Black Looks

Donate to grassroots women. Support return of elected President Aristide.

For more information see Global Womens Strike.

The US military has taken over the airport and are obstructing rescue efforts. Caribbean and Latin American governments and Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres are complaining that the US is preventing humanitarian aid coming in.  In a repeat of what the US did with Katrina, banks, shops and institutions are protected while starving people who help themselves to whatever they can find are called a ‘security risk’ and shot at…..” Continue Reading here

Peter Hallward, author of Damming the Flood: Haiti, Aristide and the Politics of Containment,comments on the factors which have exacerbated the impact of the earthquake on the people of Haiti.

Any large city in the world would have suffered extensive damage from an earthquake on the scale of the one that ravaged Haiti’s capital city on Tuesday afternoon, but it’s no accident that so much of Port-au-Prince now looks like a war-zone. Much of the devastation wreaked by this latest and most calamitous ‘natural disaster’ to befall Haiti is best understood as another thoroughly man-made outcome of a long and ugly historical sequence.

The country has certainly had more than its fair share of catastrophes to contend with. Hundreds of people died in Port-au-Prince in an earthquake back in June 1770, and the huge earthquake of 7 May 1842 may have killed 10,000 in the northern city of Cap Haitien alone. Hurricanes batter the island on a regular basis, mostly recently in 2004 and again in 2008; the storms of September 2008 flooded the town of Gonaïves and swept away much of its flimsy infrastructure, killing more than a thousand people and destroying many thousands of homes. The full scale of the destruction resulting from yesterday’s earthquake won’t become clear for several weeks. Even the most minimal repairs will take years to complete, and the long-term impact is incalculable.

What is already all too clear, however, is the fact that this impact will be the result of an even longer-term history of deliberate impoverishment and disempowerment. Haiti is almost invariably described as the ‘poorest country in the Western hemisphere.’ This poverty is the direct legacy of perhaps the most brutal system of colonial exploitation in world history, compounded by decades of systematic post-colonial oppression. The noble ‘international community’ which is currently scrambling to send its ‘humanitarian aid‘ to Haiti is largely responsible for the extent of the suffering it aims to offset. Ever since the US invaded and occupied the country in 1915, every serious political attempt to allow Haiti’s people to move (in ex-president Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s phrase) ‘from absolute misery to a dignified poverty’ has been violently and deliberately blocked by the US government and some of its allies. Aristide’s own government (elected by some 75% of the electorate) was the latest victim of such interference, falling victim to an internationally sponsored coup in 2004 that killed several thousand people and left much of the population smouldering in resentment. The UN has maintained a large and enormously expensive stabilisation and pacification force in the country ever since……Continue Reading

2008 has been a year of great tragedy, but also great hope, for all of us at the Bureau des Avocats Internationaux (BAI) and the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti (IJDH). The bad news from Haiti kept coming, from April’s food crisis to August’s hurricanes and November’s school collapse. As usual, it was the poor who suffered the most, including our clients. But the good news kept coming too, as IJDH and BAI won several historic victories for Haiti’s poor, with your help. The highlights for us were delivering court-awarded damages to 94 victims of the Raboteau massacre, and receiclip_image001ving a binding order from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights requiring improvements in Haiti’s miserable prisons.

Update: The good news first: the Haitian government has appointed an Investigating Judge (Juge d’Instruction) to investigate the disappearance of Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine. The judge started holding hearings last week. Attorney Mario Joseph of the Bureau des Avocats Internationaux (BAI), representing Lovinsky’s family, participated in the hearings. He reports that the judge is off to a good start. Two people have been arrested in the case, both in connection with possessing Lovinsky’s cell phone.

Some progress on Debt Relief for Haiti: the Inter-American Development Bank will be paying 2/3 of the debt service owed to the Bank by Haiti in 2009, a total of about $14 million. This can make a great difference for Haiti, and is good reason to push the World Bank to make a similar arrangement.

The bad news: the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement unit has resumed deportations to Haiti. Representatives Alcee Hastings and Robert Wexler called resuming deportations to a country that has had as bad a year as Haiti “short-sighted and inhumane” in a letter to immigration officials. We hope to have an action alert on this issue soon……….Continue reading

Links: Targetting Aristide

Tags:
Haiti, Lovinsky Pierre Antoine, Aristide

Organising within my multiple communities……………..

