Let's help these people please!

Shouldn't he be in Haiti lending a hand?

Why is Rene Preval in DR instead of assisting in the rescue efforts as head of the country?
I find this troublesome and most irregular. Mr. Preval has an obligation to stay put in Haiti at a time of great national emergency. I do not want to hear any BS that there is no communication in Haiti, if that is so, then his duty is to struggle to have communications up and running!
If this is true then I agree with Wycleff Jean to declare a state of emergency in Haiti and bury this inept government in the past, along with the national palace once and for all.
UN trustee government would be much better to guarantee that the funds coming in will not evaporate, as they usually do at the hands of these "political mercenaries".

xwill7 said:
Shouldn't he be in Haiti lending a hand?

Do you remember Katrina? Actually it is a good thing that he will start doing his job as ambassador to his country in this time of need. If Mr. Preval decides to go to the devastated area, requiring security personnel and resources that could be used to save people's lives, them you will also complaint about him taking resources away from the people and I will have to agree with you on this particular point.

The future of Haiti is in mending fences with us and do it as soon as possible, since more than ever they need us to roll our sleves and lend a hand.

We have a small Haitian population in our school and they are really scared and nervous about the whole situation back in Haiti, even if they had no family in there. These kids are a mere reflection of how their parents feel at home, and believe me it was not an easy thing meeting them in the library and to take questions and concerns from them. Very sad indeed.

dag,
he could have set up camp in a cap haitian resort

I hope this is not true. The president should be in the country, this the time when Haitians really need him.

Haiti will rise up from this tragedy, and I hope it becomes a better nation for its citizens; that's my prayer.

I would think, and certainly hope, that he is here on a quickie trip looking for rapid emergency aid.

Some leader he is....should be outhere cordinating with whatever cabinet and intenational assist there is

INTERNATIONAL AID PLEDGES

The United Nations is releasing $10 million from its emergency funds.

The Irish telecommunications company Digicel said it would donate $5 million to aid agencies and help repair the damaged phone network.

The European Commission has approved $4.37 million with more funds likely.

Spain has pledged $4.37 million, and sent three planes with rescue teams and 100 tons of emergency relief equipment.

The Netherlands has donated $2.91 million and will send a 60-person search-and-rescue team.
Germany gave $2.17 million and sent an immediate response team. Another team with 20 rescue dogs is on standby.
China will donate $1 million, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Sweden has offered $850,000 along with tents, water purification equipment and medical aid.

Guys, the bottom line is that the president is of no use at this point, just as Bush was of no use during the Katrina targedy here in the U.S. I would not want to see Leonel stay idle while the entire country was devastated by a natural disaster.

I happen to agree with his decision, eventhough I know very little of his political abilities, this is a good call. He is responsible for being at the forth front of rapid international politcal response to his destrayed nation.

During times like this, the president is a laying duck and means nothing more than symbolism. Mr. Preval is putting this symbolism to work in order to produce material goods.

I would be sure that he has a very good reason to be here and feel sure he is not deserting his people ,,that is if indeed he is here .

Venezuela has sent doctors, firefighters and rescue workers.
Mexico will send doctors, search-and-rescue dogs and infrastructure damage experts.
France is sending two planes with doctors, food and medical equipment.
Britain has sent 64 firefighters with search-and-rescue dogs and 10 tons of equipment
Iceland is sending 37 search-and-rescue specialists.
Taiwan is flying in 23 rescue personnel and 2 tons of aid and equipment.
Israel is sending an elite army rescue unit including engineers, rescue workers, doctors and medics.


Source: The Associated Press

I am sure he will only here long enough for the palace to rebuilt and the gourmet kitchen restored.

I will be extremely proud of the U.S. if at this time they decide to really make a real effort in aiding this poor country raise from the ruins in which they are lying today. I would have no problem seeing my tax dollars being used for a good cause instead of buying weapons to expand our wars.

Also, more than ever feel extremely proud of being Dominican, because once again our country has demonstrated that the WACOS are a few and that our people is good hearted and always worries about their counterparts.

I hope the help that comes in, gets manage by an outside institution, not the same people that make desappear the international help all the time.

It is shocking to hear that Haiti's political leader deserted his country only +a few hours after a devestating natural disaster struck his capital city. What does this say about his character? What does this say about his ability to plan for unforseen events? What is the purpose of a leader who cannot provide direction in a time of crisis because he fears for his own security?

I bet his personal home was nicer than the palace

I agree with dagtan

Right now is better for preval to get out of the way and let the pros handle the rescue, he's better off coordinating the flow of aid witch is by the way coming through DR right now.

and besides he still in the island, is not like he flew to freaking canada

Good one dagtan, 100%!

The U.S. response to this is immediate and massive from both military/ gov't. and civilian sectors. The response to this cataclysmic natural disaster by the current Administration will do for the Haitian people what the previous Administration's response to Hurricane Katrina failed to do for our own.

It's heartening to see the Dominican government standing solidly in support of it's western neighbor. It seems that the worst horrors serve to bring the best out in people. Let's hope that this truly epic worldwide support effort will create a permanent, positive change in Haiti.

A really sensible approach to helping Haiti at this moment is to evacuate the women and children and wounded. All the rich countries should take in as many as possible. Rapid rebuilding will not be possible without such a huge international undertaking. The country has no resources to confront the challenges. If they don't consider evacuation any chance of recovery will be next to nil.

Pleasuretour,

Well stated.

Why would he cancel his trip to te Dominican Republic ?
What is he going to do ?
What has he ever done ?

for the haitian people

It is better to hang out with Leonel. enjoy a sip of ron and bowl of sancocho instead staying in Haiti and lead during these hard times.
In case things turn sour, he could ask for asilum .
Roso , you got it !

