicting versions of the events in the next twenty-four hours. Pérez will begin by collecting statements from individuals involved in the case.
The Haitian National Police will continue a parallel investigation, aiming to reveal the identities of those responsible for General Arévalo’s death.
ARTICLE GUN SMUGGLING ARRESTS
TWO HAITIANS ARRESTED IN JACKSONVILLE BY FEDERAL AGENTS
(Haiti Libre) -
Federal agents have arrested, this Wednesday in Jacksonville, two men of Haitian origin, Niyo Baptiste and Jude Fontus. The two men, in an initial court appearance, have been accused of having smuggled 13 weapons to Haiti, with plans to send another 100. They are presently detained without bail, pending their hearing next Monday. Both accused told the federal agents, that the weapons were sent for a security company.
This is the second arrest in less than a month after that of 31 May 2012, of another Haitian also accused in a similar gun trafficking to Haiti, from South Florida.
These arrests are the result of a one month investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Jacksonville. Officers found by consulting a database, that 13 weapons, related to these two men, were purchased in April, at St. Nicholas Gun and Sporting Goods located 4630 Blanding Blvd. Both men subsequently sought to buy a second batch of 15 weapons and also told a federal agent, who played the role of a salesperson, that they were seeking at least 100 others.
The court record indicates that the 13 weapons purchased in April, have already been smuggled into Haiti. The men said they were shipped by boat in a box containing books.
Note that it is illegal to export arms without a proper license [a license that these two men did not have], and that even in possession of such a license, it is illegal to send firearms to some countries like Haiti, for private use.
(Haiti Libre) -
Federal agents have arrested, this Wednesday in Jacksonville, two men of Haitian origin, Niyo Baptiste and Jude Fontus. The two men, in an initial court appearance, have been accused of having smuggled 13 weapons to Haiti, with plans to send another 100. They are presently detained without bail, pending their hearing next Monday. Both accused told the federal agents, that the weapons were sent for a security company.
This is the second arrest in less than a month after that of 31 May 2012, of another Haitian also accused in a similar gun trafficking to Haiti, from South Florida.
These arrests are the result of a one month investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Jacksonville. Officers found by consulting a database, that 13 weapons, related to these two men, were purchased in April, at St. Nicholas Gun and Sporting Goods located 4630 Blanding Blvd. Both men subsequently sought to buy a second batch of 15 weapons and also told a federal agent, who played the role of a salesperson, that they were seeking at least 100 others.
The court record indicates that the 13 weapons purchased in April, have already been smuggled into Haiti. The men said they were shipped by boat in a box containing books.
Note that it is illegal to export arms without a proper license [a license that these two men did not have], and that even in possession of such a license, it is illegal to send firearms to some countries like Haiti, for private use.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
ARTICLE - BUS OVERTURNS IN GLACE RIVER
A BUS OVERTURNS IN THE GLACE RIVER
(Haiti Libre) -
This Monday a bus making the trip from Port-au-Prince-Jérémie overturned while trying to cross the river Glace, which was in flood. This happened close to Duchity, a commune of Pestel (Grand Anse)
The Department of Civil Protection informs us that the record is of 40 bodies recovered and 9 survivors, and that a team of the Civil Protection transferred the survivors to CYMED of Beaumont for necessary medical care. The rescue work is continuing.
The DPC has informed that until now the figures are not fully verified. A final assessment will be provided as soon as available.
(Haiti Libre) -
This Monday a bus making the trip from Port-au-Prince-Jérémie overturned while trying to cross the river Glace, which was in flood. This happened close to Duchity, a commune of Pestel (Grand Anse)
The Department of Civil Protection informs us that the record is of 40 bodies recovered and 9 survivors, and that a team of the Civil Protection transferred the survivors to CYMED of Beaumont for necessary medical care. The rescue work is continuing.
The DPC has informed that until now the figures are not fully verified. A final assessment will be provided as soon as available.
ARTICLE - IRRESPONSIBILITY OF DRIVERS
THE PRIME MINISTER DEPLORES THE IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR OF DRIVERS
(Haiti Libre) -
Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, has learned with deep emotion, the serious accident that occurred on Monday, June 18, 2012, in the Grande Anse Department at the Glace River in flood, near the town of Duchity (Municipality of Pestel), where a bus "Sweet Love", ensuring the route Port-au-Prince/Jérémie was trying to cross the river.
