Science for Haiti: A necessity moving forward

Ilio DurandisIlio DurandisThe American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) recently published Science for Haiti: A Report on Advancing Haitian Science and Science Education capacity, which sets the stage for Haitian policy makers to incorporate science in their strategies of the reconstruction of Haiti. The theme of the report centers on two key components: advancing Haitian science and science education.

Science, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is defined as the state of knowing. Its etymology is from the Latin word: Scientia, which literally means knowledge. If science is the state of knowing, why more often than not the subject matters bring in a fear of knowing? To fully appreciate the set of goals and recommendations presented in the Science for Haiti paper, we must try to explain the state of science in Haiti and how it is perceived by most Haitians.

Helpful tools to save a foreclosed home

Imagine buying a house, a place to call home. The mortgage is paid on time and the yard is maintained. Then suddenly the mortgage rate shoots up from 6% to 18% because it is a variable rate mortgage. Many calls are made to the lender and but go unreturned. Applications for a loan modification are filed but the bank says that because payments are still being made, it can’t approve the modification; and the only to approve one is if a payment is missed and the mortgage goes into default. The next month, the mortgage isn’t paid because the payment has become too expensive. Finally, a notice in the mail comes that the bank has foreclosed on the property. The bank also says that it wants you and your family out of the house. The bank is evicting you, and you have nowhere to go.

This was the case of Guy Lebrun, the Haitian radio host of Verite Variete. So he went to

Time for action on humanitarian parole

Immediately after the earthquake the White House granted eligible Haitians already living in the United States the chance to remain and work here legally for 18 months through Temporary Protected Status (TPS). On May 17, 2011, more than 16 months after the first designation, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the extension of TPS for roughly 48,000 Haitian nationals who currently had the designation. The extension was made effective July 23, and allowed Haitian beneficiaries to remain in the United States an additional 18 months—through January 22, 2013.

‘I am Haitian, not a Creole, and I speak Haitian’

BHR October 2011: Click to download full PDF of this month's edition.BHR October 2011: Click to download full PDF of this month's edition.Haitians are sometimes baffled when I tell them that I do not speak Creole (Kreyòl); rather, that I speak Haitian, the language of a politically and culturally established independent nation. Once I explain my position, they either agree with my reasoning or they completely reject it, and revert to their default beliefs. For many Haitians, the ‘Creole’ notion is a significant problem, and it is old.

The entire Caribbean region became a constructed space once the Spanish colonizers who decimated the original inhabitants brought in West African slaves. Shaped by European economic needs, the region became an initiate of the first systematic process of globalization, linking the “New World” to new markets – a system entrenched to the point that a restructuring the physical landscape of the region was rendered. Differentiated social class structures were established as the aristocratic Spaniards (who wanted to distinguish themselves from the various grades of descendants born in the colonies) referred to colony-born Spanish descendants as “Criollos”.

From the outset, the term “Criollo” became a social marker for otherness, describing un-pure Spaniards. As other European countries joined the colonial quest, they too applied the Spanish term to their own descendants. “Criollo” became “Criole” for the French during their conquests of the Americas in the early 1600’s.

‘I am Haitian, not a Creole, and I speak Haitian’

Haitians are sometimes baffled when I tell them that I do not speak Creole (Kreyòl); rather, that I speak Haitian, the language of a politically and culturally established independent nation. Once I explain my position, they either agree with my reasoning or they completely reject it, and revert to their default beliefs. For many Haitians, the ‘Creole’ notion is a significant problem, and it is old.

The entire Caribbean region became a constructed space once the Spanish colonizers who decimated the original inhabitants brought in West African slaves. Shaped by European economic needs, the region became an initiate of the first systematic process of globalization, linking the “New World” to new markets – a system entrenched to the point that a restructuring the physical landscape of the region was rendered. Differentiated social class structures were established as the aristocratic Spaniards (who wanted to distinguish themselves from the various grades of descendants born in the colonies) referred to colony-born Spanish descendants as “Criollos”.

Dr. Garry Conille is confirmed as Haiti's new prime minister

Dr. Garry Conille (AP)Dr. Garry Conille (AP)Jacqueline Charles from the Miami Herald reports that last night Haiti’s senate confirmed Dr. Garry Conille, a U.N. development official and former aide to former President Bill Clinton as prime minister. Tuesday’s vote - which put an end to almost five months of political gridlock - came after an eight-hour debate on the Senate floor.

According to Charles, opponents argued Conille did not meet the constitutional requirement for the job because he lacked an electoral card and had not lived in Haiti during the past five years.

Martelly: UN made errors but should stay

Haiti's new president said Friday that U.N. peacekeepers have committed ``unacceptable errors'' in his country but they should remain to help with the stalled post-earthquake reconstruction.

President Michael Martelly's first speech to the U.N. General Assembly bridged the anti-U.N. sentiment he campaigned on in an election held months after the January 2010 earthquake with his more conciliatory approach to the foreign troops since taking office.

``I am aware of the fact that unacceptable errors were committed that marred the prestige of the mission, but the trees must not hide the forest,'' Martelly said.

Sen. Kerry sponsors bill to hold Haiti aid groups accountable

Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) has co-sponsored a bill to evaluate the progress on all post-quake aid efforts in Haiti. Through this bill, Assessing Progress in Haiti Act, U.S. agencies would be held accountable for effective use of aid funds that bolsters the Haitian government and participation of the civil society.

In a statement released today, Senator Kerry said that the transition to long-term recovery needs to ensure "our relief efforts are doing the most possible for people who need them."

Candlelight vigil tonight for toddler who died in parked van

The family and friends of Gabriel Josh-Cazir Pierre are hosting a candle light vigil on Monday, September 19 at 7 p.m. The vigil will be held at the corner of Blue Hill Avenue and Floyd Street.

The 17-month old Dorchester toddler died last Monday after he was left unattended in a van for most of the day. His death remains under investigation.

In a statement released though the Boston Police Dept. today, the public was invited to attend the vigil.
"The family understands that there are many who are grieving with them and many of whom will come out to be there during this time. All are welcome to share this time with family," the statement read.

Haiti's prime minister nominee clears first hurdle

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti Former aide to ex-U.S. President Bill Clinton has been overwhelmingly approved by Parliament's lower chamber to be Haiti's next prime minister.

Dr. Garry Conille's nomination was approved Friday on an 89-0 vote in the Chamber of Deputies. The nomination now goes to the Senate for a vote expected Tuesday.

Haitian President Michel Martelly's administration has been without a prime minister for four months. Martelly's first two picks were rejected and many reconstruction efforts from last year's earthquake have been on hold.

Pages

Subscribe to Boston Haitian Reporter RSS