Haiti – “Cry of alarm” from the Jesuits of Haiti
The Society of Jesus in Haiti issues a statement in response to the crisis in the country, aggravated in recent months by the assassination of President Moïse, the earthquake of August, the growing insecurity due to the proliferation of criminal gangs and kidnappings, the existing misgovernment and a mafia economy. We share the communiqué.
THE SOCIETY OF JESUS (THE JESUITS)
PROVINCE OF CANADA
TERRITORY OF HAITI
"Cry of Alarm"
1. For more than three (3) years now, the Jesuits of Haiti have not ceased to sound the alarm and to call the attention of the international community to the dizzying deterioration of the situation in the country, denouncing the totalitarian excesses of the late President, Mr. Jovenel Moïse, the capture of the country by the mafia economic sector, the lack of respect for life and for the fundamental rights of the human person, and the chronic misery in which the vast majority of the Haitian population languishes.
Even today, less than four months after the atrocious assassination of the president, a climate of terror has gripped the country. Around Port-au-Prince, the noose is tightening. The inhabitants of Port-au-Prince are desperate and more than ever fear for their lives. For the past three days, trade unionists have launched a strike movement to say no to the ignominy. All sectors seem to adhere to this initiative to force the "authorities" to do something.
3. Kidnappings are rampant Priests, pastors, businessmen, teachers, citizens from all walks of life and social strata, but especially from the middle class, are kidnapped and held captive at any time. A group of 17 Americans and one Canadian are still in the hands of kidnappers who are demanding 17 million dollars in ransom. The abductees are often physically and sexually assaulted. Many are executed, even after the ransom is paid. The middle class is impoverished and totally indebted.
4. A new crisis is added to the political and security crisis: fuel shortages. The terminals have been controlled by bandits for more than two months. The bandits, who rule the capital without mercy and exercise the right of life and death over the population, prevent truck drivers from supplying gas stations. Because of this problem, the National Ambulance Center (CAN) and many hospitals have already announced that they will stop their activities, which portends an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the country in the midst of which some basic necessities are already running out.
5. Young people and professionals who can afford it are leaving the country by the hundreds. Some schools and universities, especially in the capital, are literally emptying. Many young people have returned to the provincial cities. Due to insecurity and the fuel crisis, those in Port-au-Prince prefer to stay at home, wearily waiting for a new day to dawn.
6. Faced with this state of affairs, we invite all the living forces (the Churches, the University, the Youth, the Press, etc.) of the nation to a patriotic awakening to say no to negligence. We ask Haitian politicians to step back, to transcend to give the country a chance. We launch an urgent appeal to Haitians in the diaspora, to the international community, to the so-called friendly countries, especially the United States of America, France and Canada, to put aside their petty interests and take the true dimension of the Haitian drama of which they are actors. What are we waiting for to come to the rescue of this martyred people and help stop the bandits and oligarchs and demand that the de facto government assume its responsibilities by ceasing all collusion with the armed gangs!
7. The hour is grave, but we trust that God will soon crown our resistance and struggle, transforming our misfortune into a feast, turning our sorrows and tears into a dance.
P. Jean Denis SAINT-FÉLIX, S.J.
Superior of the Jesuits in Haiti
October 27, 2021
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