Basically the total collapse of any kind of infrastructure in Haiti means for the moment the number one resource that the Hatian president has at his disposal is the Dominican Emergency Services.. I think it is appropriate for him to be here to coordinate with the initial relief aganecy that hit the ground which was the Dominican People. My only way have aproblem with this is if he does not return to run his country from there.
The first medical evacuess I have seen on the news we sent to hispitals in Santo Domingo.

etie,
you just made me hungry... sancocho would be good right now... I hope the help funds is applied to the people that need the help and not to fix up the people in charge's houses

This is why I being called names many times because I don't understand that while Haitians starv to death in the past eating dirt cookies this moron president decide to block the exports
(chicken and eggs) from the Dominican Republic and believe me that my point of view has
nothing to do with the business but the bad humanitarian consequences for the poor in
Haiti that rely on poor, mediocre and dumbass leadership; at this moment Rene Preval
is not behaving like a leader but like a puppet.

: juanb, 13 Jan 2010 4:02 PM thanks for your intelligent comment and thoughts..

I would think, and certainly hope, that he is here on a quickie trip looking for rapid emergency aid

u know hes not 3,000 miles away u forget hes on the same island dont u?..
tell me wheres the nearest help?... the dr? .

hey! xwill.... whats with the comments?... the cold in the windy city has gotten to u?

Written by: xwill7, 13 Jan 2010 4:29 PM
From: United States, Chicago
I bet his personal home was nicer than the palace, u see hippos home on top of the mountain?
u know hippo dont u?...... like the million dollar garden he put into it.... while 1,000 of dominican where starving....
god help the poor souls in haiti

I'm not defending the guy, yet with lack of information as to why he is there we should restrain our comments, unless they are positive and conducive to the current crisis.

I have heard reports of over 100,000 dead or missing in Haiti. I hope Preval can establish a central command and begin coordinating efforts to help those in need!

As a Dominican sharing an island with Haiti I will be sending money to the American Red Cross to help our Brothers, I just hope that manny of you here will do the same.

I am usually very vocal of the immigration problem in DR with regards to Haitians yet this is not the time for petty differences, now is the time to act! Help your brothers and sisters on the other side of the island, if you can of course. If you can't then at the very least do not speak negativity and show some compassion.

Those of you who suggest that the Preval ought to be in his country to show support and leadership in these hard times.
You seem to forget that he had planned this trip for months and this is very important trip.(Brugal trip)
What terrible event could have made him change his mind ?
An earthquake that has destroyed the Haitian capital ?
No , this is no reason enough !

Hihater
100,000 dead could be a gross exaggeration, that will probably boomerang and hurt Haitian officials credibility in their plight to motivate donations.
I would venture to say that dead are probably in the four figures, hurt in the five figures, although missing and homeless could be in the hundred of thousands.
Physical damage is the range of US$1.5 billion.
BTW where is BILL CLINTON?

Canada has donated 5 million to Haiti. Canada is also working in cooperation with the Norwegian government to establish a field hospital with help of the Red Cross.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people of Haiti.

etiennc01
I am getting you are no great admirer of Mr.Preval. LOL.
I saw an interview on CNN with Preval at the airport lamenting he has no home left to sleep in, including the presidential palace. What a sorry excuse for a prime minister!

why make a big deal about where preval is, if he is in DR at this moment and needs to go back in a hurry he could return to pt. principe in minutes. What is clear that DR and Haiti government are holding hands right now, maybe that's why preval is in DR, to help with the logistics and to use DR as a platform to keep the haitians institutions somehow running.

The million dollar question is where is BILL CLINTON? After all he is the special UN envoy to Haiti.
Donde estas BILL?

he is on the beach.. wife is out of town

Again I want to think everyone here who have shown compassion and solidarity with us during our hour of needs. We will never forget your gesture. Our infractucture are badly damage no communication,Washington can only reach it's embasador by radio. The port of P-au-P is badly damage the operation cranes are down. Supplies may have to be truck in from DR. I my self may have to fly to Santo Domingo and make my way to P-au-P by land.

Just watched a report on WABC news. Dominicans in Washington Heights (led by some taxi drivers) are collecting food, clothing and water for the people of Haiti. If history is any guide, those items will soon be coming to a colmado near you.

Mayor Bloomberg has advised people wishing to donate, to send a check to a REPUTABLE charity. C'mon everyone let's help out.

Preval is in Haiti

It has been quite an education for me to read such deplorable comments in this article and in others to do with the tragedy our neighbours have suffered and I am so glad that my children at school have displayed much more compassion and concern for their fellow man.
I am sure the President knows much better than people here where he can do most good and it may be thathe will have to establish a temporary office in SD where there are good communications so why think evil of him . From the pictures on the TV and the comments from BBC and other commentators the damage will be billions so why try to down play it .Bill Clinton is in the UN office in NY coordinating efforts and has appeared on TV in tears at the disaster so try to question him .Whether there are 50 000 dead or 200 ,000 dead the sympathy and assistance needed is still as great so do not down play that . Why try to introduce the tensions between the two people at this point of time Please just pray be of good charity

To those who have posted kind and sympathetic words ,I am sure they are appreciated. This is only the start of the tragedy for many who have survived and they will need much assistance from countries around the world for some years .
Hopefully out of all the tragedy , a new beginning will emerge for the poor people of Haiti and there will be a plan for a better life there in the short and longer term.

Well wishes and prayers are fine, what we need are real leaders that take this chaotic situation by the horns and provide lacking leadership, hope and guidance.
Below is an estimate of the probable loss of life and damages.

http://www.worldeqlipse.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=17)

Exaggerating and falsifying damage claims hurts the future credibility of the Haitian officials that incur in such practices, and in the long term are counterproductive.
BTW Dominican hospitals in Santiago and the capital are receiving the injured Haitians and providing aid. Dominican civil defense volunteers were first on the scene with help.

