Haiti - Reconstruction : Confidence and optimism of Michaëlle Jean...

In an interview with Canadian Press, Michaelle Jean, UNESCO Special Envoy for Haiti, said that in front of the the slowness and disorganization of the reconstruction of Haiti, "People are very frustrated right now" adding that people are "tired" and "traumatized". She says that many "work still needs to be done," nearly a year after the earthquake of January "Unfortunately, we will commemorate the earthquake one year later, and the Haitians have not seen many signs to make them believe that work has begun."

Michaëlle Jean said she id still optimistic. She believes that her country can get on their feet, even if much of the population of the Haitian capital must still live under tents and that water and food remain scarce for many "The needs are incredible, but we should not be discouraged."

The key of development for Ms. Jean goes through the strengthening of support for small and medium enterprises, reconstruction and restoration of cultural treasures to encourage tourism, and creating a true national land register.

But first, Ms. Jean is convinced that an education system of quality and accessible to all, will enable Haitians to rebuild their own country "Haitians want to be seen and recognized as part of the solution [...] If we do not do that, it will be a disaster, it will be as usual"

She also recalls that because of the painful past of Haiti, many of its elite have fled the country and the dynamic members of its diaspora have landed in countries like Canada or the United States. "So I think in many ways, that the rest of humanity also has a definite debt to Haiti, a moral debt"

"It's going to work" she says, "We have other examples in the world of successful reconstruction," citing as an example the reconstruction of Sichuan Province, China, where 90,000 people were killed during an earthquake in 2008 and Rwanda where genocide was in 1994 no fewer than 800,000 victims.

Seeming to forget that the rebuilding of Sichuan province in China has required 10 billion investment over two years without needing to call for international assistance, with technical and considerable human resources available on site. As the genocide in Rwanda this terrible human tragedy, it is not comparable in terms of damage to those caused by the earthquake which hit Haiti and destroyed 80% of the capital making nearly 300,000 dead. A catastrophe unparalleled in the world, according to international experts.

Recall that Haiti has so far received less than one billion of the $ 11 billion promise made in New York at the International Donors' Conference in March, over 3 billion of projects have been approved by the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC). For most projects, funding are incomplete and are unable to start or they are simply looking for funding...

Hope that our citizens share the optimism and confidence of Michaëlle Jean, they particularly need them right now, where post election violence and unrest have been added to the cholera epidemic. Especially wish that Ms. Jean uses her contacts and influence to ensure that the promises and words of comfort, are transformed into action very quickly.

See also:
http://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-1925-haiti-elections-michaelle-jean-asks-to-the-haitians-to-show-perseverance.html

HL/ HaitiLibre

Haiti - Agriculture : 45 Haitian technicians were trained in agroforestry

Following the agreement signed last August by Mr. Tadashi Ikeshiro, representative of the International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr. Fritz Cineas, Ambassador of Haiti and Alejandra Liriano, Vice-Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, 45 technicians-trainers in agroforestry Haitians have been trained in agricultural production in mountain areas so that they may be able to transfer this techniques to farmers.

The training was provided to Haiti by "the International Course in agricultural production systems" in the mountainous regions. The objective was to train staff to production systems adapted to mountain soils to improve crop productivity and income levels of farmers, in the respect of environmental protection.

In Haiti, more than 50% of the population works in agriculture. It is estimated that 80% of these farmers are unable to reach a level of self-sufficiency. Other causes that lack of training are to consider as the little funding available, the lack of infrastructure for storage, preservation and transportation of agricultural products and the low level of agricultural technology used.

See also:
http://www.haitilibre.com/article-927-haiti-agriculture-formation-en-agroforesterie.html (in french)

S/ HaitiLibre

Haiti - Elections : The Mission OAS/CARICOM monitors the contestations

The period of complaints with regard to the preliminary results of the first round of the legislative and presidential elections in Haiti came to an end on Wednesday 15 December, four days later than planned on the electoral calendar because of the unrest that followed the publication of the preliminary results.

The urgent and exceptional mechanism initiated by the CEP on 9 December to verify the tabulation of the preliminary results, the Special Verification Commission, did not get off the ground. The CEP informed the Joint Mission by letter dated 14 December that “it found itself obliged to place a hold on its intention to establish the Commission in order to avoid any possible duplication between the mandate of the Commission and that of the mission ordered by the Head of State”.

With regard to the period of contestation, the OAS-CARICOM Joint Electoral Observation Mission (JEOM) notes that the number of complaints submitted by candidates varies from Department to Department, with the majority of them being submitted as expected by the legislative candidates at the level of the Lower House. The Mission notes that a large number of candidates have taken advantage of the legal recourses provided by the Electoral Law during this contestation phase. Several of the complaints submitted by presidential and legislative candidates call for the cancellation of the electoral process on the grounds of the irregularities and the instances of violence and fraud that marred the first round of the elections and which disenfranchised a large number of prospective voters.

