You say “blame game,” I say “rule of law”: the UN’s responsibility for cholera in Haiti

The contamination of Haiti’s Artibonite River with cholera bacteria by the UN’s MINUSTAH (the French acronym for the UN Peacekeeping force in Haiti) soldiers was no accident, but a risk that was well known and could have been easily avoided. Now that 542,000 Haitians have gotten sick and 7,140 have died from the UN’s malfeasance, it’s well past time for the UN to take responsibility.

Want to help? Vacation in Haiti!

Reginald ToussaintYoung Haitian-Americans need to put their money where their mouths are and make Haiti their next vacation destination. We are often critical of Haiti and its government but are short on offering solutions. Visiting Haiti will infuse much needed money into the local economy and provide a better context for the current situation in Haiti. The truth is, Haiti is a place we barely know. Most of what we know of our homeland comes from our parents (who probably left to escape horrible conditions) and the foreign media. As a result we often have a distorted and negative view of current conditions in Haiti.

Wanito proves untapped potential of Haiti’s youth

Wanito albumSinger, songwriter Wanito is Haiti’s latest folk/pop sensation. The artist has been stirring the scene with his thoughtfully penned songs for a few years now and we have finally laid hands on his first release, “Biyografi Mwen” – a 10 song journey backed by a progressive c American music organizations PeaceTones — which promotes "fair trade" music. I usually reserve this part of my writing to talk about the artist but he does a fine job on track #3 of the release. Let’s talk about Wanito’s backers, Peacetones — an organization that is trying to usher in new business models to support and promote today’s serious musicians.

UN official urges halt in deportations to Haiti

MIAMI — The U.N. Independent Expert on human rights in Haiti wants to suspend deportations to the Caribbean country. In a report issued this month, Michel Forst said deportations from U.N. member countries put deportees in a “vulnerable, life-threatening position” and add to Haiti's burdens. Forst said he also was concerned that the deportations violate the deportees' human rights.

AFAB workshop on living a single life

The Association of Haitian Women in Boston (AFAB) hosts a workshop for single women who want to explore the single life experience in a two hour interactive workshop led by Dr. Nancy Goldner, a trained workshop leader. 6 p.m. at 330 Fuller St., Dorchester. To attend, please contact AFAB at: 617-287-0096.

Info session on Mirebalais Hospital

An information session for the "Haitian medical community and friends of Haiti" will be held on Sat., May 19, 2-4 p.m. at the New England Regional Council of Carpenters hall in Dorchester. Briefing on role of Partners in Health in Haiti. Vision for the hospital from construction to operation. Invitation to Haitians and friends of Haiti to assist. Questions and answers. Call 617-635-3817 for more info.

Poetry, spoke word open mic benefits Haiti program

The Young Professionals, “TYP,” hosts charity event entitled “Words For A Cause” on Saturday May 19 from 6 to 8p.m. It is a spoken word/ open mic night featuring local poets and spoken word artists who will showcase their talents. The event will take place at St. Angela’s church hall located at 1548 Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan. Admission is $5.00 per person and refreshments will be served.

Rep. Forry discusses Heritage Month and Reunification petition drive

Rep. Linda Dorcena Forry discussed the significance of Haitian Heritage Month during a special program at the Massachusetts State House on May 15, 2012. Rep. Forry also talks about her office's work to push for a federal Haitian Family Reunification program through a signature petition drive. Video courtesy ACH.

Closing reception for "When Our Brushes Shook” exhibit on May 17

As time passes and some wounds heal, Haitian artists have begun to express more hope and optimism in their works of art, according to Charlot Lucien, founder and co-director of the Haitian Artists Assembly of Mass. (HAAM) and one of the founders of the Jacmel Art Revitalization Project. The emotional shift Lucien refers to can be seen in an exhibit extended until May 18th at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (MSPP) in Boston's West Roxbury neighborhood.

Point of Pride: Son of Haitian-born parents, Reynaldo Sylla excelled at Boston College

Boston College Carroll School of Management senior Reynaldo Sylla was honored this month for his exceptional leadership and service. He is the 2012 recipient of the University’s Dr. Donald Brown Award, which honors a senior for his or her extraordinary contributions to the greater AHANA (African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American) community. Named for the BC’s inaugural director of AHANA Student Programs, it was presented to Sylla during Black Family Weekend in April.

Boston Haitian Reporter