We are all Haitians now. Preval, Clinton, they don't matter. It's us now, just us. Let's pray for Haiti and each other. Veye yo!!!!

i would like to know the accuracy of this report ,,,who suggested he was in the DR ?? what was his purpose ?? where is he now .. I have been reading many comments and reports that he has made today to various news outlets that it seems he is very busy.

Dominican Republic has to brace itself for the largest Haitian migration in history.

He is in Haiti, this is a false news,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr3BOrVcJsA

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stor....SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT


The damage to Haiti is so devastating, so extensive that it offers a sense of hope in rebuilding, the experts said. Past disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, show that it is easier to put up new buildings than rebuild damaged ones, which is one reason why the wiped-clear Mississippi coast came back faster than New Orleans, Merritt said.

After the killer 1976 earthquake in Guatemala, houses were rebuilt with less vulnerable, lighter roofs and the entire region was designed to be less disaster prone, FIU's Olson said.

"Catastrophic disasters open a window of opportunity to fundamentally change how cities are rebuilt," Olson said. "If it's rebuilt in the same fashion (as it is now), our children are going to have this same conversation."

JANUARY 13, 2010 5:49 PMNO COMMENTS
Haiti's Ex-Prime Minister Sees Silver Lining in Chaos »
BY JAMES GORDON MEEK

We can reconstruct one of the poorest cities on Earth from the rubble of Terrible Tuesday, a former top Haitian leader said today.

“Port-au-Prince was a lost city — now it is a destroyed city,” former Haitian prime minister Gerard Latortue told the Daily News. “This is very bad, but I realize also this could be a chance to rebuild Haiti in a new way.”

The retired United Nations official was tapped by the UN in 2004 to run Haiti’s government until the election to replaced crooked ex-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was ousted with U.S. support. Once Rene Preval took office as Haiti’s newly elected president, Latortue returned to his home in Boca Raton, Fla., where The News interviewed him on his last day in office in June 2006.



Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/....-minister-sees.html#ixzz0cXOLBrup

P 2

Latortue said the utter destruction of what little Haitians had may wind up being a chance to engineer their entire society from the ground up with help of American and European donations — which he volunteered to help negotiate.

“This I will try to do,” he said by phone. “We could bring Haiti into the 21st century. We are starting from zero.”

The European Union could kick in $5 billion to start the reconstruction of Haiti’s wrecked capital, Latortue said, but must tightly control the cash to avoid corruption.

“Oh my goodness,” he gasped, when told early Wednesday by a reporter that his successor, Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive, estimated the carnage at “well over 100,000” deaths.

“It’s terrible, horrible,” the retired leader said. “But I’m sure Bellerive knows what he’s talking about.”



Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/....-minister-sees.html#ixzz0cXOcTiOq

latortue could give back some of the millions that he has pocketed including aristide.
he could also spend some time in jail for the people that he has killed.

I had just returned from Haiti this past Holidays and I am going back to Haiti soon via Dominican Republic to help if I am not called to be deployed there. I wanted to know if there will be others on here and on EVH who will be doing the same. People, allow me to advise you all... while we may have in mind to give out donations, but also be very careful and weary of scams. Please, any kind of donation or to which ever legit foundation you use is fine. Just make sure it is a legitimate foundation and not scams out to profit from the tragedy. Anything any of you can do at all is already greatly appreciated and kinds words also are very encouraging!!!

P.S: YeleHaiti is a great foundation which I donate $150 from my Army paycheck each month to because I have seen first hand and directly their work in Haiti.

etiennc01
For outsiders that do not know Haitian politicians well, this "offer" might seem even magnanimous, but we know how corrupt these thieves are don't we?
Put Latortoue or any other Haitian politician in charge and Haiti will stay a nanny state forever.
All the self righteousness being shown here with very emotional statements, just shows how easily manipulated the public is by the self serving media, that like hungry sharks, and their siblings the money hungry paparazzi just care about money and raising the TV ratings.
Haiti was an economic and ecological basket case before the earthquake, now it has the potential to turn into a living hell, unless the international community intervenes.
The US has given Haiti 5 billion the last 5 years and the world bank 300 million, where has the money gone?
Foreign intervention and international stewardship of the whole country is a necessity, otherwise
Haiti will never recover, if left up to the status quo political mafiosi.

Incognito
Looks like Preval did come to the DR and may still be here. This is a statement by a DR doctor:
“Yo acabo de hablar con el doctor Luis Peralta, quien vio personalmente al presidente Preval y a su esposa, que vienen probablemente a Santo Domingo, no sé si a Santiago o a la capital, porque su casa se destruyó en Puerto Príncipe”, dijo.
The CNN interview you saw by CNN Dr. Gupta was done many hours before these news came out.
In the CNN interview it seemed to me he was disoriented, and maybe he came for medical treatment or briefings and he went back already, but I doubt it.

I don't want to place to much "Spin" here but so far what I had read, "Parliament has collapsed. The tax office has collapsed. Schools have collapsed. Hospitals have collapsed. Lots of schools have a lot of dead people in them," so that means that the goverment of Haiti ceased to exist.

Fill the Rest !!!!

"God Bless The Hispaniola"

This a perfect opportunity for the US to take over and put things in order. Kick out all of the worthless leaders and bring back the country to life, gut it out completely and rebuild it from the ground up. Restore all infrastructure: communications, transportation, roads, bridges, hospitals and schools. Prepare a hand picked transitional gov't that will take over once everything is in place and hopefully Haiti will become a true example of resilience for the whole world to see.

Is this a joke ? seriously, should he not be there in Haiti as a head stated when the country most need him to assist, coordinate effort,and all over international TV giving interview.