The JEOM reiterates its call to the CEP that in carrying out its jurisdictional functions it must ensure that these claims, complaints and challenges at the Departmental Electoral Challenges Office (BCED) and National Electoral Challenges Office(BCEN) auditions are treated with the transparency, thoroughness and fairness that they deserve. The auditions permit candidates to obtain redress when they provide proof that they have been the victim of irregularities or fraud. Despite the delays affecting the start of the audition period, the CEP must take its time to ensure that the due process procedures are carried out thoroughly.

These auditions are of critical importance as their outcome leads to the proclamation of the final results of the first round of the legislative and presidential elections. This was initially scheduled to take place on 20 December but will most probably have to be delayed. The Mission hopes that the prevailing period of calm will provide an enabling environment for serene and meticulous deliberations and for equitable decisions by the respective BCEDs and the BCEN.

HL/ HaitiLibre

Haiti - Epidemic : Cholera spreads in South and in the rural areas of the North

Two months after the beginning of the cholera epidemic in Haiti, the activities of Medecins sans Frontiers (MSF) does not weaken. Almost 2,000 patients arrive each day in the cholera treatment facilities operated or supported by MSF . If the number of cases seem "stabilized" in the Artibonite and Port-au-Prince, the epidemic continues to spread in cities and rural areas of the North.

Last week, MSF has treated more than 5,000 patients in the departments of North and Northwest. The challenge is primarily logistics, because the affected areas are extremely difficult to access. MSF teams set up multiple points of rehydration and new facilities for the treatment of cholera have been set up to Pignon, St Raphaël, Ranquitte and Gaspard.

The teams are seeing a clear progression of the epidemic in the South: 439 patients last week. In Jacmel, the unit of the MSF cholera treatment, with a capacity of 50 beds, receives over a hundred patients by day. "We had to place up to four patients per bed, tried to save many patients as possible before reinforcements arrive. Today we opened a new treatmentcenter with a capacity of 100 beds, allowing us to manage the situation," said Dr. Loreto Barcelo, MSF coordinator in Jacmel.

Since the beginning of the epidemic, MSF has treated more than 15,000 people with symptoms of cholera in the capital and 23,000 in the Artibonite Department, home of the epidemic.

Last cholera assessment: Since the beginning of the epidemic of cholera in the country (October 19, 2010), 114.497 people were infected and treated, 58.190 people were hospitalized and 2.535 people died. According to the most recent assessment of MSPP, dated of December 14, 2010. Note that these figures are grossly underestimated by the government, according to health experts from the UN.

MSF Emergency cholera in Numbers:

Since October 22, 2010, MSF has:

• Treated 62,000 persons with symptoms of cholera in Haiti, either 10,000 more than last week
  
• Installed 47 structures installed cholera treatment across the country, either 7 more than last week
  
• Imported 770 tons of medical supplies and logistics
  
• Mobilized 4.000 haitian staff and 315 expatriates
  

BF/ HaitiLibre

Haiti - Culture : A Haitian elected at the Centre de la francophonie des Amériques

The Centre de la francophonie des Amériques announced this week the names of seven new directors elected by its members, after its first election. The President of the Board, Mr. Jean-Louis Roy congratulated the newly elected who join the eight current directors on the board of directors.

These new administrators are: Ms. Céleste Godin (from Acadie), Ms. Cousineau Trèva (from Ontario), Ms. Marietta Mulaire (from the West or Northwest Territories - Canada), Ms. Gabrielle Duran (person from outside of Canada), Ms. Monique Giroux (from Quebec), Ms. Marie-France Kenny (elected from among the leaders of national organizations of Francophone and Acadian communities in Canada) and Mr. Max Jean-Louis.

Max Jean-Louis, a young Haitian of 20 years old, was elected as an administrator of the Centre de la Francophonie des Amériques. After thanking especially everyone who voted for him and who have believed in these many proposals, he said he was ready to assume his new duties and work to promote the French fact in America. He regrets that his election intervened in a difficult context in his country Haiti, marked by a post-election crisis and took the opportunity to encourage all stakeholders to work together to find a lasting political solution. "We must always give the priority to the public interest and not to repudiate the blood that flowed for thousands of slaves who fought to give us our independence" said the young administrator.

Learn more about the Centre de la Francophonie des Amériques :
The Centre de la francophonie des Amériques contributes to the promotion and development of a francophonie promising of future for the French language in the context of cultural diversity by focusing on strengthening and enhancing relationships and on the complementarity of action between the Francophone and Francophile of Quebec, Canada and the Americas. It focuses on the development and vitality of Francophone and Francophile and supports bringing people, groups and communities interested in francophone culture. It promotes trade, partnership and development of Francophone networks to support developmental projects related to social issues and disseminates information on various topics related to the Francophonie.