Every Wednesday evening since September 2007 I, along with many other people have stood together in a weekly vigil outside the Brazilian Embassy and Consulates in London, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Port-au-Prince calling for the safe return of human rights activist Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine who disappeared on the 12th August 2007 in Port-au-Prince. The vigil is held outside the Brazilian Embassies because they lead the misnamed UN mission in Haiti “The UN Stabilization Mission” (MINUSTAH) and it is their responsibility to investigate what happened to Lovinsky and bring those responsible for his abduction to justice and return him to his family and community. In all of these the MINUSTAH has failed.

Black British poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah NAMES the UN’s atrocious behaviour in Haiti which includes, rape of women and girls, killing and maiming of innocent civilians and destruction of the homes of some of the poorest people………

The UN is a great idea. In principle I am all for nations coming together to make the world a better place. But of late I have lost faith in this organisation we know as the United Nations. In some parts of the world where they have been sent to protect the vulnerable they have raped men, women and girls, and in Haiti they are not only covering up atrocities against some of the poorest people in the world but they are perpetrating them. It is also to be said that if we were really nations united we would have given the disappearance of Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine the attention it deserves, I think the silence surrounding this great man’s disappearance is a disgrace and I urge all caring people to shout his name out loud at every opportunity. We dont need the United Nations to be united…

Tags:
Haiti
Lovinsky Pierre Antoine
MINUSTAH

Today is the one year anniversary of the disappearance of Haitian human rights activist, Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine. His wife, Michelle has sent this open letter to the Haitian authorities expressing her and her family’s resolve and calling for the truth to be revealed and her shock at calling his mobile and someone answering the phone.

Madam/Sir — the authorities,

Exactly one year ago, on 12 August 2007, my husband, Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine, after coming back from out of town, suddenly left home to go to a meeting arranged by phone by people who probably wanted to lure him into a trap. Up to now, that was the last time his family saw him. It was also the start of an ordeal for those close to him as well as for his colleagues and friends.

12 August 2007-12 August 2008. Twelve long months have gone by since his disappearance was reported to all bodies with responsibility for Haiti: the President’s office, Primature, Parliament, Ministry of Justice, National Police of Haiti, UN, OAS (Organisation American States), etc. To this day, the Pierre-Antoine family has witnessed, with disappointment but not surprise, the lack of, if not to say the total absence of any results from the actions and investigations which the authorities are supposed to undertake.

Today, my demeanour is that of a traumatised wife, of a mother who is shocked and powerless, speechless in the face of Lovinsky’s two sons’ daily questions about what has really happened to their dear father. I’ve heard nothing about where the investigation has reached, and I’m getting to the point where I wonder if there really is a will to present any concrete official results.

A year after this incident, the Haitian authorities and the public seem to have forgotten this citizen whose disappearance, as a human being, should arouse sympathy. The worst is the mental anguish his family has to endure; we also feel angry about the sick actions of his kidnappers and the blatant indifference of some of his closest colleagues.

Without doubt, an active citizen of Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine’s calibre does not disappear, doesn’t melt into nature without a trace. Actually, the leads and clues left during and after his kidnap were not worked on or explored advisedly so as to bring concrete results. For example, the fingerprints found in the vehicle Lovinsky used, the shocking and revealing statements made to the press by an influential member of the political party Lovinsky belongs to. Personally, not too long ago, I told the police that in a moment of hope, I rang Lovinsky’s mobile and was stunned when someone answered, who calmly replied, without any concern, that he was in possession of a personal belonging of someone who had mysteriously disappeared, which could constitute evidence of the crime if there was jurisdiction in this country.

Thinking about Lovinsky’s disappearance, his family and I think of it as missing his physical presence, but he remains with us, alive in our hearts and minds because he is a remarkable husband, a father and family man who cares about his children’s education and future, and a wise adviser to those around him. Surely, even those who don’t agree with his convictions and political actions, still admire his activism, seriousness, his commitment to what he has promised, his team spirit and above all, his love for Haiti. Words fail us to describe Lovinsky’s rare and fantastic personal qualities. Our memories of him are the best.