Robertson on Haiti: 'Pact to the devil' There are idiots in every class robertson is a good one
You know, Christie, something happened a long time ago in Haiti. And the people might not want to talk about it. They were under the heel of the French. You know, Napoleon the third or whatever, and they got together and swore a pact to the Devil. They said, 'We will serve you if you get us free from the French. True story. And so, the Devil said, Ok, it's a deal. And they kicked the French out. You know, the Haitians revolted and got themselves free. But ever since they have been cursed by one thing after another -- desperately poor. That island of Hispaniola is one island. It's cut down the middle. On the one side is Haiti on the other is the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic is prosperous, healthy, full of resorts, etc. Haiti is in desperate poverty. Same island. They need to have, and we need to pray for them, a great turning to God, that out of this tragedy, I'm optimistic something good may come, but right now we're helping the suffering people -- and the suffering is unimaginable.


http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2010/01/13/2172962.aspx

Can somebody tell me how much the compassionate man of God, Cardinal Nicky, has donated from his own very healthy PIGGY BANK to these unfortunate children of God in their most desperate hour of need?

He is in Haiti, this is a false news,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr3BOrVcJsA

oooo

Yes, this interview was at the airport........

I feel deep sadness for the extent of destruction this catastrophe has wrought on Haiti.

As I consider the various disasters Haiti has experienced recently, from hurricanes to severe deforestation to this horrible earthquake, knowing full well that God does not give us any more than we can handle, I can't help but think that this is a test. Yes, a test; however not a test for Haitians, but for us.

I believe God wants to see how we respond to the needs of those whom many have called poorest in Western Hemisphere, and whom now have become infinitely more destitute and poorer.

God wants to see who will be compassionate and who will be indifferent. He will compensate us accordingly.

Please be understanding, kind and generous, for you really wouldn't want to incur the wrath of God.

Please help our fellow neighbor, friend anyway you can, and God will compensate you and reward you with multiples of your contribution.

God has blessed us all; let's give some back.

Unbelievable ,but I agree with Dagtan that Preval can better assist Haiti from DR with communications infrastructure etc. than from Haiti.Some people are so small minded that they would like to see Preval digging out people with his own hands but the truth is he can surely help more from the Haitian Embassy in Santo Domingo or even from a consulate close to the border (if there is one).He can even be set up with a temporary command center close to the border with telecommunications and data links to be better able to monitor and manage the disaster.

In my field when you think of disaster recovery and redundancy you want a backup command center away from the problem ,not in the middle of it .

The one strange note I must make is that I find it strange that France is not even in the top of the list helping Haiti!!
Another note ,I hope the people of Haiti will show gratitude to ALL the nations that have extended their help in this moment of supreme grief.

Pepe32
The captain should be the last one to exit the ship, all else is BS.

Thank you Professor,

I have always considered you not just a scholar, but a Gentleman as well, your effort certainly confirms that!

You know of what I speak my brother!

The origins and early history of nation-states are disputed. A major theoretical issue is: "which came first— the nation or the nation state?" For nationalists themselves, the answer is that the nation existed first, nationalist movements arose to present its legitimate demand for sovereignty, and the nation-state met that demand. Some "modernisation theories" of nationalism see the national identity largely as a product of government policy, to unify and modernise an already existing state.

oooo

national identity largely as a product of government policy

Sorry Generoso ,but a nation is not a ship.Haiti is connected to DR via land so he is not really that far away but he would be able to manage things better with communications and infrastructure.Anything else is pure romanticism and in emergencies cool and practical is what works!

Pepe32,

I agree. It's not like he's in Europe or Canada. With the devastation it's not so illogical for him to coordinate the initial drives from the neighboring side of the island.


And Josean,

What's up you left me doing a lot of work this morning/afternoon. Hope everything is OK dude.

Atabey,

Like Mark Twain said,

"The report of my death was an exaggeration."

I am fine, thanks for asking. I was a little busy this morning picking up a relative at the airport coming in from DR.

If Preval is in DR... Please do not judge too fast. There are international political/social "ententes" between neighbouring countries, everywhere in the world, for the head of a country to go to the next when the infrastructure and communication systems are affected for whatever major reason. CNN, BBC, etc... are all saying they are very fortunate to have been able to get the help from DR to get in. The DR really showed a very immediate and "good neighbour" response that they could be proud of.
As for Haiti... some of our soccer player friends fear the worse for their families and population.
There is NO organisation at all from the inside. This is a country that needed UN to even deal
with daily issues. UN Forces will have to take things in hand to coordinate the help coming in. If not, it will be in total disorder. Sad to hear that violence is showing up. They have reached the limit of human capacity to accept suffering.
It will be difficult times at DR border!

block the border AHHHHAHHAHHA

carlosfranco
hard for your id to control your ego.
hard for your sentiments to control your basic instincts
events like that usually give us character.
your temperament cries out to block the border and you are so happy hahahahahaha!
what separates a genuine human being from a subhuman primate is the capacity of the former to express emotions like compassion.

wow

que vaina mayne...

this is some sad stuff.. i feel bad for those that die in the haiti earthquake

R.I.P.

Generoso, you are totally wrong on your assessment of damage control and clarification of goals during hard times. You seems to be attached to the idea that the leader is the head of the pack and without the head of the pack, the body wong function. Every effective government developes a body that is able to function without the head, hence, the guy should be away from the ravaged zone and use his political and diplomatic abilities to make sure that the flow of help continues.

The leader is there to lead not to participate. Leaders are mostly the players behind the scenes and are often pulling all the levers of the system, without their citizens noticing the management.

This is the problem that have with the system in the DR where the president is every where, even to open a freaking road. There is no need for that, that is the reason why you develop a body of government, not a one person body of government.

It is amazing that you are dependent on a single leader or

belief that if the leader is not there, then nothing will get done.

