Haiti – 5 Years After the Coup

March 1st, 7PM, La Pena, Berkeley $10-25 No one turned away

Culture: Phavia Kujichagulia and Troublemakers’ Union

Featured Speakers: Pierre Labossiere and Nia Imara, Haiti Action Committee

Nadeen Elshorafa, Arab Resource Organizing Center, Update on Gaza

Richard Brown, San Francisco 8

http://www.haitisolidarity.net/article.php?id=281

This event commemorates the fifth anniversary of the February 29, 2004 coup d’etat when the US, France and Canada overthrew Haiti’s democratic President Aristide and violently reversed Fanmi Lavalas’ ambitious and progressive social agenda. In its place, neo-liberal policies and privatization which benefit western powers and Haiti’s elite have been restored. Popular resistance to these austerity measures are met with the military might of the United Nations occupation forces, MINUSTAH.

Ten thousand Haitians died, as many as 8,000 were raped, and others were forced into exile. Many Lavalas supporters and activists remain in prison. Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine, a leading Lavalas human rights activist, remains unaccounted for after being kidnapped and disappeared in August 2007.

Now the full shameful weight of US/elite hegemony and globalization comes to bear as, 5 years after the coup, millions of Haitians endure starvation, illiteracy, unemployment, rising prices and natural disasters, while paying $1 million a week in debt service to the IMF.

Just as the brave Palestinian people living in occupied Gaza and the West Bank endure collective punishment from US-backed Israel for daring to exist so do Haiti’s determined people continue to survive and resist under US/UN occupation, the realization of their dreams of democracy deferred.

Join Haiti Action Committee to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the coup, to hear an update on the current situation, and to raise our voices to demand the return of President Aristide, freedom for Haiti’s political prisoners, and accountability for the kidnapping of Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine.

The evening will celebrate the ongoing resistance of Haiti’s people, and all who struggle for true democracy, human rights and peace. We will not forget the achievements of Lavalas!

Or am I missing something – could it be the US’s is hypocritical about its intentions Umm … let me see if I can think of any examples – in say .. the last 200 years.

Oh now I get it … Haiti is a source of cheap labour .. better than slavery – do you think you could keep a slave for a dollar a day .. no but you can hire them to make T Shirts for that .. I am wearing one right now .. thanks US Marines .. it was a very good deal … keep those discounts coming .. how about some Oil from Venezuala, Tin from Bolivia, copper from Chile ..

Lead us onward thou great Beacon of Democracy.