Putting my arms around the shoulders of my two sons who are in tears at the disappearance of their dear father, and who are waiting for him to come home, my only choice is to reapply myself to notifying all the authorities concerned, to shine a light on his disappearance. Actually, it’s time to break with this atmosphere of suspense and uncertainty; it’s time to break the silence everyone is keeping about this affair, a silence which becomes a tacit plot hatched to keep secret the identity of who is behind this disgusting act. Once more, I call on the conscience of each and every person to get to the truth and end this inexpressible tragedy for Lovinsky, as it is a tragedy for his family. I also call on the conscience of the members of the new government so that they re-launch the investigation on Lovinsky and make the truth come to light.

Finally, I am with my sons in expressing recognition and thanks to the real friends and supporters of Lovinsky, to all those who have lent their moral support, all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to express their opposition to this act, in the streets of various cities in Haiti, in the US and other countries as well as abroad in front of the embassies and offices of Haiti, to all those who have written up articles on this affair for the radio, print media, television and internet, and all those who, in one way or another, have shown sympathy about this sad and terrible situation.

Let everyone know that despite all these terrible things, Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine’s family is stronger than ever. Lifted up by hope.

Monday 11 August 2008

Michèle Pierre-Antoine
Lovinsky’s wife

Actions:

Haiti

Large march planned in Cite Soleil, called by Fondayson Trant Septamn and other organizations, with candles and flags. Pressing for Lovinsky’s return to his family, friends and community.

San Francisco

Vigil: 12 noon-1pm, Oakland Federal Building.

Co-sponsored by Ecumenical Peace Institute http://www.epicalc.org, together with Berkeley Women in Black, Mustard Seed Affinity Group, East Bay Coalition to Support Self-rule for Iraqis, Bay Area Labor Committee for Peace and Justice, Peace & Freedom Party, and Buddhist Peace Fellowship.

Los Angeles

Vigil: 12-1pm, Brazilian Consulate. Called by Ad Hoc Working Group for Haiti: CISPES/LA, Global Women’s Strike/LA, International Action Center/LA, Northeast LA Radical Neighbors, Women of Color in the Global Women’s Strike, and other concerned individuals. Endorsers to date: ANSWER-LA, Haiti Action Committee, Office of the Americas

London

Special Vigil of Conviction and Hope called by Global Women’s Strike.

1-2 pm Brazilian Embassy,: “Brazil: What are you doing to find Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine?”

2 pm US Embassy:”End US/ UN occupation and starvation of the people of Haiti!” 3pm-5.15pm Silent Vigil and petitioning St Martin-in-the Fields Church: “Lovinsky, Haiti – We are with you!”

Tags:
Haiti
Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine

Danny Glover speaking at LA vigil calling for the safe return of Lovinsky Pierre Antoine

Please sign the petition
Weekly Vigil in London every Wednesday 5-6pm outside the Brazilian Embassy
Links: Lovinsky Pierre Antoine (blog under construction)

Tags:
Haiti
Lovinsky Pierre Antoine
Brazil
UN + MINUSTAH

The “food riots” in Haiti are easy fodder for the media especially when no explanation is seen to be necessary. Try and find a single report with any historical background to the food crisis other than relating it to the overall food crisis across the global south and the rise in the West’s demand for bio-fuel. Once again the majority world feeds the minority world’s over consumption. A case of feeding the cars whilst starving the people.

Some facts about Haitian government’s spending (the Haitian government is not really a government – it’s a kind of proxy group of puppets working under the direction of the US).

Haiti’s government sends almost $1 million per week in loan payments to the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), much of which is payments on loans given to past dictators. That money could be better spent feeding Haitian citizens and stimulating Haiti’s economy.

