Note from the editorial board: Due to unforeseen technical issues we were unable to deliver yesterday’s roundup. We apologize for the lapse and appreciate your continued support.
Haiti
Recalled Haitian Ambassador Was Revered, Made The Embassy Feel Like ‘Home,’ Haitian Americans Say
Haitian Ambassador Paul Altidor transformed his country’s image and connected the Haitian community by showcasing culture over strife, Haitian Americans said following news of his forced departure.
Altidor’s role at the Haitian Embassy was discontinued earlier this month as protests rocked the country, and Haitian Americans expressed surprise and regret at his termination. Continue reading
JetBlue And Air Canada Cut Back On Haiti Flights, Citing February Protests
Haiti’s once growing tourism sector just got hit with another setback. JetBlue and Air Canada are limiting daily flights to the country, which on Wednesday announced that it is canceling this year’s Carnival, scheduled to kick off this weekend. Continue reading
National Carnival Canceled in Haiti this Year
Jean Michel Lapin, Minister of Culture, confirmed that there will be no carnival this year. However the government does not prohibit other towns from holding the festivities. The authorities are willing to provide financial assistance to municipalities that want to organize a festival. Lapin indicates that 50 million gourdes of the budget can be allocated to the interested town halls. Insecurity of the country is the main reason for this annulation, radio Metropole reports. Continue reading
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Expresses Concerns on the Violence in Haiti
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights expresses deep concern over the violence in Haiti since February 7, that caused the death of 26 people and wounded 77 people. The Committee urges the State to enter into dialogue with all relevant parties to seek a solution to the serious political and economic crisis facing the country,, radio Television Caraibes reports. Continue reading
Haiti: Judge in Charge of the Clifford Brandt Case is Threatened
Le Nouvelliste reports that Adisson Diogène, substitute commissioner near the civil court of Gonaïves, said hat Denis Pierre Michel, judge in charge of the Clifford Brandt case, is the subject of threats. Unidentified individuals want to influence the work of the dean at all costs and intimidate public prosecutors. Judge Michel is not the only one threatened. According to Diogène, deputy commissioner Rosemond Alcide is also a victim of these threats.
“The more the trial progresses, the more the task of the magistrates turns out to be complicated, the law will remain our compass”, said Diogene. Continue reading
Haitian State Lottery Brought Low Revenue for February
Marie Margareth Fortuné, the director of Haiti’s state lottery said that the agency collected around USD 1850 in February.
According to Fortuné the 10 day paralysis caused the low revenue,le National reports. Continue reading
Two Haitians Killed by Dominican Law Enforcement
Support Group for Returnees and Refugees has asked the Haitian authorities to demand a report from the Dominican state, clarifying the circumstances of the deaths of two Haitians. One person was killed by a soldier, and another one by a Dominican policeman. The Support Group also called on the Haitian government to work to improve the living conditions of border residents, who are left on their own, Alterpresse reports. Continue reading
Arts & Culture
Haiti National Carnival Officially Canceled
Haiti’s minister of culture and communication announced Wednesday that national Carnival celebrations will be canceled in the wake of violent protests that paralyzed the country for more than 10 days. Continue reading
Montreal
Air Canada suspends non-stop flights between Montreal and Haiti
Air Canada has suspended its non-stop flights between Montreal and Port-au-Prince because of civil unrest in Haiti.
Service has been suspended through April 29.
The suspension follows federal government travel advisories telling Canadians to avoid all travel to the country. Continue reading
New York
Public Advocate: Jumaane Williams Wins Special Election in New York City
Jumaane D. Williams, a Democratic councilman from Brooklyn, was elected as New York City public advocate Tuesday night, notching a victory over 16 other candidates in a free-for-all race that could give him a platform to seek higher office. Continue reading