Haiti in Hell

The ongoing violence in Haiti reached record levels. Image Credit: AFP via Getty Images

Things aren’t going well for the people in Haiti. Haiti has suffered massive amounts of destruction over the last few years and there has been no relent. From earthquakes to disease to gang warfare, civilians are suffering from everywhere. But we have to take a look at what’s happening before that. 

History:

In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Hispaniola, which includes present-day Haiti. They established control and decimated the natives through illness, warfare, and enslavement. By 1625, the French arrived and Spain ceded a third of Hispaniola to France. Under French rule, the city of Saint-Domingue became incredibly wealthy. However, nearly 800,000 Africans were enslaved and frequent violence and death were routine. In 1791, a slave rebellion erupted led by Toussaint Louverture and continued until January 1, 1804. This is when Haiti declared its independence. ven though Haiti had suffered decades of abuse, the French forced Haiti to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in reparations, permanently crippling their economy with debt. 

Present-Day. 

Gangs in Haiti existed alongside corrupt politicians to do their bidding including intimidation. Many of these gangs engaged in violent acts and have been responsible for an increase in killings, kidnappings, and rapes since the last president’s assassination. Rebel gangs have already attacked airports, sea ports, banks, and sports stadiums. Two prisons were raided and the government has little power. Haitians do not deserve to live in these conditions. 

What’s even more depressing is that the armed gangs that cause terror among the populace and exploit them for their own personal gain claim to be carrying out “essential work.” How is it possible that leaders with the nickname, “Barbecue” can be entrusted to help form a stable community for the others. What these gang leaders want is control over their country and their own personal playground. 

The result of all of this infighting and power struggling is deep poverty, famine, and sheer terror. Gangs that are trying to “help” the community have blockaded access to seaports and airports. They won’t allow any international aid in for anyone. And that leaves civilians at a desperate point. They can’t even escape the country nor live safely here anymore. 

Remember, everybody on this Earth deserves the right to safety, to shelter, to food and water, and so much more, and yet, all these things are being denied.

What You Can Do.

Not a lot of people know about these stories. Read, repost, share and get the word out. Only if we have people knowing and caring does real change happen. Raise donations for Haiti and raise issues on humanitarian issues. Stay tuned next week for an article about Foreign Intervention.