transportation worker strike haiti
A man pours fuel into the gas tank of his car, on a street in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021. File photo.

PORT-AU-PRINCE — In the days before Haiti went into lockdown on Sept. 13, amidst daily protests against the rising cost of living, the scarcity of gas made for a sad sight at the pump as people scrambled to find fuel. And for at least two people, waiting to buy gas proved fatal. 

All around the capital’s gas stations, hundreds of people — regular drivers, motorcycle taxi workers — arrived with jerrycan gas containers to refuel. None, sure to return home with filled containers. Often, fights and arguments broke out as customers piled on top of each other to be the first served, leaving some injured during these melees.

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I am Juhakenson Blaise, a journalist based in the city of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. I cover the news that develops in this city and deals with other subjects related to the experience of Haitians for the Haitian Times newspaper. I am also a lover of poetry.