The Centre de la francophonie des Amériques has the financial support of Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat in Quebec.

BF/ HaitiLibre

Haiti - Epidemic : International investigation on the origin of cholera in Haiti

"I am announcing today the creation of an international scientific panel to investigate the source of the cholera epidemic in Haiti. The panel will be completely independent and have full access to all UN premises and personnel", declared today Friday, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon during his end of year press conference.

In front to reporters at UN headquarters in New York, Ban Ki-moon said the goal was simple : "We want to make the best effort to get to the bottom of this and find answers that the people of Haiti deserve."
Since October, the cholera epidemic that hit the entire country has killed more than 2.478 and 112.330 people were infected.

According to press, which citing epidemiologists and scientific, studies on the virus strain showed its Asian origin. A contingent of peacekeepers from Nepal, which joined the UN Mission in Haiti (Minustah) shortly before the start of the epidemic, could be the source of the virus arrives on the island.

"As you know, there are several theories on the origins of the cholera outbreak in Haiti. Not all reports have reached the same conclusion. Minustahand the Government of Haiti have conducted a number of tests. All so far have been negative", said the Secretary-General, before explaining the reasons for the creation of this panel. "But there remain fair questions and legitimate concerns that demand the best answer that science can provide".

To conclude on this subject, Ban Ki-moon stressed the priority of the UN on the spot : "continues to be saving lives". "We are working to reassure the population that the disease can be managed through early treatment and some clear and simple steps". Then, he recalled that the UN and its agencies on the ground needed more money to fund their relief efforts. "The Cholera Response Strategy that we launched last month is still only 21 percent funded. Haiti needs more doctors, nurses, medical supplies, and it needs them urgently", he insisted.

See also:
http://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-1648-haiti-epidemic-un-needs-$164-million-for-haiti.html
http://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-1805-haiti-epidemic-un-collected-2006-of-emergency-aid-to-fight-against-the-cholera.html

HL/ HaitiLibre

Haiti - Politic : The Case Patrice Dumont...

Patrice Dumont, well known sports columnist in Haiti and spokesman for the campaign of Mirlande Manigat "Rassemblement des Démocrates Nationaux Progressistes (RDNP)", was heard yesterday Thursday in the middle of the day, at the public prosecutor of Port-au-Prince. He is accused by Pradel Henriquez, Director General of the Télévision Nationale d'Haïti (TNH), for organizing a plot with a member of RDNP, in Delmas 22 on December 12, to burn the TNH.

After 3 hours of hearings, Patrice Dumont is free but emerged at the disposal of justice. "It's just a plot, because I'm in politics alongside Mirlande Manigat" believes Patrice Dumont, which describes convocation of "smear campaign". He accuses the General Manager of the TNH to want to sully his image "This is political persecution, but I will not let myself do".

"The prosecutionn has not been seized, it's a personal approach made by the government commissioner, outside the law, " said Mr. Mozard Clérison, one of eight lawyers of Patrice Dumont, specifying no complaint had been lodged against Patrice Dumont, and without complaint, the government commissioner can not act.

Many journalists and politicians had come to lend their support to Patrice Dumont.

Youri Latortue "of COREH, who made a covenant with NPDR, said vigorously, "There is no physical element to audition Patrice Dumont. I liken this hearing to the political persecution carried out by a regime at the end of his reign."

Mirlande Manigat, presidential candidate, who came to witness "her solidarity" to Mr. Dumont, she said that she could not say if is a political persecution. However, she indicated "It seems that the RDNP is under investigation. I do not know for what reason", adding that she will make soon some revelations to the press letting plane the mystery on her revelations...

Joseph Guyler C. Delva, secretary of SOS journalist, said he hoped the case will be discontinued, unless there is evidence against Patrice Dumont. Remains convinced that Patrice Dumont can not descend to that level.
HL/ HaitiLibre

Haiti - Elections : Mirlande Manigat refuses everything and proposes nothing...

Mirlande Manigat, presidential candidate, came in first (31.37%) in the preliminary results of the first round, declared yesterday Friday in a press conference, she was ready to take part in the second round and she rejected the "prefabricated" solutions proposed to resolve the political crisis.

Thus, she rejects the idea of the formation by the CEP of a commission to recount and verification of minutes "This commission is not based on the law... the law does not give permission to form this type of commission". Although previously she had been publicly in favor of a recount, saying that her score should be higher, before changing her mind and reject this option.

She refuses to be present (or represented) on this commission, "Me, I did not send a delegate to take a seat in this commission because, in addition to the unconstitutionality of such a commission, the invitation was made to me in a way inelegant by the internet. It is a lack of respect, to choose this mode of communication with a contender for the presidency of the country..."

