Haiti's prime minister targeted for ouster by lawmakers - Santo Domingo

Haiti's prime minister targeted for ouster by lawmakers

Haitian senators want to oust the country's prime minister, claiming she has moved too slowly in addressing crucial problems.
BY JACQUELINE CHARLES
jcharles@MiamiHerald.com

PORT-AU-PRINCE -- With Haiti poised to enjoy the economic benefits of long-elusive stability, foreign diplomats are scrambling behind the scenes to keep it all from unraveling as several lawmakers demand the ouster of the country's prime minister.

A small but powerful group of senators is seeking the removal of Prime Minister Miche&grave;le Pierre-Louis -- and possibly several of her ministers -- on charges that she has moved too slowly to solve Haiti's problems.

``The situation is critical,'' said Sen. Jean Hector Anacasis, who is among the six senators behind a recent summons for Pierre-Louis to appear before Haiti's Senate on Thursday. Under Haiti's constitution, the Senate can fire a sitting government.

``We are the ones on the ground who hear the people's cry, who hear them criticizing us, the government, saying nothing has been done. We have to replace the woman,'' Anacasis said. ``If they are accusing us of inviting a crisis, then we are inviting a crisis to avert another crisis.''

The internal political maneuvering comes just three weeks after former U.S. President and U.N. Special Envoy to Haiti Bill Clinton led a historic trade mission here, triggering optimism that this land of seemingly missed opportunities may finally be turning around.

Before a gathering of 600 investors -- 200 of them foreign -- Clinton championed Haiti's stability, promising that the risks were the lowest they have ever been in a crisis-prone Haiti. Now, both Haitian and foreign observers fear that political differences could trigger a crisis and send potential investors packing.

``They cannot afford to do this. It is not good for investments,'' said one diplomat who asked for anonymity because of the sensitivity of what is viewed as a domestic matter. ``It is all so frustrating.''

On Monday, diplomats spent the day shuffling between meetings with President René Préval, and discussions with Pierre-Louis. The matter even warranted a weekend phone call to Préval from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Clinton spoke of her concerns and reiterated U.S. support for Pierre-Louis, according to several sources privy to the conversation.

Préval, in turn, told Clinton that he was not behind the move to oust Pierre-Louis and has no control over the lawmakers. Critics disagree, pointing out that following the recent Senate elections, marred by fraud allegations and low turnout, Préval now controls two-thirds of the chamber, and that most of the six senators leading the charge are from his Lespwa (HOPE) political coalition.

POLITICALLY RISKY

Still, some are asking whether he's willing to spend the political capital to prevent the ouster of Pierre-Louis, a one-time friend and confidante who accepted her appointment as a storm-battered Haiti was gripped by political gridlock after the Senate fired then-Prime Minister Jacques-Edouard Alexis following food riots then failed to ratify two of Préval's choices.

Neither Préval nor Pierre-Louis responded to interview requests from The Miami Herald. In a taped message to the nation Monday night, Pierre-Louis defended her government's record and explained her reasons for taking the job.

Since her appointment a year ago, Pierre-Louis has appeared often before parliament but this is the first time she has been summoned, a move that usually signals a no-confidence vote.

Pierre-Louis has mustered considerable support abroad from her many trips, including stops in South Florida. But she has failed to win over supporters in parliament. Her dismissal, in effect, would topple her government.

Initially, senators were seeking to dismiss the ministers of finance and justice, both of whom are close to Pierre-Louis. But after three days of meetings at a hotel near the palace, senators decided to issue the summons to Pierre-Louis, Anacasis told The Miami Herald.

A majority of the 29 senators have indicated they would vote to fire Pierre-Louis, Anacasis said.

Pierre-Louis was in Europe on business, and returned to Haiti Sunday night where she was greeted by a small group of protesters waving signs saying, ``We are tired of changing governments.''

In her defense, a handful of lawmakers and supporters have pleaded with the group of six to cancel Thursday's hearing.

`SELF-INTEREST'

``Since becoming prime minister, she has struggled with limited human and financial resources and with a structure of government that has been emasculated over decades of mismanagement and selfish politics,'' said Robert Maguire, a Haiti expert at Washington, D.C.-based Trinity University.

``She has had to confront the narrow politics of self-interest imposed upon her ability to govern. And yet, she has persevered, building a solid track record of relief and recovery in the aftermath of Haiti's devastating storms of late 2008 and thereby contributing immensely to that spirit of Haiti's hope for a brighter future.''

It's unclear what has triggered the move, though some believe it revolves around Haiti's presidential elections. While still a year away, political jockeying already has begun, with some suggesting politicians may be seeking to position themselves and candidates for the scheduled November 2010 elections.

Meanwhile on Monday, as politicians weighed whether Pierre-Louis would fight or resign, some supporters tried to persuade her to visit Préval to see if the two could reach a compromise. She has said she will fight, but has no plans to go before parliament and be humiliated. That has some wondering whether she would resign before Thursday.

Patrick Delatour, Haiti's tourism and acting commerce minister, said lawmakers should weigh the consequences of their actions carefully.

``They should understand solving problems by any government is a process, a slow process,'' he said. ``Firing this government does not mean the next government will be able to solve the problems any faster. It definitely means the process of solving problems will stop and will have to start again.''

al capo di tutti capi de los trolls

#2 - Posted 27 October 2009, 10:32 AM
vacanos Location: United States Join date: February 2009 Member #: 2112 Posts: 2417	RE: Haiti's prime minister targeted for ouster by lawmakers Quote: Blutarsky previously said: Haiti's prime minister targeted for ouster by lawmakers Haitian senators want to oust the country's prime minister, claiming she has moved too slowly in addressing crucial problems. BY JACQUELINE CHARLES jcharles@MiamiHerald.com PORT-AU-PRINCE -- With Haiti poised to enjoy the economic benefits of long-elusive stability, foreign diplomats are scrambling behind the scenes to keep it all from unraveling as several lawmakers demand the ouster of the country's prime minister. A small but powerful group of senators is seeking the removal of Prime Minister Miche&grave;le Pierre-Louis -- and possibly several of her ministers -- on charges that she has moved too slowly to solve Haiti's problems. ``The situation is critical,'' said Sen. Jean Hector Anacasis, who is among the six senators behind a recent summons for Pierre-Louis to appear before Haiti's Senate on Thursday. Under Haiti's constitution, the Senate can fire a sitting government. ``We are the ones on the ground who hear the people's cry, who hear them criticizing us, the government, saying nothing has been done. We have to replace the woman,'' Anacasis said. ``If they are accusing us of inviting a crisis, then we are inviting a crisis to avert another crisis.'' The internal political maneuvering comes just three weeks after former U.S. President and U.N. Special Envoy to Haiti Bill Clinton led a historic trade mission here, triggering optimism that this land of seemingly missed opportunities may finally be turning around. Before a gathering of 600 investors -- 200 of them foreign -- Clinton championed Haiti's stability, promising that the risks were the lowest they have ever been in a crisis-prone Haiti. Now, both Haitian and foreign observers fear that political differences could trigger a crisis and send potential investors packing. ``They cannot afford to do this. It is not good for investments,'' said one diplomat who asked for anonymity because of the sensitivity of what is viewed as a domestic matter. ``It is all so frustrating.'' On Monday, diplomats spent the day shuffling between meetings with President René Préval, and discussions with Pierre-Louis. The matter even warranted a weekend phone call to Préval from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Clinton spoke of her concerns and reiterated U.S. support for Pierre-Louis, according to several sources privy to the conversation. Préval, in turn, told Clinton that he was not behind the move to oust Pierre-Louis and has no control over the lawmakers. Critics disagree, pointing out that following the recent Senate elections, marred by fraud allegations and low turnout, Préval now controls two-thirds of the chamber, and that most of the six senators leading the charge are from his Lespwa (HOPE) political coalition. POLITICALLY RISKY Still, some are asking whether he's willing to spend the political capital to prevent the ouster of Pierre-Louis, a one-time friend and confidante who accepted her appointment as a storm-battered Haiti was gripped by political gridlock after the Senate fired then-Prime Minister Jacques-Edouard Alexis following food riots then failed to ratify two of Préval's choices. Neither Préval nor Pierre-Louis responded to interview requests from The Miami Herald. In a taped message to the nation Monday night, Pierre-Louis defended her government's record and explained her reasons for taking the job. Since her appointment a year ago, Pierre-Louis has appeared often before parliament but this is the first time she has been summoned, a move that usually signals a no-confidence vote. Pierre-Louis has mustered considerable support abroad from her many trips, including stops in South Florida. But she has failed to win over supporters in parliament. Her dismissal, in effect, would topple her government. Initially, senators were seeking to dismiss the ministers of finance and justice, both of whom are close to Pierre-Louis. But after three days of meetings at a hotel near the palace, senators decided to issue the summons to Pierre-Louis, Anacasis told The Miami Herald. A majority of the 29 senators have indicated they would vote to fire Pierre-Louis, Anacasis said. Pierre-Louis was in Europe on business, and returned to Haiti Sunday night where she was greeted by a small group of protesters waving signs saying, ``We are tired of changing governments.'' In her defense, a handful of lawmakers and supporters have pleaded with the group of six to cancel Thursday's hearing. `SELF-INTEREST' ``Since becoming prime minister, she has struggled with limited human and financial resources and with a structure of government that has been emasculated over decades of mismanagement and selfish politics,'' said Robert Maguire, a Haiti expert at Washington, D.C.-based Trinity University. ``She has had to confront the narrow politics of self-interest imposed upon her ability to govern. And yet, she has persevered, building a solid track record of relief and recovery in the aftermath of Haiti's devastating storms of late 2008 and thereby contributing immensely to that spirit of Haiti's hope for a brighter future.'' It's unclear what has triggered the move, though some believe it revolves around Haiti's presidential elections. While still a year away, political jockeying already has begun, with some suggesting politicians may be seeking to position themselves and candidates for the scheduled November 2010 elections. Meanwhile on Monday, as politicians weighed whether Pierre-Louis would fight or resign, some supporters tried to persuade her to visit Préval to see if the two could reach a compromise. She has said she will fight, but has no plans to go before parliament and be humiliated. That has some wondering whether she would resign before Thursday. Patrick Delatour, Haiti's tourism and acting commerce minister, said lawmakers should weigh the consequences of their actions carefully. ``They should understand solving problems by any government is a process, a slow process,'' he said. ``Firing this government does not mean the next government will be able to solve the problems any faster. It definitely means the process of solving problems will stop and will have to start again.'' How old is this article 4 year ago? SEREMOS RECONOCIDOS LOS TRINITARIOS CON LAS PALABRAS SACRAMENTALES: "DIOS" "PATRIA" Y "LIBERTAD". ASI LO PROMETO ANTES DIOS Y EL MUNDO: SI LO HAGO, DIOS ME PROTEJAS, Y DE NO, ME LO TOME EN CUENTA, Y MIS CONSOCIOS ME CASTIGUEN EL PERJURIO Y LA TRAICION, SI LOS VENDO.
	Post IP/Country: 173.2.10.16* / US

#1 - Posted 27 October 2009, 9:51 AM
Blutarsky Location: United States, Faber College Double Secret Probation Join date: October 2009 Member #: 3809 Posts: 1437	Haiti's prime minister targeted for ouster by lawmakers Haiti's prime minister targeted for ouster by lawmakers Haitian senators want to oust the country's prime minister, claiming she has moved too slowly in addressing crucial problems. BY JACQUELINE CHARLES jcharles@MiamiHerald.com PORT-AU-PRINCE -- With Haiti poised to enjoy the economic benefits of long-elusive stability, foreign diplomats are scrambling behind the scenes to keep it all from unraveling as several lawmakers demand the ouster of the country's prime minister. A small but powerful group of senators is seeking the removal of Prime Minister Miche&grave;le Pierre-Louis -- and possibly several of her ministers -- on charges that she has moved too slowly to solve Haiti's problems. ``The situation is critical,'' said Sen. Jean Hector Anacasis, who is among the six senators behind a recent summons for Pierre-Louis to appear before Haiti's Senate on Thursday. Under Haiti's constitution, the Senate can fire a sitting government. ``We are the ones on the ground who hear the people's cry, who hear them criticizing us, the government, saying nothing has been done. We have to replace the woman,'' Anacasis said. ``If they are accusing us of inviting a crisis, then we are inviting a crisis to avert another crisis.'' The internal political maneuvering comes just three weeks after former U.S. President and U.N. Special Envoy to Haiti Bill Clinton led a historic trade mission here, triggering optimism that this land of seemingly missed opportunities may finally be turning around. Before a gathering of 600 investors -- 200 of them foreign -- Clinton championed Haiti's stability, promising that the risks were the lowest they have ever been in a crisis-prone Haiti. Now, both Haitian and foreign observers fear that political differences could trigger a crisis and send potential investors packing. ``They cannot afford to do this. It is not good for investments,'' said one diplomat who asked for anonymity because of the sensitivity of what is viewed as a domestic matter. ``It is all so frustrating.'' On Monday, diplomats spent the day shuffling between meetings with President René Préval, and discussions with Pierre-Louis. The matter even warranted a weekend phone call to Préval from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Clinton spoke of her concerns and reiterated U.S. support for Pierre-Louis, according to several sources privy to the conversation. Préval, in turn, told Clinton that he was not behind the move to oust Pierre-Louis and has no control over the lawmakers. Critics disagree, pointing out that following the recent Senate elections, marred by fraud allegations and low turnout, Préval now controls two-thirds of the chamber, and that most of the six senators leading the charge are from his Lespwa (HOPE) political coalition. POLITICALLY RISKY Still, some are asking whether he's willing to spend the political capital to prevent the ouster of Pierre-Louis, a one-time friend and confidante who accepted her appointment as a storm-battered Haiti was gripped by political gridlock after the Senate fired then-Prime Minister Jacques-Edouard Alexis following food riots then failed to ratify two of Préval's choices. Neither Préval nor Pierre-Louis responded to interview requests from The Miami Herald. In a taped message to the nation Monday night, Pierre-Louis defended her government's record and explained her reasons for taking the job. Since her appointment a year ago, Pierre-Louis has appeared often before parliament but this is the first time she has been summoned, a move that usually signals a no-confidence vote. Pierre-Louis has mustered considerable support abroad from her many trips, including stops in South Florida. But she has failed to win over supporters in parliament. Her dismissal, in effect, would topple her government. Initially, senators were seeking to dismiss the ministers of finance and justice, both of whom are close to Pierre-Louis. But after three days of meetings at a hotel near the palace, senators decided to issue the summons to Pierre-Louis, Anacasis told The Miami Herald. A majority of the 29 senators have indicated they would vote to fire Pierre-Louis, Anacasis said. Pierre-Louis was in Europe on business, and returned to Haiti Sunday night where she was greeted by a small group of protesters waving signs saying, ``We are tired of changing governments.'' In her defense, a handful of lawmakers and supporters have pleaded with the group of six to cancel Thursday's hearing. `SELF-INTEREST' ``Since becoming prime minister, she has struggled with limited human and financial resources and with a structure of government that has been emasculated over decades of mismanagement and selfish politics,'' said Robert Maguire, a Haiti expert at Washington, D.C.-based Trinity University. ``She has had to confront the narrow politics of self-interest imposed upon her ability to govern. And yet, she has persevered, building a solid track record of relief and recovery in the aftermath of Haiti's devastating storms of late 2008 and thereby contributing immensely to that spirit of Haiti's hope for a brighter future.'' It's unclear what has triggered the move, though some believe it revolves around Haiti's presidential elections. While still a year away, political jockeying already has begun, with some suggesting politicians may be seeking to position themselves and candidates for the scheduled November 2010 elections. Meanwhile on Monday, as politicians weighed whether Pierre-Louis would fight or resign, some supporters tried to persuade her to visit Préval to see if the two could reach a compromise. She has said she will fight, but has no plans to go before parliament and be humiliated. That has some wondering whether she would resign before Thursday. Patrick Delatour, Haiti's tourism and acting commerce minister, said lawmakers should weigh the consequences of their actions carefully. ``They should understand solving problems by any government is a process, a slow process,'' he said. ``Firing this government does not mean the next government will be able to solve the problems any faster. It definitely means the process of solving problems will stop and will have to start again.'' al capo di tutti capi de los trolls
	Post IP/Country: 66.98.33.8* / DO

