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Haiti is an Easy Place to Die

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In response to Haiti’s call for help, the UN Security Council authorised a Multinational Security Support Mission (UN Security Council Resolution 2699, 2 Oct 2023) to support the Haitian National Police re-establish security in Haiti and build security conditions to allow free and fair elections. The cost of the Mission is to be borne by voluntary contributions from individual Member States and regional organizations.

The US has committed US$200M but no troops. Only five countries have committed troops and Barbados is one of them. Barbados has reportedly committed 600 Barbados Defence Force (BDF) soldiers. The Bahamas reportedly offered 150. Benin is sending the most soldiers at 1,500, so our 600 is a respectable amount.

WAR PREPARATIONS.

The BDF is reportedly preparing for the mission by using the knowledge gained by officers on a previous mission in 1994. “We are making the best use of those individuals to be able to pass on some of the knowledge, some of the information and some of the cultural nuances with respect to the Haitian people and what to expect when our troops arrive in Haiti.” (Military Advisor to the BDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Lovell)

We need to support our troops at this time. This is not some harmless fun-filled expedition, but a place where death is likely. The troops from Benin, Chad and Bangladesh will look to the BDF for leadership, since this is our region – but the BDF is not battle-hardened. Our soldiers will have to confront a reported 200 gangs and 4,000 escaped prisoners in a country that is different from other Caribbean countries they are used to. Therefore, the BDF needs all the help it can get.

INTELLIGENCE.

According to Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, a critical component of war is intelligence. Therefore, the BDF is on the right preparation-path. However, in addition to the 1994 dated intelligence, the BDF should use other resources to get more up-to-date intelligence.

There are several people who have worked in Haiti, including on the ground among communities in the capital where our soldiers are being sent to fight. The BDF should consider inviting such persons to brief them on more recent developments. Our 600 soldiers need to be prepared for what they are getting into.

I have been deployed to Haiti over 12 times since 2010, with most of them in Port au Prince where the gangs currently operate. On some deployments I had a contingent of soldiers providing security. But for many, I had no security but God. I heard people beg for their lives while they were mercilessly beaten and killed – Haiti is an easy place to die.

Grenville Phillips II is a Doctor of Engineering and a Chartered Structural Engineer. He can be reached at NextParty246@gmail.com

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100 responses to “Haiti is an Easy Place to Die”

  1. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    No wonder she can flippantly say ‘easy cum, easy go’.

  2. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    This guy TLSN is a WICKED, MISCHIEVIOS individual.Only two weeks ago I mentioned in this forum that 33 Haitian who were stranded in Barbados because the Guyanese government refused to process their visa applications. That many of them were able to gain employment and make a significant contribution to the Barbadian economy.

  3. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    We have been saying all along that Haití was not a poor country.

    Empire is never so determined about controlling ‘poor” countries, this long.

    Turns out that Haití is fantastically wealthy having the second largest deposits of iridium in the world, after South Africa.

    Just one data point.

    Iridium is non corrosive and is indispensable in nuclear energy, space travel, military, etc.

    Haiti has mountains of iridium. Iridium is currently trading at around 4500 USD per once. This is more than twice the price of gold.

    Pachamama really knows how to bless Her aboriginal people with Her wealth.

    Haití is not just playing Wakanda, it just is!

    This is the game Mottley continues to play as an agent of empire. She did the same thing in Guyana.

    Foolish Black people need to wake up and stop these stupid colonial games they play as fronts for White people who, like the house nigga Mia Mottley, give a lot of Blsck talk but is nothing more than a Sambo!

  4. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Semiconductors

  5. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    The case of the 33 Haitians is a completely different story from the 9 Haitians mentioned in BU whom the government is trying to get rid of. So what exactly is your point? I understand fully that the GOB of Barbados is opposed to uncontrolled migration. However, we are talking about a Caricom neighbour whom we are in a position to assist. Let us be like the good Samaritan as referenced in the book of Luke.

  6. David Avatar
    David

    @TLSN

    You need to turn down the noise and answer this question- do the nine Haitians desirous of returning home? Do you know?

  7. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    I believe two weeks ago that the Barbados “media” made several announcements that a number of American Airline companies were going to increase their flights to Barbados. A number of new routes were being planned. Fast forward a couple of weeks later and Mam appears to have invested her casino chips allied with America. Mam is a Caribbean citizen with a full historical reference of the history and politics of the Caribbean region. She is as sharp as a tack.