But money (that Haiti doesn’t have) is not just being used for loan repayments . Not only has Britain been uncritical of MINUSTAH***’s many atrocities in Haiti they have been selling arms to Haiti. The most recent UK foreign office report dated 12th December, 2007 is revealing. Not just arms to Haiti but to their neighbour The Dominican Republic and to Columbia and Ecuador plus a host of other countries. So why does Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world, need the following weapons including air-to-air missiles and components for submarines?

aircraft radars, air-to-air missiles launching equipment, air-to-surface missiles launching equipment, air-to-surface rockets launching equipment, bomb handling equipment, components for airborne electronic warfare equipment, components for aircraft carriers, components for aircraft radars, components for air-to-air missiles launching equipment, components for air-to-surface missiles, components for anti-ship missile launching equipment, components for anti-ship missiles, components for anti-ship missiles, components for antisubmarine rockets launching equipment, components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopters, components for command communications control and intelligence equipment, components for corvettes, components for depth charges, components for electronic warfare equipment, components for fire control equipment, components for frigates

Read more…

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. I hear that Hilary Clinton and John McCain will be in Memphis to mark the day. I am sure Barack Obama will seize the time add his $2 worth. I hear that Democratic and Republican leaders met yesterday on Capitol Hill to mark the day. No doubt the warmongering racist, Mr George Bush will speak to [dis]honour Mr King. Hypocrites everywhere will come out to speak false words and use the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr for their own interest.

They are all liars.

They will not say that the same forces who killed Martin Luther King Jr also killed Patrice Lumumba, Che Guevara, Salvador Allende, Thomas Sankara and thousands of others who refused to be silenced and dared to dream of another world.

They will not say that the same forces who killed civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr are also responsible for the forced removal of President Bertrand Aristide who is still prevented from returning to his home and position in Haiti.

They will not say that the same forces who sought to destroy the reputation of Martin Luther King Jr are the same forces responsible for the disappearance of Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine – a Haitian civil rights leaders who has fought consistently for the dignity and human rights of Haitian people including the end of the UN / US Occupation of Haiti

They will not say that Martin Luther King Jr was killed one year after he began to speak out again the US war in Vietnam [April 4th 1967].

The media will be silent on these facts and Martin Luther King Jr will be whitewashed 40 years after his assassination. Just as the media whitewashed Aristide and are silent today on the kidnapping and whereabouts of Haitian leader Lovinsky.

The media will be silent on the liberties that have been eroded over the past 7 years and are now reduced to the freedom to consume. As we move nearer and nearer to the possibility of a Black man becoming the next US President the media and white people and some Black people will attempt to whitewash the daily realities of race in America.

The realisaton of the dream is still a long way off. But it is only when you dream that you KNOW what is possible, what is real.

UPDATE LINK: Democracy Now

Tags:
Martin Luther King Jr

Please take time out to sign the online petition for the safe return of Lovinsky Pierre Antoine.

The day I arrived in Haiti – 13th August was the day after Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine disappeared. His car was found abandoned on the road side and he has not been seen since. Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine is a member of the Lavalas Part and the head of Fondayson Tran Septanm (September 30th Foundation), a human right organisation that supports and advocates for victims of the 1991 and 2004 coups against Jean-Bentrand Aristide. 6 months later the whereabouts of Lovinsky are still unknown.

Members of the Lavalas movement and human rights activists believe he has been kidnapped and that the kidnapping is a political act by Haitian elites and their foreign supporters, to silence Lovinsky who was highly vocal about the continued presence of UN forces of occupation in Haiti, human rights abuses and campaigned for the return of President Aristide.

Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine is important to people everywhere who care about Haiti and who acknowledge our enormous debt to the Haitian people. Their 1804 revolution overthrew the most powerful empire of the time, the first victory in the struggle to end slavery in the Americas. This strengthened everyone resisting exploitation and injustice. Haiti directly aided South American liberator Simon Bolivar. Yet this enormous contribution to human liberation is hardly credited.

Please spread the word and lets try and get some action from the Brazilain government and UN forces in Haiti

Links:
Haiti Solidarity
Haiti Action

Tags:
Haiti
Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine

Third International Day of Solidarity with the People of Haiti & for the safe return of disappeared human rights activist Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine. On the 12th August 2007 the car of Lovinsky was found abandoned on a street in Port-au-Prince and he has not been seen or heard of since. No one has claimed responsibility and there have been no calls for a ransom making the kidnapping seem a political act especially as he was working as an adviser to a human rights investigation at the time of his disappearance. Lovinsky started the 30th September campaign to fight for the release of hundreds of political prisoners and he has been highly critical in his condemnation of the UN occupation of Haiti.

Haiti Solidarity

Tags:
Haiti
Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine