By: Jude Elie
October 18, 2022
Dear fellow Haitians,
For months now, powerless, we have been living in indignity, because our women and children are murdered and raped in Martissant, Torcel, Canaan; friends and colleagues kidnapped and killed in every corner of Port-au-Prince; decapitalized families after paying exorbitant ransoms. And now we still watch helplessly, as infants die in hospitals for lack of fuel, and many children die of cholera for lack of drinking water and appropriate care.
This infra-human state of affairs should revolt our conscience as fathers, mothers, committed citizens and responsible men and women.
The overwhelming fact is that we do not have a sufficient, well-equipped, and well-trained police force to quell this proliferation of gangs. Our armed force is still in its infancy.
Dear compatriots, when one drowns, one does not look at the skin color or the religion of the savior, it is well known the old adage; However, in certain circumstances, given our historical past, we would have liked to have had to make other choices or to be able to have our own means rather than crying out for help elsewhere… but alas! The burning reality is there, hurtful, and painful before our eyes, in our flesh and in our daily lives.
Patrice Lumumba said: “Political independence only makes sense if it is accompanied by rapid economic and social development”.
Where are we today?
He also said: “Without dignity there is no freedom, without justice there is no dignity and without independence there are no free men”.
We are no longer free. Free to go about our business. Free to send our children to school without fear. Free to relax (go to the beach with friends and/or family) and visit friends or relatives in a provincial town. Even throwing a small party at home is thought provoking.
Today, it is clear that it is no longer appropriate to brandish a “false pretense” nationalism while observing, with sorrow, society collapsing under the orders of outlaws. Of those who remain silent or who vociferate, the reality is the same: We are at an impasse!
It is inconceivable to continue to witness the slow death of Haiti when there are alternatives. Which alternatives can always displease more than one and rightly so, it must be recognized. However, the defense of life comes first. It’s not that hard to figure it out and make a judgment. So, let’s advocate the choice of life rather than that of slow death!
We are a proud people, but intelligent, we will be able to look in the right direction to set the record straight at the right time. Let’s be brave and honest with ourselves and our offspring. Let’s bet we won’t find ourselves in this situation, oh so difficult, ensuring we choose better our leaders in the future by silencing our emotions and focusing on viable societal projects and enlightened visions for a better Haiti for its sons and daughters.
Jude Elie, Candidate for the Presidential Elections for Haiti
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