Have you ever worked in a company where the CEO leaves for weeks to make deals and leave the company functioning behind? So I guess that you will not leave your office or you blame the CEO for leaving the office to look for more business or the favors of others. Jesus, man, you have a depency issue, these people do not Preval near the disaster zone, if the guy is a true leader he will be lobbying everyone at this point for aid and future comittments.

Finally, last night I was watching Rachel on CNBC, and the Haitian amb came on and gave a tremendous amound of credit to the DR. He said that the DR was the first country to act and send in people. He continued by saying that it was time for the two nations to develop solidarity and became sistem nations.

I am really excited about those comments, since we need to mend fences and hopefully the Haitian government will see our ply when it comes to immigration.

My hope is that this great tragedy actually produces the long awaited re-birth of Haiti's Nation and State. Sound planning and development, re-designing the Capital city, re-foresting the mountains and river valleys, sound construction of tall structures to ensure minimal urban sprawl. Massive infrastructure investments in sanitation, schools, roads, housing, etc. And I'm glad that both the DR and Haiti can use this catastrophe to mend fences and strive to enrich their two nations through trade and development. A strong and vibrant Haiti is in the strong interest of the DR and vice versa.

If the international community and the Haitian people finally get their coordinates straight, the DR will benefit immeasurably and Haiti historically.

Pepe32,

Your comment about the timid French response is on target; these folks should be at the forefront of EEUU efforts to assist Haiti. They, along with the current EU lead country of Spain, should begin the process to organize a Global Fund of say initially 5 billion dollars to be used as the start up capital for the Modernization of the Haitian Republic. Target date 2030.

The EU 1 billion Concentrate on education, energy, mass transportation, policing
The US 1 billion Concentrate on roads, sanitation, communication
China 1 billion Concentrate on housing, roads, schools
Japan 1 billion Concentrate on communication, sanitation, transit, policing
The Rest 1 billion Other areas of need and development.

The major economies of the world have many unemployed professionals, why not ask some to join this effort, and do their civic duties helping Haiti in this great quest. No one to be forced into this, volunteers from all walks of life helping out.

I say Elect Wyclef as the next Haitian President.

Wyclef's mercy dash
http://uk.news.launch.yahoo.com/d....13/340/iuui9.html&e=l_news_dm

josean
You are most welcome soldier.
I know that you piss off some cara duras off sometimes, but in essence your intentions are noble, and you are deeply concerned about the future of your beloved DR, a big difference from others that live a life without concern or compassion for their fellow humans and compatriots.

time2rize
Wycleff has done more for Haiti than most Haitian in history, and keeps on giving. Not only that he understand that the elite monopolies and mercenary politicians have kept Haiti in the dark ages and they must go.
I second his nomination to head the new Haitian council of State.

dagtan
There is a big difference in how things could be ideally, and the way they are actually. Haiti is a presidentialist type government and has been for years, is in their genes and blood. It can not be run like a modern corporation, at the present time, neither is the DR government.
The leader not only must provide managerial capabilities, but must instill hope, and motivate the masses to carry on and forge ahead. The leader must distill inspiration and direction and be an example to others, and if this means picking a few concrete blocks just for a photo opp, then so be it.
The value of leadership can not be measured with strict managerial guidelines, the value of a leader is mostly spiritual and mostly feeds the spirit and motivates the persons in their hour of need. This tragic event is a battle against the indiscriminate forces of nature that chose to strike
a poor country at their worst hour. Like a war a leader must gather the troops and forge ahead.

Many a battle has been lost because the generals chose to be in the rear instead of the front lines leading the troops. Rene Preval in his only public interview at the airport looked weak, defeated and disoriented, and was hiding the fact that he was on his way to the DR.
Haiti can not function like a headless chicken without a visible head of government, if the past government can not step to the plate, and take charge, and all the government infrastructure is destroyed, then I take this as an omen from more omnipotent forces, that the best thing that happened is that they were demolished, just like Sodom and Gomorrah.
Haiti's ills are in the most part due to inept and corrupt management, the rulers they have had have been, like pirates only concerned about the loot that they could steal, to live a comfortable
life in exile.
The international monetary contributions must not be dispensed freely without conditions, otherwise they will be lost forever. The Haiti rulers must all go.

I think that what dagtan is getting at is that while historically Haiti, as well as the DR, have had this "personalista" or Caudillista style Presidency as a model, modern times dictate a moving away from such a system to a more professional and technical style; where the issues of rhetorical styles of speech and personality based styles matter less and true managerial accountability and proficiency separate the pack. As long as Haiti and the DR accept the old and worn-out model of the past, the past issues will continue to plague the memories of the present and future generations. I say enough already with the harm and ill-governess of that style. The administrations on both sides should avail themselves of true professionals and not "party guys" "family and friends" that move in and out depending on who wins the next round of elections.

Perhaps it does go against the grain, but in the end competency/proficiency matter more than great rhetorical style/personality.

Mr Preval is a jerk, an illiterate and an idiot, his behaviour confirm my assesment. Mr do nothing have no vision and should be ashame.

Again Generoso I know your intentions are good but you are displaying a romantic ideal that does not work in a real life situation.

Preval cannot get in front of all the Haitians because they are not an army...they are a destroyed civilian population and what they need are REAL things like food ,water and shelter.Fortunately the Minustah forces were already there because they can provide the security that will unfortunately be needed once the vultures start circling to take advantage of the situation .

The Airport in Puerto Principe has been repaired by the US military which can now accept large cargo planes with aid and the port is currently being repaired .Many of the Aid agencies are deploying from DR precisely because you need a stable environment from which to deploy the needed assistance.

As far as Wyclef being president of Haiti I believe that is another pipe dream fro running a nation is not as simple as having good intentions ,it requires a level of preparation and leadership skills so Wyclef should stick to his music and his own way of contributing ...anyhow the reality is that Haiti is being run by the UN at the moment and until they are ready to run their own affairs it should remain so for the best of the majority of the Haitians.

generoso,
you are correct.. The military generals do not need phone/internet/electric power to form up.. They could have formed up small groups of military to help... Don't they have other bases outside of the capital?

