Haiti
Congregational schools will remain closed until the end of the crisis, Haitian Religious Conference decides
Due to the deterioration of the crisis situation, the Haitian Religious Conference decided to close the doors of their various schools, until a happy ending is reached. The education sector is among the most affected by the current socio-political unrest in the country.
Father Firto Régis believes this reality is only aggravating the educational system, which is in a precarious position due to socio-political programs dating back to last year. But the total paralysis of schools for the past two months (September and October 2019) on the territory worsens the situation. In this sense, Father Régis evokes problems that arise at this level. The first concerns the difficulties of catching up with the days lost since last year. The second relates to the uncertainty surrounding the resumption of school activities this year. “We cannot make any projections …,” he states, before mentioning his concerns about the mental health of parents, teachers and schoolchildren who are deteriorating with the degradation of environmental conditions. Continue reading
More than a need for food aid, it is necessary to secure the flow of food during the harvest season
The Haitian government’s request for emergency food aid from the U.S. due to increased food insecurity may have negative consequences for local farmers. The aid in question, made up of imported food products, could break prices in the local market and cause an additional disaster.
“Overall, for all crops, harvests in the last three months of the year, before the dry season, are the main harvest period in Haiti,” said Gaël Pressoir, geneticist, professor at the Quisqueya University. “Massive food aid based on imported foods will / could deprive our producers of a market for their products,” he continued, noting that “the problem is shifting. If help is to be given at this time when local products are available, it must be done with local products,” pleaded Gaël Pressoir. Continue reading
Nestor Foundation helps residents of Île de La Gonâve
Having heard about the humanitarian crisis in l’île de La Gonâve, which has been going on for several weeks, the Nestor Foundation for Development has helped several families.
During a visit, on Saturday, Oct. 19, representatives of the foundation officials provided support to several hundred residents. They distributed nearly two thousand hygiene and food kits to the inhabitants of the island. They also organized a mobile clinic to residents of the island who have been deprived of health care, water, food just to state a few for more than a month. The clinic treated approximately 500 individuals. Continue reading
Thousands of people respond to the Church’s call
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, several thousand people, faithful Catholics, priests, religious leaders, Christians, and others marched in the streets of Port-au-Prince. In the crowd, some demanded the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse while others prayed “to liberate” Haiti. One banner reading “something has to give.” Continue reading
Ministry of Tourism releases statement on impact of civil unrest on the industry
The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Industries condemns the loss of human lives and the acts of violence perpetrated against public and private infrastructures of various kinds, including hospitals, schools and commercial businesses. This alarming situation further exacerbates the extremely precarious living conditions of Haitians.
The tourism sector has been significantly impacted with loss of materials and employment. During the past weeks, hotels and other touristic enterprises have been vandalized resulting in serious economic losses as well as thousands of jobs directly and indirectly. The closing of hotels sends a bad signal to potential investors, both foreign and Haitian at a time when more employment needs to be created in the country. Read statement
Tourism
American Flagship Hotel Best Western Premier In Haiti Scheduled To Close By The End Of October
Best Western Premier Hotel, located in Pétion-Ville, will close its doors definitively on Oct. 31, 2019. Karan Kampani, General Director, confirmed this first branch of the American chain “Best Western International,” which opened its doors in April 2013 in Haiti, will now have to close its doors. After six years of operations, the closure of the well-known establishment is due to political unrest and instability that has paralyzed the country for almost two months. Continue reading
South Florida
Florida Rep. Val Demings Hosts Haitian Town Hall
On Oct. 3, Congresswoman Val Demings held a Haitian Town Hall meeting at Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, Florida.
“With over 350,000 Haitian-born residents in Orange County, also given the increase in violence in Haiti and other troubling conditions on the ground, as well as the looming deadline for TPS, [it’s] important to speak directly with the Haitian community about their concerns,” Demings said. “Though TPS wasn’t the only issue discussed, other issues like healthcare, education, and job opportunities critical for the Haitian community and for all Central Floridians were also addressed. I invited a group of expert presenters because it’s important for all members of our community to have access to resources and opportunities.” Continue reading