    I find it unnerving that the proposal of new airline routes to Barbados has encouraged our Prime Minister to align its policies towards Haiti with that of Uncle Sam. A commentator mentioned that the dead bodies of BDF troops could be dragged through the streets of Haiti should Mam send her troops to Haiti. No economic incentive is worth the potential death of our young Bajan men on the extreme west coast of the Caribbean basin

    We all know of the dark history of Uncle Sam within the corridors of our region. Let’s pray that Mia does not, knowingly, drag her people down that same dark corridor. I take offence to the word “house nigger”. However it would be difficult to find another term to describe this betrayal of our Haitian brothers and sisters if our BDF soldiers should end up in Haiti.

  8. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    @ David,
    You have a commentator who has used deplorable language against me and yet you ask me to “turn down the noise”! REALLY!!!!

  9. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    I prefer my conspiracy theories to be based on fact rather than figments of the mind as building one false theory on top of another leads to a house of cards that topples down. The instinct of the BU posse seems to be wary of Barbados intervention with suspicions of the Eagle pulling the strings of their puppets in the Caribbean making them lean towards opposition to this mission. Perhaps the brand new Opposition of 1 in the lower House and 2 in the upper house could ask the right questions in Parliament for the official record. It appears a unilateral decision has been made by PM Mia. Punishment against unruly rebellious slaves has always been harsh and brutal to teach them lessons and to hold and keep everyone under manners.

    As Mia likes to quote reggae lyrics in her politics I would like to drop some deeper reggae and dancehall version musical stylee for gun salute rewind

    Ina Disa Time, The Itals, Operation Radication, Yellowman, Fathead

  10. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    The guy’s pseudonym befits his comments, which are often composed of hyperbole and malicious, melodramatic rhetoric.

    Ironically, he bestowed the title of ‘brilliant’ upon a ‘man’ who “used deplorable language against” other “commentators.”

    Barbados, similarly to any island or country in the world, has a right to deport people who become a burden on the state.

    “However, we are talking about a Caricom neighbour whom we are in a position to assist. Let us be like the good Samaritan as referenced in the book of Luke,”……

    …… is perhaps applicable to the nine (9) Haitians only……

    …… since sending BDF soldiers to ASSIST THE SAME “CARICOM neighbour,” without knowing exactly what will be their mission……

    …… is met with silly MELODRAMATIC NONSENSE about ‘dead soldiers being dragged in the streets.’

  11. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    I believe BU is owned and driven by one person. The owner of the BU vehicle has not handed his keys over to some self-elected enforcer who believes that it his duty to clamp down and bully contributors at his whim. An admirer of yours – the great GP, and I will paraphrase – said that you are juste and fair. The BU family appreciates your forensic analysis style and observations particularly as you reside in Barbados.

    We have noted that you take relish in fighting and lording it over nearly all and sundry who dears to commentate on BU. That you continue to hold a grudge against, Hal Austin, who was a great contributor to BU is sad and pathetic. It makes you look very small. Which is a pity. As you have a razor sharp mind.

    My words to you Mr Artax would be to make your point and move on. Massa days have gone. The overseer who use to lord it over the slaves on the plantation with a whip or two in hand has gone.

    If you cannot handle the diverse views of BU commentators then “dégagez-vous!”

  12. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    The Bu Database chatbot can be a bit moody sometimes and ignores some questions providing no response at all

    who is hal austin
    Good question, give me a moment to think about that 🤔

  13. dreamstarworld Avatar
    dreamstarworld

    LET’S FACE IT FOLKS: WITHIN THE ECHO CHAMBER BETWEEN OUR 2 EARS HAS BEEN THE SILENT ORCHESTRA OF MOOD MUSIC WHICH GOVERNS THIS CROOKED, NASTY, CORRUPT WORLD THAT IS RIPE FOR DESTRUCTION!!!

    Every #DevilInHELL* has been “UNLEASHED” upon “FRAGILE, FLACCID, FLAXY” human beings who frankly could not have a “PISS-UP” in a brewery even if they wanted to – far less, as my grandmother opined: “SHELTER THEMSELVES OUT OF A SHOWER OF RAIN…”

    #LetsFaceItFolks: “NO ONE HAS ANY ANSWERS TO THIS ‘PASS-ITS-SELL-BY-DATE” planetary sphere’s growing problems that now affects all of humanity – whether it be a “RINKY-DINKY” island in the greater Antillean Islands or some far flung “METROPOLIS” that mirrors the “ARCANE ASYLUM FOR THE CRIMINALLY INSANE LABELLED GOTHAM CITY” (not to play on the “LESSER MAGIC” of [#UNholyWEIRD]…)!!!

    EVERYTHING ON THIS “#FlatEarth” ACCORDING TO #TinFoilHatWearingEmbeciles IS GOING TO HELL ON A RUNAWAY FREIGHT TRAIN!!!

    This ruthless march to the “ABYSS” cannot be stopped (OUTSIDE OF DIVINE INTERVENTION) – where “THE MOST HIGH YAH ADONAI” will have to “INTERJECT HIMSELF” into the squalid, mundane, featureless visage of mankind’s ongoing fascination for socio-politico-religio-MADNESS*!!!

    I hate to say it but “ANY NATION BIRTHED IN BLOOD” will eventually go down in flames – just as the laws of “PHYSICS” vouschafe that in all of the “GOD-CREATED” #PhysicalLaws, there’s arguably no principle more sacrosanct than the “2ND LAW” of thermodynamics – the notion that ENTROPY”, which is a measure of “FRAGMENTATIONAL DISORDER”, will always #StayTheSame or “INCREASE” EXPONENTIALLY” given the circumstances!!!

    The so-called “RATIONALISTS” within the #PoLIEticalSphere have “FOOLED THEMSELVES” into believing that between their “TWO EARS” they have some #godlikePropensity to challenge this #SecondLawOfThermodynamics which find its axis within the fundamental, foundational principles of “QUANTUM MECHANICS” (AS MOST OF THEM ARE FREEMASONS, ROSICRUCIANS & OTHER DARK, NEFARIOUS SECRET SOCIETIES), where they suspect, that “DISORDERED EVENTS” somehow have directionality and irreversibility built into the core, at the deepest level – yet they must try to manipulate these “LAWS” – (THIS IS A DECEPTION)!!!

    The “MOTTLEY CREW ET AL” are “POSTURING, PONTIFICATING, & GESTICULATING because they know within themselves that “HISTORY NEVER CHANGES OUTCOME(s)” with any degree of permanance, as “IRREVERSIBILTY” is “BAKED-IN” and is now a consequence of the way the “METASTATIC CANCER” have invaded the system causing the dynamic evolution of some greater altered state of being…

    Just a “MATHEMATICS” boils down to who is using the “PENCIL” and you can argue all day long that “NUMBERS DON’T LIE” – on the extreme end of conscious reality hovers the inevitable notion of physical laws that are arguably “CHOCA-BLOCK” with all kinds of circumlocutions & nugatory “MADNESS”!!!

    Folks can talk all they want – “THE END DRAWS NIGH” and “ALL HOPE IS GONE” for any “HUMAN COMPROMISE” to work any measure of meaningful success given how far down the road to perdition mankind has come – is “TOTALLY BLIND FAITH”!!!

  14. dreamstarworld Avatar
    dreamstarworld

    WHERE IS THE BLACK MAN’S STORY IN FEATURED FILM???

    WHERE ARE THE SAINTS & ICONS???

    EVERYONE ELSE SEEMS TO HAVE ‘EM – WHERE IS OURS???

  15. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Gov Noem passes law against criticism of Israel. She’s a posible Trump VP.

    The House of Representatives passes resolution equating anti-semitism with anti-Zionism. To appease their capturers the the Zionist lobby.

    Where are the fanciful democracy supporters.

    Of course, countries elsewhere have already done these and more.

    TikTok is being made illegal in the USA. These democrats in America and the West are insisting that our news must come from mainstream propagandist media monopolists.

    Of course, the Chinese are the scapegoats even when they are Singaporean and have nothing to do with China.

    When will weeee smell the coffee brewing?

    For the resort to war in Haiti and everywhere else must have some meaning as these strongly held claims steadily give way in major ways.

  16. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    ‘The Greatest Heist In History’: How Haiti Was Forced To Pay Reparations For Freedom : Planet Money

    https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2021/10/05/1042518732/-the-greatest-heist-in-history-how-haiti-was-forced-to-pay-reparations-for-freed

  17. David Avatar
    David

    Caribbean peace keeping force put on pause. Ostensibly until internal structures are properly established.

  18. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    The start.

  19. Skeptic Avatar
    Skeptic

    I find it disturbing that no gang representative nor Barbecue were included in the interim government of Haiti. What could the Caricom leader be thinking or be afraid of?

  20. dreamstarworld Avatar
    dreamstarworld

    BATTLE FOR THE CARIBBEAN: THE NORTH ATLANTIC APPROPRIATION MISSION OF THE OIL ASSETS OF VENEZUELA, GUYANA, TRINIDAD ET AL USED AS THE CONTESTATIONAL AXIS FOR A WIDER CONFLICT BETWEEN AMERIKKKA, CHINA & RUSSIA

    Who wants “WAR”???

    CLEARLY THE DEVILS OF HELL!!!

    If history repeats itself – then those who are ignorant of its devices ought to know that life is no longer linear but cyclical…

    In 1803 to 1810, there was a series of military campaigns in the Caribbean during the Napoleonic Wars involving the powers of Europe – Napoleon’s France, the Batavian Republic, Spain, the Kingdom of Portugal & the United Kingdom of Great Britain including Ireland. In this Caribbean campaign the British naval forces dominated the seas and by 1810 every French, Dutch and Danish colony came firmly under British control!!!

    IF HISTORY HAS TAUGHT HUMANS ANYTHING – THE VICTOR IS ONE WHO TAKES THE SPOILS!!!

    In 2024, Wester Bloc nations are allied together (FOLDING THEMSELVES TOGETHER LIKE THORNS) for the next great “CONFLICT” which is almost upon us given the “STRATEGIC MOVES” of #MotherRussia in employing “FIRST MOVER ADVANTAGE” against “UKRAINE” – while Poland, Finland, Sweden et al play “CATCH UP”!!!

    As Russia secures its future “CHESSBOARD MOVES” to checkmate #OTAN_NATO when that “TRUMPET SOUNDS” in this “BOTTOMLESS PIT” we call earth – then will ensue that “FINAL GIGANTIC WAR” where “ONE-THIRD” of humanity will be “SLAUGHTERED” by the diabolicus of #WW3!!!

    China also `has been making her moves in the Caribbean to stultify oppostion & nullify the axis of English-speaking nation in the Western Bloc Alliance who will need that “BLACK GOLD CALLED OIL” in order to propagate their “WAR ECONOMES”!!!

    DO NOT THINK THAT CHINESE INVESTMENTS IN THE REGION HAS BEEN BASED ON GOODWILL – IT IS MILITARY OPPORTUNISM IN ITS RAWEST FORM!!!

    As we often say in the Caribbean – “TWO CAN PLAY THIS GAME” and military strategists know that China’s ultimate objective in the Caribbean is to confront the U.S., not only with its presence in their “BACKYARD”, but to have access to its borders for a full-fledged “INVASION” – notwithstanding, that the situation is analogous to the US military presence in the region of the South China Sea & Taiwan!!!

    Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe is already on record citing China’s willingness to deepen military cooperation with Caribbean countries – as shipments of military assets including police equipment & other technologies have landed in several Caribbean nations…

    So as China developes beachheads for future People’s Liberation Army (PLA) “advisory groups” in the Western Hemisphere with ongoing construction projects including the modernization of airports (cf. Dominica et al) and seaports, increasing Chinese geopolitical & military strategic influence in the region!!!

    Chinese port projects are at work in Cuba’s ports of Santiago & Mariel, as well as Guyana’s port of Berbice. Other construction projects in the making sees the modernization of Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport which was once the site of U.S. Air Force military operations during #WWII, with a runway of over 10,000 feet, and is capable of hosting Chinese military jet aircraft!!!

    As Russia also strengthens its ties with nationalist regimes in Venezuela, Cuba, & Nicaragua – 21 Caribbean & Latin American countries have joined the “CHINESE BELT & ROAD INITIATIVE” – SEE: https://sgp.fas.org/crs/row/IF10982.pdf

    The nations who control the “OIL” will be the ones who controls the world in this final apocalyptic battle!!!

    Be in no doubt, “HAITI” is mere “SMOKE & MIRRORS” – a sentient “DISTRACTION”that draw away focus from the “SLEIGHT OF HAND” being wielded by the magicans, mediums & megalomaniacs of sophistry in this exercise for those of us who “STUDY” the “DARK ARTS” – the “LESSER MAGIC” of the “KABBALAH” & the nefarious machinations of the puppet-masters who pull the strings of so-called “PoLIEticians” & their “PROXIES”!!!

    AmeriKKKa has been “OUTFOXED” by China, Russia, Iran et al and the gloves are off when it comes to “DAMAGE LIMITATION” – so like California Wildfires which usually begin with “ARSONISTS” who are only too happy to start a bush fire – so the “AMERIKKKAN DEEP STATE” continues to fan the flames in Haiti & wherever their strategic interests augments a desired outcome!!!