Faced with this new drama, which saddens the country, especially the Department of the Grande Anse, the Prime Minister sends his condolences to the entire population of Grande Anse, as well as the expression of deepest sympathy of the Martelly-Lamothe administration, to the families of victims and survivors.
The Head of Government, while deploring the irresponsible behavior of our drivers on the national roads, renews its commitment to work to the welfare of the population. The Prime Minister, calls everyone to exercise caution, and is committed to take appropriate steps together with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of our citizens using public roads.
Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, has learned with deep emotion, the serious accident that occurred on Monday, June 18, 2012, in the Grande Anse Department at the Glace River in flood, near the town of Duchity (Municipality of Pestel), where a bus "Sweet Love", ensuring the route Port-au-Prince/Jérémie was trying to cross the river.
Faced with this new drama, which saddens the country, especially the Department of the Grande Anse, the Prime Minister sends his condolences to the entire population of Grande Anse, as well as the expression of deepest sympathy of the Martelly-Lamothe administration, to the families of victims and survivors.
The Head of Government, while deploring the irresponsible behavior of our drivers on the national roads, renews its commitment to work to the welfare of the population. The Prime Minister, calls everyone to exercise caution, and is committed to take appropriate steps together with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of our citizens using public roads.
ARTICLE - UDMO INTERVENTION - CURTIS-MARO
STRONG INTERVENTION OF THE UDMO AT CURTIS AND MARO
(Haiti Libre) -
Early in the morning of Monday, June 18, 2012, agents of the Departmental Unit of Law Enforcement (UDMO) intervened around 10am in Petit-Goâve including in Curtis and Maro, to release Rte. Nationale #2 which was still blocked, for the third time, by the inhabitants of these localities, who demanded electricity.
UDMO agents used tear gas and fired shots into the air to disperse demonstrators who occupied the highway, and then removed the barricades to restore traffic.
According to the testimony of Rosemonde Jean, a resident of Curtis, "UDMO agents used gas from motorcycle tanks and burned four houses, they threw stones at passersby, destroyed by bullets the banana plants of the zone, killed a pig and damaged several motorcycles and bicycles. Yes, I saw that with my own eyes".
Two women from the locality of Curtis, Ms. Lenaise Pierre, widow of four children, and Mrs. Marie-Rose Pierre whose houses were burnt, came to complain to the radio show "People's Tribune" (Tribune populaire), of Preference FM, to seek justice and redress ... "We lost everything, the fire destroyed everything we owned, we are left with nothing..."
Many citizens have criticized the violence of the intervention of UDMO agents, who also brutalized a young boy during their intervention. Despite these unfortunate incidents, the residents of Curtis and Maro are determined to continue their protest movement... they just want electricity...
(Haiti Libre) -
Early in the morning of Monday, June 18, 2012, agents of the Departmental Unit of Law Enforcement (UDMO) intervened around 10am in Petit-Goâve including in Curtis and Maro, to release Rte. Nationale #2 which was still blocked, for the third time, by the inhabitants of these localities, who demanded electricity.
UDMO agents used tear gas and fired shots into the air to disperse demonstrators who occupied the highway, and then removed the barricades to restore traffic.
According to the testimony of Rosemonde Jean, a resident of Curtis, "UDMO agents used gas from motorcycle tanks and burned four houses, they threw stones at passersby, destroyed by bullets the banana plants of the zone, killed a pig and damaged several motorcycles and bicycles. Yes, I saw that with my own eyes".
Two women from the locality of Curtis, Ms. Lenaise Pierre, widow of four children, and Mrs. Marie-Rose Pierre whose houses were burnt, came to complain to the radio show "People's Tribune" (Tribune populaire), of Preference FM, to seek justice and redress ... "We lost everything, the fire destroyed everything we owned, we are left with nothing..."
Many citizens have criticized the violence of the intervention of UDMO agents, who also brutalized a young boy during their intervention. Despite these unfortunate incidents, the residents of Curtis and Maro are determined to continue their protest movement... they just want electricity...
