In the aftermath of the horrendous earthquake that devastated Haiti, less than half the money promised has been delivered. The NGOs that have come into Haiti, forced privatization, and pushing their own agenda, while ignoring the voices of Haitians, have done little to improve the situation of ordinary people. While the power of NGOs has grown, local grass roots organizations, led by women, peasant farmers, students, and workers have been pushed aside.
Before the massive earthquake struck, Haiti had gone through a political crisis after now former President Aristide was forced from office in a coup. With Aristide back in Haiti, it appears that the political opposition will do everything is can to sideline his popular Fanmi Lavalas party. Currently they are trying to drum up a case implicating Aristide in the murder of a journalist, which activists believe is a smokescreen to keep the party off the ballot in the next election cycle.
Under the guise of maintaining order in the country, the UN currently has almost 7,000 so-called peacekeeping soldiers, along with 2,000 police in Haiti. While they are responsible for spreading cholera, recently UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has said that because they have diplomatic immunity, they cannot be liable for its spread, and will not compensate victims or their families.
Yesterday, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who has a history of advocating for the people of Haiti, sent a letter to the Honorable Ban Ki Moon, stating concern about the UN's lack of progress in their response to the Haitian cholera epidemic. The letter was signed by 19 Members of Congress.