She refused a second round at 3 affirming "The constitution does not provide a second round with three candidates, but with two" A surprising position since the electoral law (1) provides for a second round with more than 2 candidates. The article states "if there is a tie between candidates who obtained the greatest number of votes in the first round, they all participate in the second round". This notion of equality seems to be interpreted as "very similar results between two or more candidates" because, contrary to article 42, there is no mention of "perfect equality", so the CEP can probably use this compromise option. Unless the electoral law is unconstitutional in her eyes ?

She refused a second round at 17 stating stating that "Anyway, I'm definitely at the top", after, it must be remembered, her public position on the cancellation of elections followed by a flip-flop a few days later...

She refuses all proposals and interventions of the international community, going so far denied the existence of two committees requested from the OAS by the President Préval this week [The first technical mission will have for task to support verification of the tabulation while the second will provide legal technical assistance in the litigation stage of the contestation process, in order to reassure all stakeholders in the process.

For Mirlande Manigat, constitutionalist "there is necessary to remain nearest possible to the constitution [...] a political solution does not necessarily mean trample on the constitution of 1987"

After all these rejections, she was nevertheless "willing and available" for any dialogue to find a solution to the crisis (!) and acknowledges "I have no personal solution to the electoral crisis affecting the country since the publication of preliminary results on December 7" adding "It remains to President Rene Preval, 52 days at the power before leaving on February 7th. And as of this date, with my arrival to the Presidency, things will change".

Ms. Mirlande Manigat has the right to express her opinions, but we do not see very well what her opening to the "concertation" will be able to make unless that concertation, mean for her, that others must rally to her candidacy... We will not reconsider the volte-face of the candidate where she had been explained recently "I'm not someone who easily changes her mind. I have strong principles, but a political scientist, knows that sometimes... a new situation may cause you to change your mind"...

What is disturbing in all her statements, is that the candidate for the presidency of the country can declare to the press (in front of the people) to not have a solution to the political crisis prevailing in the country.

What will happen, if she becomes President, she will inherit of a country in crisis: cholera, reconstruction, economic, social, health, education etc... Will she have solutions to these crises? Or the population will she be satisfied with the frankness of Ms. Manigat who will declare "I have no way to resolve... this or that crisis ?"

Regardless of the great qualities of Ms. Manigat, a President must be a leader, make suggestions, compromises in the best interests of the people, not just only to criticize or reject the solutions of others. A President must submit their own solutions after consultation and advice, it should mediate conflicts and resolve them, he must take risks and face the consequences. So far we are awaiting Ms. Manigat your solutions, other than knowing that you're ready for the second round... and that it remains only 52 days to the mandate of President Preval.

(1) Article 40.1 (1) of the Electoral Law provides, in effect, the possibility of a second round with more than 2 candidates. The article states "if there is a tie between candidates who obtained the greatest number of votes in the first round, they all participate in the second round". This notion of equality seems to be interpreted as "very similar results between two or more candidates" because, contrary to article 42, there is no mention of "perfect equality", so the CEP can probably use this compromise option.

Article 40.1
If this majority is not obtained on the first ballot, there shall be a second round within the time fixed by the Permanent Electoral Council. The two (2) candidates receiving in the first round the largest number of votes may go to the second round. However, if there is a tie between candidates who obtained the greatest number of votes in the first round, they all participate in the second round.

(2) : Article 42
In the second round in case of perfect equality between the candidates, the elected is the one who had the highest number of votes in the first round.

See also :
http://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-1919-haiti-elections-oas-sends-two-assistance-missions-at-the-request-of-president-preval.html
http://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-1774-haiti-elections-mirlande-manigat-asks-the-cancellation-of-elections.html
http://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-1911-haiti-elections-manigatmanigat-open-to-pacts-but.html
http://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-1923-haiti-elections-paris-evokes-a-second-round-at-3.html

HL/ HaïtiLibre

Haiti - Elections FLASH: Rescheduled final results (Updated 21:25)

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The Organization of American States (OAS) announced on Friday, asking the Haitian President Rene Preval, the postponement of the final results of the first round originally scheduled December 20, 2010.

AM 21:25 - J Albert R. Ramdin, the OAS Assistant Secretary General, has confirmed that this request was made by José Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the OAS. President Préval has confirmed that he agreed to ask the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) not to announce results as the OAS did not participate in the verification process results (recount and verification of the minutes ).

The OAS has begun preparing for a recount of mission and his teams could travel to Port-au-Prince earlier this week, "said Ramdin. Nevertheless, the OAS, working jointly with the countries of the Caribbean Common Market (CARICOM), will not travel to Haiti if the announcement of final results of the first round is not deferred as requested. "It makes no sense to check the results if they are already definitive" said Albert Ramdin.

HL / HaïtiLibre