Monday, June 18, 2012
ARTICLE - BAE SYSTEMS RULE OF LAW CONTRACTOR
BAE SYSTEMS TO PROVIDE RULE OF LAW SERVICES UNDER U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM SUPPORT CONTRACT
(Business Wire) - BAE Systems
ROCKVILLE, Md.- BAE Systems has been selected, with a small business prime contractor, to support criminal justice and development programs worldwide under a new U.S. Department of State contract. The company will provide rule of law, training and other services in various countries as part of a team led by Bering Straits Orion Management (BSOM), a joint venture.
The Criminal Justice Program Support (CJPS) contract is an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity type, in which teams will participate in bids for individual task orders.
“This contract will provide critical assistance to governments that have struggled in the midst of conflict or natural disasters,” said Scott Black, vice president and general manager of Global Mission Solutions at BAE Systems Support Solutions. “We’re pleased to be working with BSOM and the Department of State to offer our strong expertise to meet these important and fundamental needs for good governance and rule of law.”
The BSOM-led team will help guide new and existing governments in setting up legal procedures and ensuring other rule of law principles. These global services will include training for police officers, correctional officers and legal advisors, such as judges and prosecutors. The work will be done in countries as needed and may include Afghanistan, Haiti, Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon, Liberia and nations of South America.
Twelve teams of contractors were selected to support the Department of State under CJPS. BAE Systems’ work will be conducted overseas and managed primarily from the company’s offices in Rockville, Md.
(Business Wire) - BAE Systems
ROCKVILLE, Md.- BAE Systems has been selected, with a small business prime contractor, to support criminal justice and development programs worldwide under a new U.S. Department of State contract. The company will provide rule of law, training and other services in various countries as part of a team led by Bering Straits Orion Management (BSOM), a joint venture.
The Criminal Justice Program Support (CJPS) contract is an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity type, in which teams will participate in bids for individual task orders.
“This contract will provide critical assistance to governments that have struggled in the midst of conflict or natural disasters,” said Scott Black, vice president and general manager of Global Mission Solutions at BAE Systems Support Solutions. “We’re pleased to be working with BSOM and the Department of State to offer our strong expertise to meet these important and fundamental needs for good governance and rule of law.”
The BSOM-led team will help guide new and existing governments in setting up legal procedures and ensuring other rule of law principles. These global services will include training for police officers, correctional officers and legal advisors, such as judges and prosecutors. The work will be done in countries as needed and may include Afghanistan, Haiti, Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon, Liberia and nations of South America.
Twelve teams of contractors were selected to support the Department of State under CJPS. BAE Systems’ work will be conducted overseas and managed primarily from the company’s offices in Rockville, Md.
ARTICLE - MEMBER OF CHILEAN EMBASSY KILLED
A MEMBER OF THE CHILEAN EMBASSY, KILLED IN PETIONVILLE
(Haiti Libre) -
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence of Chile, a Chilean Navy Sergeant, Enrique Arevalo Flores, 44, a native of Quilpué, married with two children, and the Assistant Defence Attaché at the Embassy of Chile in Haiti, died after being fatally wounded by bullets in Petionville (Port-au-Prince).
According to available information, the sergeant was assaulted by unknown people as he was leaving a restaurant, receiving four bullet wounds. Arevalo was rushed to hospital Lambert Santé, where he passed away, Sunday at 5:45 am.
The Chilean Ministry of Defence specifies that Sergeant Arevalo was not part of the soldiers of the UN Mission for Stabilization in Haiti (Minustah), and that the judicial authorities, and the National Police of Haiti had begun an investigation.
The Consulate of Chile in Haiti has begun the process for repatriation to his country, of the victims' body.
(Haiti Libre) -
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence of Chile, a Chilean Navy Sergeant, Enrique Arevalo Flores, 44, a native of Quilpué, married with two children, and the Assistant Defence Attaché at the Embassy of Chile in Haiti, died after being fatally wounded by bullets in Petionville (Port-au-Prince).
According to available information, the sergeant was assaulted by unknown people as he was leaving a restaurant, receiving four bullet wounds. Arevalo was rushed to hospital Lambert Santé, where he passed away, Sunday at 5:45 am.
The Chilean Ministry of Defence specifies that Sergeant Arevalo was not part of the soldiers of the UN Mission for Stabilization in Haiti (Minustah), and that the judicial authorities, and the National Police of Haiti had begun an investigation.
The Consulate of Chile in Haiti has begun the process for repatriation to his country, of the victims' body.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
ARTICLE - MARTELLY MEETS WITH CSPJ
PRESIDENT MARTELLY MET WITH MEMERS OF THE CSPJ
(Haiti Libre) -
Last week, Judge Durin Duret Jr., President of the National Association of Haitian Magistrates [ANAMAH], saw in the explanations of the Government on the successive delays in the publication in the Moniteur, of the Decree announcing the establishment of the Supreme Council of the Judicial Power (CSPJ); a lack of willingness of the Executive to want to complete the installation process of the CSPJ, indicating that a meeting with the Presidency had been planned to break the deadlock.
Thursday at the National Palace, President Martelly in the presence of Michel Brunache, and Josué Pierre-Louis (two former Ministers of Justice), and Jean Renel Sanon, the current Minister of Justice, met with 9 certified members of the CSPJ. Note that the representatives of the National Association of Haitian Magistrates (ANAMAH) and of the Federation of Law Societies of Haiti (FBH), who were the origin of this meeting, were not present...
The Head of State promised that the decree for the implementation of the CSPJ, will be published in late June or early July at the latest, so that members of the Council, can be installed in their duties. Me Néhémie Joseph, Representative of the Assembly of practicing barristers (Barrister of the Bar of Gonaïves) and certified member of CSPJ, confirmed that the Minister of Justice had received from President Martelly instructions for preparing this decree.
According to Me Néhémie Joseph, the Government had some concerns on the issue of the transfer of expertise, and of the continuity of the administration of the justice after the establishment of the Council. On these issues, members of the CSPJ reassured the Head of State by giving him all the necessary guarantees.
Carlos Hercules, the president of the Bar of Port-au-Prince, considers that this meeting is an important step, and welcomed the announcement of the Head of State, but regretted that this meeting was held in the absence of representatives of ANAMAH and of FBH.
(Haiti Libre) -
Last week, Judge Durin Duret Jr., President of the National Association of Haitian Magistrates [ANAMAH], saw in the explanations of the Government on the successive delays in the publication in the Moniteur, of the Decree announcing the establishment of the Supreme Council of the Judicial Power (CSPJ); a lack of willingness of the Executive to want to complete the installation process of the CSPJ, indicating that a meeting with the Presidency had been planned to break the deadlock.
Thursday at the National Palace, President Martelly in the presence of Michel Brunache, and Josué Pierre-Louis (two former Ministers of Justice), and Jean Renel Sanon, the current Minister of Justice, met with 9 certified members of the CSPJ. Note that the representatives of the National Association of Haitian Magistrates (ANAMAH) and of the Federation of Law Societies of Haiti (FBH), who were the origin of this meeting, were not present...
The Head of State promised that the decree for the implementation of the CSPJ, will be published in late June or early July at the latest, so that members of the Council, can be installed in their duties. Me Néhémie Joseph, Representative of the Assembly of practicing barristers (Barrister of the Bar of Gonaïves) and certified member of CSPJ, confirmed that the Minister of Justice had received from President Martelly instructions for preparing this decree.
According to Me Néhémie Joseph, the Government had some concerns on the issue of the transfer of expertise, and of the continuity of the administration of the justice after the establishment of the Council. On these issues, members of the CSPJ reassured the Head of State by giving him all the necessary guarantees.
Carlos Hercules, the president of the Bar of Port-au-Prince, considers that this meeting is an important step, and welcomed the announcement of the Head of State, but regretted that this meeting was held in the absence of representatives of ANAMAH and of FBH.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
ARTICLE - HAITI TO CREATE NAT'L SECURITY AGENCY
HAITI TO CREATE A NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY
(Prensa Latina) -
Port au Prince - The government announced the creation of a national security agency to coordinate the struggle against corruption countrywide, mainly on the border with the Dominican Republic.
According to Interior Minister Thierry Mayard Paul, over 2,500 men will join the unit to supervise the traffic of merchandise on the border, where the country loses some 500 million USD yearly as a result of smuggling.
Other units of the agency will involve firefighting, coastguard, environmental police, civil protection and the permanent secretariat for risk and disaster management, he said.
Last week the country launched a campaign against corruption, leading to the detention of at least 40 government officials and members of the electoral board with assets estimated at 92,000 USD, allegedly from public funds.
Haiti lacks a military force since 1994, when former President Jean Bertrand Aristide dissolved the Army in the wake of its involvement in human rights violations and coups.
In November, 2011, President Michel Martelly ordered the creation of a civil commission in charge of handling the re-establishment of the Army, prompting a rebellion among ex militaries.
The program envisages hiring a first contingent of 3,500 troops and a long-term investment of 95 million USD.
(Prensa Latina) -
Port au Prince - The government announced the creation of a national security agency to coordinate the struggle against corruption countrywide, mainly on the border with the Dominican Republic.
According to Interior Minister Thierry Mayard Paul, over 2,500 men will join the unit to supervise the traffic of merchandise on the border, where the country loses some 500 million USD yearly as a result of smuggling.
Other units of the agency will involve firefighting, coastguard, environmental police, civil protection and the permanent secretariat for risk and disaster management, he said.
Last week the country launched a campaign against corruption, leading to the detention of at least 40 government officials and members of the electoral board with assets estimated at 92,000 USD, allegedly from public funds.
Haiti lacks a military force since 1994, when former President Jean Bertrand Aristide dissolved the Army in the wake of its involvement in human rights violations and coups.
In November, 2011, President Michel Martelly ordered the creation of a civil commission in charge of handling the re-establishment of the Army, prompting a rebellion among ex militaries.
The program envisages hiring a first contingent of 3,500 troops and a long-term investment of 95 million USD.
ARTICLE - U.S. COMPLETES $5M POLICE PROJECT
US COMPLETES $5M PROJECT FOR HAITI POLICE
(Jamaica Observer) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE - Haitian police and US Embassy officials have completed the US$5 million renovation of a police academy in Haiti's capital.
The work by Contracting, Consulting, Engineering LLC included repairs to a pavilion damaged in the 2010 earthquake and a surrounding wall. The Annapolis, Maryland-based firm also built a 900-seat auditorium that will serve as a new venue for meetings and conferences for officers.
The facility was inaugurated yesterday by Deputy Chief of Mission Dan Foote and Police Chief Mario Andresol.
(Jamaica Observer) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE - Haitian police and US Embassy officials have completed the US$5 million renovation of a police academy in Haiti's capital.
The work by Contracting, Consulting, Engineering LLC included repairs to a pavilion damaged in the 2010 earthquake and a surrounding wall. The Annapolis, Maryland-based firm also built a 900-seat auditorium that will serve as a new venue for meetings and conferences for officers.
The facility was inaugurated yesterday by Deputy Chief of Mission Dan Foote and Police Chief Mario Andresol.
ARTICLE - CSPN CONVENED BY LOWER HOUSE
THE CSPN CONVENED BY THE LOWER HOUSE
(Haiti Libre) -
Deputy Fritz Gérald Bourjolly, announced that the Supreme Council of the National Police (CSPN) is to be convened at the Lower House for this Friday, June 15, 2012.
"[...] I can say that the procedure was followed. I met President Levaillant Louis Jeune, [the President of the Lower House], who was responsible for making the invitation, for the CSPN to be convened on Friday, June 15, 2012.
The CSPN will have to come, to tell us what new national security plan it has. It will also have to tell us, what it will do for the communal sections across the country. At the present time there is no communal section in the country, which has a police officer... The population of these sections are at the mercy of the "winds and tides"... The bandits of Port-au-Prince are hiding in these sections [...]
We also have questions to ask about the demobilized soldiers. What will be done to definitively resolve this issue? We understand that progress has been made, but there is not yet a definitive solution... They must tell us specifically what they will do to permanently resolve the problem of the demobilized military.
There are other points that we will discuss with them, like the communal sections in the country where there is a Peace Court but not a sub-police station, and Peace courts can not function because of this situation... it is a problem. We know that there is also a staffing problem for the police, and that in certain places, there is only one or two police officers, and the work can not be done.
We will also talk with them about the scientific police, and judicial police. Many questions will be discussed with the Superior Council of the National Police [...]"
(Haiti Libre) -
Deputy Fritz Gérald Bourjolly, announced that the Supreme Council of the National Police (CSPN) is to be convened at the Lower House for this Friday, June 15, 2012.
"[...] I can say that the procedure was followed. I met President Levaillant Louis Jeune, [the President of the Lower House], who was responsible for making the invitation, for the CSPN to be convened on Friday, June 15, 2012.
The CSPN will have to come, to tell us what new national security plan it has. It will also have to tell us, what it will do for the communal sections across the country. At the present time there is no communal section in the country, which has a police officer... The population of these sections are at the mercy of the "winds and tides"... The bandits of Port-au-Prince are hiding in these sections [...]
We also have questions to ask about the demobilized soldiers. What will be done to definitively resolve this issue? We understand that progress has been made, but there is not yet a definitive solution... They must tell us specifically what they will do to permanently resolve the problem of the demobilized military.
There are other points that we will discuss with them, like the communal sections in the country where there is a Peace Court but not a sub-police station, and Peace courts can not function because of this situation... it is a problem. We know that there is also a staffing problem for the police, and that in certain places, there is only one or two police officers, and the work can not be done.
We will also talk with them about the scientific police, and judicial police. Many questions will be discussed with the Superior Council of the National Police [...]"
Monday, June 11, 2012
ARTICLE - MAJOR ULCC OPERATION
MAJOR OPERATION OF THE ULCC IN PORT DE PAIX
(Haiti Libre) -
The first phase of a major anti-corruption operation ended in the town of Port de Paix on the initiative of the Unit for the Fight against Corruption (ULCC). Evidence has been found establishing the existence of embezzlement, forgery, use of false, money laundering and corruption.
Three alleged perpetrators of these reprehensible acts, executives respectively of the Regional Office of the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP), and of the Banque Nationale de Credit (BNC), were placed under arrest. The lead author, a senior official of BR/MENFP, currently on the run, is actively sought by Justice.
Also as part of this operation, 40 other suspects are awaiting a hearing by the competent authorities. A sum of three million seven hundred thousand Gdes (3,700,000) found in the respective accounts of the alleged suspects, and were frozen, while waiting to be repatriated in the best delay to the Fund of the Free Compulsory Education Program (PSUGO) of the Presidency.
The success of this operation, which reflects the desire of the Martelly-Lamothe Administration to track down the corruptors and fraudsters wherever they are, is the result of good inter-institutional cooperation, mainly between the General Council of Port de-Paix, the Central Unit of Financial Intelligence (UCREF), and financial institutions.
The Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, reiterates his firm determination to the fight against corruption as one of the main workhorses of his management, as committed through his General Policy.
(Haiti Libre) -
The first phase of a major anti-corruption operation ended in the town of Port de Paix on the initiative of the Unit for the Fight against Corruption (ULCC). Evidence has been found establishing the existence of embezzlement, forgery, use of false, money laundering and corruption.
Three alleged perpetrators of these reprehensible acts, executives respectively of the Regional Office of the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP), and of the Banque Nationale de Credit (BNC), were placed under arrest. The lead author, a senior official of BR/MENFP, currently on the run, is actively sought by Justice.
Also as part of this operation, 40 other suspects are awaiting a hearing by the competent authorities. A sum of three million seven hundred thousand Gdes (3,700,000) found in the respective accounts of the alleged suspects, and were frozen, while waiting to be repatriated in the best delay to the Fund of the Free Compulsory Education Program (PSUGO) of the Presidency.
The success of this operation, which reflects the desire of the Martelly-Lamothe Administration to track down the corruptors and fraudsters wherever they are, is the result of good inter-institutional cooperation, mainly between the General Council of Port de-Paix, the Central Unit of Financial Intelligence (UCREF), and financial institutions.
The Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, reiterates his firm determination to the fight against corruption as one of the main workhorses of his management, as committed through his General Policy.
ARTICLE - D.R. - HAITI PLOT PROBE
PROBE INTO ALLEGED PLOT TARGETING HAITI'S LEADER NEARLY FINISHED
(Dominican Today) -
Santo Domingo - National District prosecutor Yeni Berenice Reynoso on Monday said the investigation into Pedro Julio Goico’s (Pepe) alleged plot against Haiti president Michel Martelly is now in its final phase, for which the conclusions will be disclosed shortly.
Justice minister Radhames Jimenez had instructed the DA to conduct the probe and inform the Haitian authorities of the case.
In another development, Reynoso said Mexico’s government is cooperating with the investigation into the Central Electoral Board’s revelation that its informatics system was hacked during the May 20 elections. She said that Mexico was contacted because the hack was carried out from that country.
Santo Domingo - National District prosecutor Yeni Berenice Reynoso on Monday said the investigation into Pedro Julio Goico’s (Pepe) alleged plot against Haiti president Michel Martelly is now in its final phase, for which the conclusions will be disclosed shortly.
Justice minister Radhames Jimenez had instructed the DA to conduct the probe and inform the Haitian authorities of the case.
In another development, Reynoso said Mexico’s government is cooperating with the investigation into the Central Electoral Board’s revelation that its informatics system was hacked during the May 20 elections. She said that Mexico was contacted because the hack was carried out from that country.
ARTICLE - D.R. METAL THIEVES
MORE ARRESTS AS METAL THIEVES GET TERRORIST LABEL
(Dominican Today) -
Santo Domingo - Police agents arrested 12 people from San Juan de la Maguana, La Romana, Santo Domingo West and Constanza, on charges of wire and metal theft, and seized a truck loaded with metal pipes, several rolls of copper wire and two motorcycles.
The arrest is the latest against people suspected of stealing wires, cables and even structure parts of bridges, which some officials call acts of terrorism.
Julius Cesar Rosado, 36, Jose Feliz, 33 and Ricardo Muñoz Ramirez, 28, were arrested in San Juan, with the Kenworth truck loaded with metals, as they were about to cross the border into Haiti to sell the contraband.
The Police said during questioning by investigators the detainees confessed to the robbery, adding that more arrests (will be made) and that the metal will be returned to the owners in the next few hours.
(Dominican Today) -
Santo Domingo - Police agents arrested 12 people from San Juan de la Maguana, La Romana, Santo Domingo West and Constanza, on charges of wire and metal theft, and seized a truck loaded with metal pipes, several rolls of copper wire and two motorcycles.
The arrest is the latest against people suspected of stealing wires, cables and even structure parts of bridges, which some officials call acts of terrorism.
Julius Cesar Rosado, 36, Jose Feliz, 33 and Ricardo Muñoz Ramirez, 28, were arrested in San Juan, with the Kenworth truck loaded with metals, as they were about to cross the border into Haiti to sell the contraband.
The Police said during questioning by investigators the detainees confessed to the robbery, adding that more arrests (will be made) and that the metal will be returned to the owners in the next few hours.
ARTICLE - GOV'T ANTI-CORRUPTION OPERATION
HAITI'S GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES ANTI-CORRUPTION OPERATION, ARRESTS THREE
(Caribbean Journal) -
Haiti’s government has launched the first phase of an anti-corruption initiative, according to Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe.
The operation, which was conducted in the city of Port de Paix, resulted in the arrests of three executives of the regional office of the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training and the National Credit Bank.
The corruption ring reportedly included evidence of embezzlement, forgery and money laundering.
According to Lamothe’s office, the ring leader, a senior manager at the Ministry’s regional office, is still on the run.
The Prime Minister’s office did not release the names of the suspects or those arrested.
Another 40 suspects are awaiting a hearing with relevant authorities, according to the Prime Minister’s office.
The operation identified 3.7 million gourdes (approximately $87,140) associated with the suspects; those funds have now been frozen, according to the PM.
Lamothe, in a statement, said he reiterated his “firm determination” to making the fight against corruption a major priority of his administration.
The operation was reportedly conducted with inter-agency cooperation including Haiti’s Financial Intelligence Unit.
(Caribbean Journal) -
Haiti’s government has launched the first phase of an anti-corruption initiative, according to Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe.
The operation, which was conducted in the city of Port de Paix, resulted in the arrests of three executives of the regional office of the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training and the National Credit Bank.
The corruption ring reportedly included evidence of embezzlement, forgery and money laundering.
According to Lamothe’s office, the ring leader, a senior manager at the Ministry’s regional office, is still on the run.
The Prime Minister’s office did not release the names of the suspects or those arrested.
Another 40 suspects are awaiting a hearing with relevant authorities, according to the Prime Minister’s office.
