Haitian Times News Roundup – Jan. 02

Guerline Jozef of Haitian Bridge Alliance talks about the “7,000 miles of hope” Haitian migrants embark that takes them from Brazil to Mexico in the hopes of finding a better life in the United States. Continue reading

US reaffirms commitment to working with Haiti

In a statement on the occasion of the 215th anniversary of Haiti’s independence, the United States reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries. “The United States wishes the people of Haiti a happy Independence Day celebration and a new year filled with peace, prosperity and opportunity,” it said in the statement. “US authorities are eager to continue their partnership with Haiti to strengthen economic growth, the rule of law and security. Today, the United States continues to stand with Haiti to ensure a stable and prosperous future. To this end, the United States encourages all Haitians to join together to pursue progress by peaceful means.” Continue reading

The #KotKobPetroCaribe movement started innocently enough by a group of young people who wanted to hold government officials accountable for debt being incurred that they would have to repay.

The Twitter-led movement had initially baffled me because it felt inauthentic. But, it was indeed very heartfelt. I spoke to several people, including fellow journalists who reassured me that this was a legitimate grassroots movement. The movement’s leaders realized that a novel, apolitical and peaceful approach was needed to hold the government accountable. Continue reading

Sylvie Delice was born on a hot, slow March afternoon in a clinic in Marigot, a coastal town in south Haiti. The labour was seven hours; her mother, Natalie, 24, a seamstress, was stoic throughout, helped by two midwives in pale pink scrubs. Sylvie arrived strong and healthy, and was named after her mother’s cousin. Natalie recovered well and went home the next day. There was nothing unusual about Sylvie’s birth – yet it was far from typical. Continue reading

The removal of the visa requirement for Haitians coming to Barbados has resulted in a major scam where Haitians are being duped out of thousands of dollars with the hope of finding a job here.

However, Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM David Comissiong has given the assurance that they are on top of the situation after it was found that scores of Haitians have come to Barbados since the floodgates opened. Continue reading