Call for solidarity with the popular mobilization in Haiti
Declaration of the CLACSO Working Group “Crisis, responses and alternatives in the Greater Caribbean (GTCRAGC)” in solidarity with the popular mobilization in Haiti
Since last July, Haiti has been experiencing a new period of popular mobilization. The precarious economic and social situation facing the Caribbean nation is worsening due to the corruption of the political class, accused of misappropriating $3800 billion intended for loan repayments under the Petrocaribe cooperation project. This solidarity initiative among the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean, spearheaded by Venezuela, aims to support programs and projects for the social benefit of Caribbean societies. The misuse of Petrocaribe funds, documented in reports prepared by two Haitian parliamentary commissions that prove the squandering and theft of public funds, has provoked a resounding popular response demanding the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse.
The corruption plaguing Haiti exacerbates the economic, social, and environmental problems afflicting the country born from the first anti-colonial and anti-slavery revolution in the hemisphere. The plundering by dishonest elites is compounded by the depredation and abuses perpetrated by the foreign occupation. The presence of MINUSTAH until 2017 led to the introduction of cholera to Haiti, a disease previously unknown on the island, which affected approximately 800000 people and claimed more than 9000 lives.
The Working Group “Crisis, Responses and Alternatives in the Greater Caribbean” denounces the theft of public funds in the sister nation of Haiti. It demands that these resources be returned to the Haitian people and used according to their true purpose, which is to support Haiti's economic and social development efforts. It warns of how the foreign presence, unwanted by the Haitian people, exacerbates the country's already dire situation. It demands that the UN take full responsibility and pay reparations for the introduction of cholera into Haiti. It supports the Haitian people's popular mobilization in their centuries-long struggle for full independence, peace, and social well-being.
December 2018
Workgroup
CLACSO Crisis, responses and alternatives in the Greater Caribbean (GT CRAGC)
It adds to the Declaration:
MIUCA Multi-Thematic School, Santo Domingo
This statement expresses the position of the members of the Working Group on Crisis, Responses and Alternatives in the Greater Caribbean (GTCRAGC) and not necessarily that of the centers and institutions that make up the CLACSO international network, its Steering Committee or its Executive Secretariat.