Pepe32
Read up a little in the history of Dominican-Haitian politics and come back and comment again in about 20 years with your idealist sentiments and assessments.
You know the history of the devastating San Zenon hurricane?, that destroyed the capital and was
one of the main reasons that Trujillo consolidated his power and BTW got rid of many of his enemies. This is an example of turning bad around to create a new nation.
As far a s Wycleff Jean not being qualified, that is a bunch of hogwash. He has managed millions of dollars successfully, and anyway the abilities of a leader are to pick the best people to actually run the government, like Trujillo did for example, even though he himself was not very qualified.
I hate using Trujillo as an example, but there are many examples of modern leaders that have raise their nation out of depression and stagnation, like Ronal Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Lula of Brasil, the many governments in Chile after Pinochet, and even Bill Clinton.

You know I am very sorry for the families that lost their loved ones, but what really concerns me is that is already day three and I see dead bodies all over the place. By the third day bodies are already discomposing which could produce more problems. So it is time to send a Bodies Burying Team to begin to bury bodies because as painful as it is it needs to get done now.

http://nicolasdelvalle.wordpress.com/

Atabey
I agree with 100% of what you wrote, but you can add to all of that:

"In a perfect world"
That is the difference between hands on leadership and illusions about what can be.
I am not being the romantic, au contraire, I am being the utmost realist, considering all the conditions
in the zone in question.

The statement that President Preval was in the DR was a rumor. Those watching CNN or other cable channels was him at the airport,Since the Presidential Palace is in ruins, he would set up shop there. Bill Clinton is on point. Making calls to world leaders and NGO's under the authority of the U.N., and doing a very effective job. I agree with you ndelvalle, sanatation issues must be addressed quickly. The dead must be, identified by photo if possible for surviving family members then buried. Disease can spread easily if not checked.

My sister in law here in Santo Domingo was telling me that the aid was not these fast enough because every one was slow. I tried and tried to explain that is was impossible to get stuff there fast it is less than 48 hours. As an example the first Chinese plane took over 6 hours to unload because lack of equipment.
This is a tragedy of impossible measure. The DR has done a really good job as first responder. the international community is working well with what they can. When this is all over there will be time for lessons learned but please no finger pointing.
The reality is the Haitian people have lost all means of survival beyond a few days. With Jimini only 30 or so miles there are many upon many injured being treated there. Basically the roads and airports in The DR are going to be bursting at the seems because the infrastructure needed to unload ships and planes is here.

Generoso said:
"Haiti is a presidentialist type government"

I actually do not know what is the difference with our. I believe that Latin America and poor countries for the most part will be presidentialist, generoso. I have been barking about the fact that we in the DR depend on our government too much and never push them to serve the purpose that they were put in there to begin with.

Generoso you also said:
"Many a battle has been lost because the generals chose to be in the rear instead of the front lines leading the troops".

Are you kidding me? How about Grant, MaCarthy, Patton, Desert Fox, Chen and many other great generals, generoso, you are trying to justify your claims about leadership, but you are flawed in your assertion that leadership is the art of inspiration. The fact is that leadership is the ability to have people believe in your ideas and ability to lead them into a better future or condition. The bottom line is that Mr. Preval is doing the right,

thing by becoming Haiti's main Amb to the world stage. Mr. Preval's ability to lead are on the line right now and I believe that he is fully aware of this. He and his cabinet should be reminded that they need to step up or they will not survive this situation.

The last time I was in Jimini was more than 15 years ago, I doubt that small border town can take too many people. Hopefully when the U.S. military arrives, they will dock the hospital at the closest available port and set up field hospitals (along with NGO's)

Generoso,

I'm quite the realist in matters of State, and assure you that while it may be difficult to move nations against the grain of historical tendencies, if Haiti and by extension the DR are to move past their ill-governance the international community and NGOs and the rise of their (Haiti's & DR's) domestic technocrats will have to play their discrete roles in moving both nations towards modernity. Professionalizing governance and instituting modern standards of practices throughout their lands. If not, corruption and ill-governance will continue to check the aspirations of all good people.

Atabey
A study of history with an impartial biculturalism interpretation is what is most needed, instead of
being duped by the narration of interested parties, that have tendencies to distort, omit and fabricate the facts.
Going back to the headline, I am in DR now and made a few calls to friends that work in newspapers, and I can almost guarantee that Mr. Preval flew to Santo Domingo the day before yesterday in the PM accompanied by 9 high ranking foreign diplomats and ambassadors that needed hospitalization.
After a brief stay, and made to understand the uproar that his stay in DR will have caused, and upon the advise of some handlers, he chose to return to Haiti, the same way he came.
This is not being said by CNN, that BTW is showing the interview with Preval a couple of days old.

Generoso,
Everyone knows that, it is old news. Moreover, that is the nature of politics and politicians do not always carry out their craft with the transparency that we might want. I am really surprise that you are surprise about the fact that Mr. Preval flew under the radar and left under the radar, it is politics my friend.

I am very happy that he is not walking around doing the typical RA, RA, that our political figures tend to do and if something like this is ever to happen in the DR, I will hate to our president become a cheer leader of some sort. He is there to lead and not to cheer his people up.

the haitian president is not in the dr!!!!!

he left and went to a secure position at the port-au-prince airport where he can have a stronghold there.

he did an interview there with dr. sanjay gupta from cnn (which was not aired).

even though most will like to believe he fled to the dr, this is just propaganda!

so, if you want to erroneously believe he is in the dr, then do so (but he is not).

- reality check

I think this is correct and I am more than a little disappointed that this unsubstantiated report was made here as it either wittingly or unwittingly provoked some very bitter responses ..

JD
Please read the comments before posting such nonsense and recycled news. Stick to ruminating the much regurgitated news about the drug pushers in Santiago, LOL.

What a coward this guy preval is... traveling while his own people are buried in concrete...

How typical of Haitians...

Now Carlos, this is not the time or the place for comments of this magnitude. Please strike at least the
last portion of your comment, if you are really a Dominican patriot you must also show compassion.

.

Jesus,,,sound like DR is the goverment for Haiti we all that aid flying and crossing into Haiti,,are we annexxing the haitian now

telemeco suc?K an egg, you are an imbecile that can barely read and write. We will not waste time with you explaining anything to your pea and retarded brain .. just be proud of you

I am not surprised DT is publishing this type of garbage. Take this story down immediately, you bastards!!!

Generoso,

"Atabey
A study of history with an impartial biculturalism interpretation is what is most needed, instead of
being duped by the narration of interested parties, that have tendencies to distort, omit and fabricate the facts."

I don't agree with you here and side with dagtan's statement: "I am really surprise that you are surprise about the fact that Mr. Preval flew under the radar and left under the radar, it is politics my friend."

What is Preval suppose to do? He needs to coordinate and establish certain agreements between states. And since this disaster has no recent precedence in bilateral relations a quick understanding between leaders was urgently needed. The scale of the disaster being so great there will be ample time to have photo-ops among the ruins of Port au Prince. Who's being naive here my fellow poster?

preval is in haiti he make a statement at cnn yesterday, may the webmestre erase this part

DT it would be advisable make a retraction if this story was in error just say oops and move on

I wonder if the myopic Commandant of the US Coast Guard, Adm Thad Allen, has a contengencey plan in place for the MASS EXODUS of Haitians in the next couple of months. If the pastis any indication of the future, the US CoastGuard suffers from terminal cranium rectitis.

Looting has already started - riots soon come, mon.

marte, we share the same fears. i am afraid the international community will force this down the throat of the RD. woe unto the RD.

marte, we share the same fears. i am afraid the international community will force this down the throat of the RD. woe unto the RD.

marte, we share the same fears. i am afraid the international community will force this down the throat of the RD. woe unto the RD.

marte, we share the same fears. i am afraid the international community will force this down the throat of the RD. woe unto the RD.

marte, we share the same fears. i am afraid the international community will force this down the throat of the RD. woe unto the RD.

marte, we share the same fears. i am afraid the international community will force this down the throat of the RD. woe unto the RD.

Antonioj said: "Mr Preval is a jerk, an illiterate and an idiot, his behaviour confirm my assesment. Mr do nothing have no vision and should be ashame."

I am 100% in agreement with you after watching at the video. "My palace collapsed"..." I came here to run..." This guy is a joke!
I know he is going through a lot of stress now, but he is the elected president of Haiti, he should be heavily equipped with "Crisis management" and "Strategic Vision"...The guy's biggest concern is that does not have a place to sleep.

Written by: generoso, 13 Jan 2010 3:52 PM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
Why is Rene Preval in DR instead of assisting in the rescue efforts as head of the country?

Might this have been the reason?


Obama llamó anoche a Leonel Fernández para conversar sobre la situación haitiana

Los presidentes de la República Dominicana, Leonel Fernández, y de los Estados Unidos, Barack Obama, en un encuentro internacional.
1:23 AM Santo Domingo.- El presidente de Estados Unidos, Barack Obama, se comunicó anoche con el presidente Leonel Fernández para expresarle su preocupación por la situación haitiana y decirle que estaba de acuerdo con la propuesta hecha en Haití a René Préval de elaborar un plan a largo y mediano plazo para la recuperación del vecino país. La información la ofreció a LISTÍN DIARIO, el director de Información, Prensa y Publicidad de la Presidencia, Rafael Núñez.

La llamada de Obama se produjo pasadas las diez y media de la noche.

“El Presidente de Estados Unidos está muy preocupado con lo que está sucediendo en Haití y está interesado en que la ayuda llegue con prontitud. Estuvo de acuerdo con una propuesta que hizo Fernández al presidente y al primer ministro haitianos para que se aplique un programa de largo y mediano plazo de recuperación de Haití”, mencionó el vocero del Gobierno.

Núñez explicó que serán utilizados el muelle de Barahona y el aeropuerto María Montez para agilizar la ayuda destinada a los damnificados. Desde aquí la ayuda sería llevada al centro de acopio y luego hacia Haití. “El Presidente le habló de la situación calamitosa que vio y de lo que le explicaron el presidente y el primer ministro de Haití”, agregó.

Atabey-Obama is an expert demagogue, knows exactly what to say and when to say it. If he is really concerned and worried about Haiti, then show it and not just say it. What ever the US is doing to help is no different then what everyboy else has done. Though grateful and appreciative thus far, it is not doing nearly enough to what it should, at lease not yet

When tragedy hit Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador the US gov't immediately responded and granted Temporary Protection Status, Haitians have not received the same treatment. Why have they not done the same for Haiti? What are they waiting for? Why is there a double standard, a different set of rules? What happened in Central America is nothing compared to the vast and enormous devastation to the impoverished people of Haiti

I expect the US gov't to be at the forefront of all relief efforts, put your money where your mouth is Obama, It just take 5 min to announce TPS for all Haitian refugees, but that is yet to be seen

Caballero,

Rest assure that when all is said and done, the EEUU will have contributed the most of any other country or entity to the cause.

Haitians Illegally in U.S. Given Protected Status

By JULIA PRESTON
Published: January 15, 2010
The Obama administration extended a special immigration status on Friday to Haitians living illegally in the United States, protecting them from deportation for 18 months and allowing them to work here.

Calling the aftermath of Haiti’s earthquake “a disaster of historic proportions,” Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said she was making the designation, known as temporary protected status, for Haitian immigrants because their personal safety would be at risk if they were deported to Haiti.


Ahora qué?

Administration officials said the special status would cover at least 100,000 Haitians believed to be living in the United States illegally, as well as about 30,000 Haitians who have been ordered deported. Haitians who receive the status will obtain documents allowing them to work legally.

The administration’s decision followed a rising chorus of calls for the temporary status since the catastrophic earthquake on Tuesday. On Friday, 80 members of Congress, including Democrats and Republicans, and the conference of Roman Catholic bishops, sent appeals to the administration to grant the status.

Ms. Napolitano said the protection would only extend to Haitians already in the country. Officials have hesitated to grant the temporary status to Haitians for fear they would encourage a new exodus of desperate Haitians by boat towards Florida.

"Ms. Napolitano said the protection would only extend to Haitians already in the country. Officials have hesitated to grant the temporary status to Haitians for fear they would encourage a new exodus of desperate Haitians by boat towards Florida."

EXACTLY !!!!!!! this is eactly my point. TPS was available instantaneously and with out limitations for Cubans, Hondurans, Salvadorans and others, granted while still living in their respective homelands, not the case for Haiti. As it is evident and has been in the past, there is always an exception for Haiti, in spite of the insurmountable and catastrophic event.

I think he realizes that anarchy will prevail and the USA will also prevail. If he has any hope of ruling he must stay safe and be near a working ATM.

My prayers are with the wounded and their families.

What's past is past; let's take what we have and continue forward. Little is gained by rehashing past

grievances. And yes I agree with you that Haitians have been denied equal status vis-a-vis the groups you mentioned. Perhaps you might find the article I posted from a Canadian interesting.


Haitian earthquake victims need our help, not misplaced pity or scorn

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/....227_guest15watts.html?prmid=op_ed

Haiti is too often referred to as a basket case that is responsible for its history of political violence, writes guest columnist Richard H. Watts. What Haiti needs is our help — help that empowers the Haitian people — not pity or scorn.

By Richard H. Watts
Special to The Times

some of you may remember me, others may not, for its been a long time since I have posted on Dominicantoday. As you can tell by my screen-name Im of Haitian descent. I used to be a regular poster on this website and used to frequently debate and comment on issues relating to Dominican-Haitian relations. Each day I would post on this website I would read comment which were very distateful to both Haitians and Dominicans. I also come to realize that I have falling into that type behavior on numerous times. It came to a point where I felt that relations between the two people are never going to be amicable, and decided to stop posting on DT. These past three days have been one of the most difficult in my life. I found myself crying at every news footage. thankfully, none of my family are affected, however the pain is still strong. On the local news, I saw footage of many Dominicans in W. Heights bringing food, and supplies to their local distribution Centers. Despite this, I was ....

Cont: indifferent to this as I know the History and long relations between the two peoples. However I saw something today that made me have a change of heart. On CNN I saw footage of how a Dominican relief worker was helping out in Port-au-Prince. This young man, whom I forgot his name was with an Australian reporter and they where helping to retrieve somone trapped in the rubble. The Dominican man risked his life and enter the rubble and for half an hour dug and removed debris with his bare hands. He would later pull out a 1 year old baby girl, who was trapped in the rubble for 3 days, without food or water. This touched me from the bottom of my heart and words cant explain how much I am thankful to him for what he done. He risked his life for a Haitian. Someone who I thought was his mortal enemy. This was significant enough for me to post on here after several years haitus. I want to take this time to thank the Dominican people and gov't for all the aid they provided the Haitian..

Cont: people. It means so much to me to see how your gov't has showed their solidarity for my people. I will never forget what I saw today. It will forever be engraved in the back of my mind. Politics can be a very poisonous pill that infects everyone with hatred and bigotry. I have seen your people and government in a new light, and I believe that my fellow Haitiens see it too. I have no malice towards your people because your have shown who you truly are and that overshadows the few that want to keep ill feelings amongst our two people. All I ask is those who have not been able to donate, please do. We need all the aid we can get.....Only thing l have left to say is......Merci Beaucoup.

Sincerely,
Jemesouviens1804

Jemesouviens,

It takes great courage to express the feelings and emotions you chronicle above.

Our past is behind us and we must concentrate on the future and how we are going to make our corner of the universe a good and prosperous area for our nations to enjoy.

Look, our past discussions haven't always been cordial and edifying, and there has been much hatred on all sides. Let's put those animosities behind us, and let's join our energies symbiotically toward a better future for each independent nation. Let's work on friendship and cooperation and prosperity...we should all be the better for it.

Brother, welcome back!

MJEV.

Duplicate

Jemesouviens,


Truly a moving account and I too welcome you back. The Dominican Republic can not long prosper without a prosperous Haiti. The two nations complement each other and have far greater potential if they work together for the long run interest of their respective people. We have had turbulent times in our past history, but should leave the past behind us and look towards a brighter future for both our people. While the scene today is one of unimaginable desperation, great pain and suffering let us hope that all this was not in vain, and that both our nations will commit to a better future for all our people.

La Pitrafa LLorona asks: "The million dollar question is where is BILL CLINTON? After all he is the special UN envoy to Haiti".
"Donde estas BILL"?

Mirabueno responds by saying: that is a question you need to ask sonia pie. she may be performing a sonia lewinsky underneath his desk. K fresca!!!! LOLOLOLOL

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Since the dawn of civilization and through the age of time, the entire universe has experienced natural disasters of disproportionate dimension. Humanity is vulnerable to the whims and fancy of mother nature. Natural disasters are beyond our control and reach. Not much we can do to stop and excape from them. The only thing we can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst, other then that it is a matter of devine providence. Nice thought but sadly unrealistic.

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Almost a year after a devastating earthquake, angry Haitians are hurling tragedy's rubble into the streets, setting tires, buildings and campaign signs ablaze.