Violence and Political Unrest in Haiti
The political unrest in Haiti is caused by a group that is attempting to banish President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. They are trying to get control of approximately a dozen towns throughout the country. Many people have died and despite that, Aristide chose to stay in power until the end of his term which ended in 2006. Back in 1994 Aristide disbanded the Haitian army which leaves gangs freedom to roam the streets. In 2004 the people burned down the police headquarters and took over. They became the new police and their purpose was to, “protect and serve”. On February 4th that same year the police attempt to take back the city but are ambushed and most are killed.
After Father Jean-Bertrand Aristide, or Titid, was elected the US marines went into Haiti to try and keep the people under control. They were there to secure the area so that Titid could come back. The people were very excited that he was coming back. Like other former leaders of Haiti he starts off great but then he becomes a dictator.
The Cannibal Army was the Pro Aristide group. They practically did what the Macoutes did, killed people, but the only difference was that the Macoutes did it legally. Amiot Metayer, Cuban’s brother, was killed by the Cannibals; they took his eyes and heart. His funeral became a protest.
Papadak Douvae created a group that could hit and kill people with machetes legally to “control” the people. They were called the Tonton Macoute. They were voodoo bogeymen that ruled with cruelty and superstition. When Papadak died his son took over and he made no changes; the violent Macoute continued to kill.
The following video is a demonstration of the violence in Haiti. Notice how no one manages to stop the fighting from going on. There is no police to keep them under control. At one point they begin throwing bricks at each other. After a good few minutes of fighting the US marines finally step in, with maze, and tell them to stop.
This video begins off with a few statistics of the deaths and injuries due to gun violence. Then it takes you into the lives of certain women who tell their story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4maco6h7aM
(Embedding disabled by request)
The island Hispaniola shares two countries, Dominican Republic and Haiti. On Dec. 6 1492 Haiti was discovered by Columbus. It was named the island Hispaniola. Once the Spanish settlers moved in Haiti the population was almost extinct, after 25 years. It became a French colony of Saint Dominique. Haiti soon after this incident became a leading sugar cane producing country which was dependent on just slaves. It is the first republic of African descent and the second oldest nation in the Americas. It also is one of the only countries that still has not gotten over slavery.
Haiti’s rebellion started of as a slavery one, blacks Vs whites. But it’s misunderstood. It was much harder. It was much harder because black and ethnic groups had a specific class of mulattoes. They were highly important in businesses and as land owners.
In 1991 Jean-Bertrand Aristide became president of Haiti. At first he was adored by the people but as time progressed he was considered a dictator. After a 2004 rebellion, Aristide was forced to leave Haiti for the second time.
Bibliography:
~Natalie and Mimi
Dead bodies lay in the streets. On a video about violence (see below) one youtube poster commented, “Sometimes you would drive past a body on the way to work at 7 AM and leave work at 5 PM and drive past the same body.” So imagine, there is no one to pick up these bodies, they’re left there to rot.
After Father Jean-Bertrand Aristide, or Titid, was elected the US marines went into Haiti to try and keep the people under control. They were there to secure the area so that Titid could come back. The people were very excited that he was coming back. Like other former leaders of Haiti he starts off great but then he becomes a dictator.
Jean-Bertrand Aristide
The US marines, brought in by the UN, came in to make Haiti safer so that Aristide could come back.
The Cannibal Army was the Pro Aristide group. They practically did what the Macoutes did, killed people, but the only difference was that the Macoutes did it legally. Amiot Metayer, Cuban’s brother, was killed by the Cannibals; they took his eyes and heart. His funeral became a protest.
Amiot Matayer’s funeral became a protest against the Cannibals. I would post the picture of his body with no eyes but I feel it is far too graphic. The thought alone is horrible.
Papadak Douvae created a group that could hit and kill people with machetes legally to “control” the people. They were called the Tonton Macoute. They were voodoo bogeymen that ruled with cruelty and superstition. When Papadak died his son took over and he made no changes; the violent Macoute continued to kill.
A Macoute holding his Machete, their weapon of choice.
The following video is a demonstration of the violence in Haiti. Notice how no one manages to stop the fighting from going on. There is no police to keep them under control. At one point they begin throwing bricks at each other. After a good few minutes of fighting the US marines finally step in, with maze, and tell them to stop.
This video begins off with a few statistics of the deaths and injuries due to gun violence. Then it takes you into the lives of certain women who tell their story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4maco6h7aM
(Embedding disabled by request)
A Basic History of Haiti
The island Hispaniola shares two countries, Dominican Republic and Haiti. On Dec. 6 1492 Haiti was discovered by Columbus. It was named the island Hispaniola. Once the Spanish settlers moved in Haiti the population was almost extinct, after 25 years. It became a French colony of Saint Dominique. Haiti soon after this incident became a leading sugar cane producing country which was dependent on just slaves. It is the first republic of African descent and the second oldest nation in the Americas. It also is one of the only countries that still has not gotten over slavery.
Haiti’s rebellion started of as a slavery one, blacks Vs whites. But it’s misunderstood. It was much harder. It was much harder because black and ethnic groups had a specific class of mulattoes. They were highly important in businesses and as land owners.
In 1991 Jean-Bertrand Aristide became president of Haiti. At first he was adored by the people but as time progressed he was considered a dictator. After a 2004 rebellion, Aristide was forced to leave Haiti for the second time.
Haitian flag.
Bibliography:
Pan, Esther (February 13, 2003), Q&A: Unrest in Haiti, Retrieved February 16th, 2009, from http://www.nytimes.com/cfr/international/slot2_021304.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print&position=
Pina, Kevin (October 17, 2004) Haitian Violence, Retrieved February 16th, 2009, from http://www.zmag.org/znet/viewArticle/7667
Armed Violence in Haiti (n.d.) Iansa: International Action Network on Small Arms Retrieved Febuary 18th 2009, from http://www.iansa.org/index.htm
Pina, Kevin (October 17, 2004) Haitian Violence, Retrieved February 16th, 2009, from http://www.zmag.org/znet/viewArticle/7667
Armed Violence in Haiti (n.d.) Iansa: International Action Network on Small Arms Retrieved Febuary 18th 2009, from http://www.iansa.org/index.htm
~Natalie and Mimi
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