THE EDITOR, Sir:EVEN THOUGH Aristide proposed to hold elections he was unable to do this, as the "opposition" refused to nominate representatives. But, in turn, it was virtually impossible for the "opposition" to do that because there was no organisation on their part. The "opposition" instead was, and still remains, a number of sub-groups each having its on selfish agenda. The only thing these sub-groups ever had in common was the aim of deposing Aristide. Now that Aristide is no longer President, a critical requirement for establishing stability in Haiti is for these sub-groups to put aside their selfish agendas and put Haiti first.
What is apparent though is that many of these sub-groups themselves may be guilty of the same violations of which they accuse Aristide and his government. What are the Amnesty International and similar groups doing to highlight these things?
Caricom apparently has always been, and should remain, committed to helping the establishment of institutions that will facilitate and protect democracy in Haiti; for example, their efforts to establish an organisation like our own Electoral Office of Jamaica.
The international community can be very helpful by restoring and continuing humanitarian aid to Haiti. For the long term, there needs to be a priority placed on education and crime control as a means of establishing lasting peace. Caricom and the rest of the international community can be very helpful in training for improving the efficiency of law enforcement.
Until educational institutions are properly re-established, Caricom could consider facilitating more Haitians pursuing tertiary education at institutions like UWI, UTech, NCU on a short-term basis, especially in critical areas like human rights law, international and trade negotiations, as well as health-care. Clearly this would require subsidising or more likely providing full scholarships for Haitian students.
The views expressed are my personal opinion and do not necessarily reflect the view of he UWI Guild Council.
I am, etc.,
YOHANN WHITE
yohann.white@uwimona.edu.jm
UWI Guild Councillor
Rex Nettleford Hall
UWI, Mona
Via Go-Jamaica