#3 - Posted 27 October 2009, 10:40 AM
Blutarsky Location: United States, Faber College Double Secret Probation Join date: October 2009 Member #: 3809 Posts: 1437	RE: Haiti's prime minister targeted for ouster by lawmakers To Days Miami Herald .........# # Haiti's prime minister targeted for ouster by lawmakers - Today's ... 27 Oct 2009 ... With Haiti poised to enjoy the economic benefits of long-elusive stability, foreign diplomats are scrambling behind the scenes to keep it ... www.miamiherald.com/news/top-stories/.../1301613.html - 3 hours ago Edited on 10/27/2009 10:45 AM by Blutarsky. al capo di tutti capi de los trolls
	Post IP/Country: 66.98.33.8* / DO

#4 - Posted 27 October 2009, 10:42 AM
antonioj Location: Canada, home safe Join date: January 2008 Member #: 268 Posts: 2578	RE: Haiti's prime minister targeted for ouster by lawmakers These Bozos show they are unable to govern themselves time and time again. This is Preval manipulation showing his real dictatorial face, if they remove her Haiti will go back 20 years, there should be cause for concern, of another unslaught of economic refugee to the east, this irresponsible act will in effect shake the political stability and stop right in is track any hope for foreign investments that are badly needed. Edited on 10/27/2009 12:56 PM by antonioj. We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.
	Post IP/Country: 64.229.195.18* / CA

#5 - Posted 27 October 2009, 11:18 AM
old_school_trinitario Location: Dominican Republic, Dando pela en las 5 esquinas Join date: June 2008 Member #: 986 Posts: 714	RE: Haiti's prime minister targeted for ouster by lawmakers this is just business as usual in haiti, I'm surprised that she still alive in the meantime another 10,000 poor haitian crossed the border into DR to slave themself for food and shelter. My friends we need that border wall pronto, before clinton and the other idiots discover what many dominicans already know, there is no hope whatsoever of pulling haiti out of the hole, they have stablished the fact since their creation that they can't govern themselves. chivos sin ley if you ask me. can somebody pass the memo to bubba and the rest of the liberal turds in DC. Edited on 10/27/2009 11:19 AM by old_school_trinitario.
	Post IP/Country: 64.50.116.22* / US

#6 - Posted 27 October 2009, 11:55 AM
texasshoe Location: United States, Richmond, Texas Join date: May 2008 Member #: 733 Posts: 1793	RE: Haiti's prime minister targeted for ouster by lawmakers A major part of the problem that Haiti faces is that Six or Seven very weathly families control all aspects of commercial activity in the country. The manage the seaports, stevedoring companies at the port and the trucking companies that operate at the port. The corruption withing the customs organization is without rival etc., etc. OST is correct, it is a wonder she is still alive! Texasshoe From Houston
	Post IP/Country: 67.200.149.6* / US

#7 - Posted 27 October 2009, 12:57 PM
vacanos Location: United States Join date: February 2009 Member #: 2112 Posts: 2417	RE: Haiti's prime minister targeted for ouster by lawmakers Quote: Blutarsky previously said: To Days Miami Herald .........# # Haiti's prime minister targeted for ouster by lawmakers - Today's ... 27 Oct 2009 ... With Haiti poised to enjoy the economic benefits of long-elusive stability, foreign diplomats are scrambling behind the scenes to keep it ... www.miamiherald.com/news/top-stories/.../1301613.html - 3 hours ago Wow are these people backward or what? SEREMOS RECONOCIDOS LOS TRINITARIOS CON LAS PALABRAS SACRAMENTALES: "DIOS" "PATRIA" Y "LIBERTAD". ASI LO PROMETO ANTES DIOS Y EL MUNDO: SI LO HAGO, DIOS ME PROTEJAS, Y DE NO, ME LO TOME EN CUENTA, Y MIS CONSOCIOS ME CASTIGUEN EL PERJURIO Y LA TRAICION, SI LOS VENDO.
	Post IP/Country: 173.2.10.16* / US

November 21, 2009, Updated 7:05 AM
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