The operation identified 3.7 million gourdes (approximately $87,140) associated with the suspects; those funds have now been frozen, according to the PM.
Lamothe, in a statement, said he reiterated his “firm determination” to making the fight against corruption a major priority of his administration.
The operation was reportedly conducted with inter-agency cooperation including Haiti’s Financial Intelligence Unit.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
ARTICLE - FHP TROOPER KILLED IN HAITI
FAMILY OF FHP TROOPER KILLED IN HAITI "IN SHOCK"
NORTH MIAMI—
On leave from the Florida Highway Patrol and in his native Haiti to tend to his ailing wife, Trooper Jean Barthelus was the kind of man who lived to serve.
So when at least two men reportedly flagged him down on the roadside in Port-au-Prince on Friday, he stopped, say family members in South Florida.
That proved to be fatal. Barthelus, 47, was slain in his car in the neighborhood of Turgeau when armed assailants unleashed a fusillade of bullets that riddled his vehicle and struck him in the head, according to his relatives.
"We are in shock," said Dorothy Borgelin, 44, a cousin who described Barthelus as her best friend. "We don't know if it was an assassination or a robbery. But he was always there to help people."
Barthelus, an eight-year FHP veteran who worked road patrol on Florida's Turnpike, told his wife Michelle that he was going out Friday evening to run some errands, said Borgelin. He was discovered dead about 1 a.m. Saturday, she said.
Haitian authorities have yet to say anything about Barthelus' murder. Trooper Jose Sanchez said FHP officials were working US and Hatiain officials. Information about his death comes from family friends there, said Borgelin.
FHP confirmed Barthelus' death, saying in a statement that the agency "extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to Trooper Barthelus' family."
Sanchez, who worked with Barthelus, described him as "dedicated to his profession and a pleasure to work with." He had received many commendations, said Sanchez.
"They say the Good Lord picks the most beautiful flower for his garden," said Sanchez. "He was a beautiful flower."
Borgelin said Barthelus was a graduate of Florida State University and also held a master's degree in engineering from Florida International University.
She described him as a very prudent man, who did not drink alcohol even when he was off duty, just in case he were called in to work.
In his addition to his wife, Barthelus is survived by a daughter, his mother Emily, of North Miami, three brothers and three sisters.
Borgelin said Michelle Barthelus is making arrangements to return to South Florida with her husband's body this week. Services are pending.
NORTH MIAMI—
On leave from the Florida Highway Patrol and in his native Haiti to tend to his ailing wife, Trooper Jean Barthelus was the kind of man who lived to serve.
So when at least two men reportedly flagged him down on the roadside in Port-au-Prince on Friday, he stopped, say family members in South Florida.
That proved to be fatal. Barthelus, 47, was slain in his car in the neighborhood of Turgeau when armed assailants unleashed a fusillade of bullets that riddled his vehicle and struck him in the head, according to his relatives.
"We are in shock," said Dorothy Borgelin, 44, a cousin who described Barthelus as her best friend. "We don't know if it was an assassination or a robbery. But he was always there to help people."
Barthelus, an eight-year FHP veteran who worked road patrol on Florida's Turnpike, told his wife Michelle that he was going out Friday evening to run some errands, said Borgelin. He was discovered dead about 1 a.m. Saturday, she said.
Haitian authorities have yet to say anything about Barthelus' murder. Trooper Jose Sanchez said FHP officials were working US and Hatiain officials. Information about his death comes from family friends there, said Borgelin.
FHP confirmed Barthelus' death, saying in a statement that the agency "extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to Trooper Barthelus' family."
Sanchez, who worked with Barthelus, described him as "dedicated to his profession and a pleasure to work with." He had received many commendations, said Sanchez.
"They say the Good Lord picks the most beautiful flower for his garden," said Sanchez. "He was a beautiful flower."
Borgelin said Barthelus was a graduate of Florida State University and also held a master's degree in engineering from Florida International University.
She described him as a very prudent man, who did not drink alcohol even when he was off duty, just in case he were called in to work.
In his addition to his wife, Barthelus is survived by a daughter, his mother Emily, of North Miami, three brothers and three sisters.
Borgelin said Michelle Barthelus is making arrangements to return to South Florida with her husband's body this week. Services are pending.
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