Demonstrations Against Violence Take on Prime Minister Latortue and Business Leader Andre Apaid Junior: Wednesday, May 11, 2005

bigboston.com

At least one person was injured when a violent incident erupted earlier today in Port-Au-Prince during an anti-government protest. The protesters urged the departure of U.S. backed Prime Minister Latortue and denounced the participation of businessman Andre Apaid in evil activities that led to the social declining of the country. Apaid is a business leader that is accused of managing to hijack the political power in Haiti. 

Several desperate school aged children marched in front of the Prime Minister’s office to call for an end to the wave of state sponsored violence that has overshadowed the capital during the past few weeks.

The ill trained soldiers of the United Nations peace mission fired many bullets to disperse the protesters that launched hostile slogans to the UN peacekeepers earlier, in front of their headquarters.

The movement for a power change in Haiti is taking root among the poor people that represent 85% of the population of Haiti. The latest incidents of abductions and car hijacking are provoking uncertainties among all sectors of the society. This morning demonstrations were undertaken by student organizations with the support of the local business organizations.

Although there is a general disapproval of the Latortue’s government performance, our reporter has noticed a division among the protesters. One group targets the upper class which they hold responsible for the social declining of the country, attacks vehemently businessman Andre Apaid Junior and urged a power change. Meanwhile the other group composed mostly of youths from the wealthy neighborhoods of Petion-Ville and the  middle class of Port-Au-Prince show support to Andre Apaid Junior and uttered concern about a potential power change. However, both groups agree: Something must be done soon or the bandits will hijack the country. 

Andre Apaid Junior is accused of manipulating the political situation to his personal profit regardless of the outcome.   

By: Jacques dady Jean