  21. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    You’ve gone from being ‘loud and saying nothing,’ to being ‘loud and telling lies.’ Who are the contributors I “clamp down and bully” and “relish in fighting and lording over?” My contributions are more often than not directed to David, the blogmaster. I occasionally respond with supporting evidence, to disprove comments by some persons often seek to mislead this forum by purposely misrepresenting or misinterpreting information. I can identify three, two of whom seem to have ‘disappeared.’ Additionally, more often than not, I will respond ‘respond using as much force as is necessary,’ when attacked. If by so doing is interpreted by you I’m “some self-elected enforcer who believes that it is duty to clamp down and bully contributors at his whim” then, so be it.

  22. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Again, more often than not, I ‘scroll pass’ when I see TLSN. You are one of those persons who introduced the ‘stay at home Bajan’ versus the ‘overseas Bajan’ nonsense, implying Bajans remaining ‘at home’ are stupid, while their ‘overseas’ counterparts and their children, especially in the UK, are wise. You often use ‘sheep’ and other derogatory remarks to describe them. I remember when a ship that departed Barbados, was held with drugs off the UK coast, after a sting operation. You posted the article to BU and, along with another person, gave the impression you knew about the seizure and arrests ‘day ago,’ while insinuating some connection with Barbados. I posted the entire article in a contribution to David, which ultimately dismissed what you sought to imply. I also mentioned the sting operation, to which you questioned the likelihood of UK police working with Barbados police. An INTERPOL office is located in Barbados. Your style is presenting half truths, hyperbole and melodramic rhetoric to ‘paint’ Barbados and Bajan ‘in a bad light.’

  23. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    Why I oppose the Caribbean component of the Haiti intervention:

    Our soldiers are not experienced in outright or guerilla warfare. Here we would be placing our boys in a situation where some of the combatants will not be wearing uniform. One minute our soldiers could be in a confrontation with gang members and when they turn the corner they are face with an unarmed citizen (a gang member who ‘threw’ away his gun). The death of a civilian by our hands or of our soldiers by Haitian citizens is a calamitous event for both groups. I doubt that any Caribbean administration could survive after putting it sons/daughters in harm’s way.

    Adding to the situation, we now see the insertion of special US forces to protect the US embassy. In a way, this reminds me of the recalcitrant French whose troops were ordered out of Niger and its refusal to do so by stating it needed these troops to protect its embassy staff. These troops were nothing more than tripwire to provide an excuse for France to invade and topple the new government. Fortunately, a confrontation was avoided.

    This also reminds me of Vietnam where there was a gradual US troop build-up. American forces were heavily involved in fighting before the American public became aware of the magnitude of US troops engagement. Will we see the same in Haiti?

    Let me repeat … I have no solution for the Haiti problem but I know that sending Caribbean soldiers to Haiti is not solution. I would bet my last dollar, that the US military agrees with me. A military confrontation with Caribbean forces will be the pretext for a full US invasion.

  24. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    A natural question is …. If The OG is correct why would Mia be willing to risk our soldiers’ lives in Haiti?

    I fear, that I must now enter the land of conspiracy theories …
    There was a movie “Wag the dog” where a president began a war so as to move some of his actions from the front page of the news. We have seen that with two 30-0, Mia’s government remains impotent, ineffective, full of big promises that it cannot deliver on and just as corrupt as the previous regime.

    One does not have to be a rocket scientist to realize that with its inability to deliver anything worthwhile, the government must turn to smoke and mirrors to distract the populace. These troops to Haiti may be our “Wag the dog situation”. Fortunately, the madness of that action is becoming clear to more folks. This tail will not wag.

  25. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Finally, how is it possible to hold a grudge against an individual I’ve never met? A man to whom your desciptions of me, could likewise be attributed to. You ‘play favourites,’ not me. Since you mentioned ‘grudge,’ you seem obsessed with Mia Mottley. “That you continue to hold a grudge against Mia Mottley, going as far as citicising her photo against the backdrop of banana plants, and the scarfs she wears, is sad and pathetic. It makes you look very childish and silly.”

  26. John Avatar
    John

    TheOGazerts
    March 14, 2024 at 8:50 am
    Rate This

    Why I oppose the Caribbean component of the Haiti intervention:

    Our soldiers are not experienced in outright or guerilla warfare. Here we would be placing our boys in a situation where some of the combatants will not be wearing uniform. One minute our soldiers could be in a confrontation with gang members and when they turn the corner they are face with an unarmed citizen (a gang member who ‘threw’ away his gun). The death of a civilian by our hands or of our soldiers by Haitian citizens is a calamitous event for both groups. I doubt that any Caribbean administration could survive after putting it sons/daughters in harm’s way.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    The description of Haiti brings to mind Gaza and the Israelis.

    Only Israel would send their IDF (Israel Defence Force) because not only are they experienced in “outright or guerilla warfare” they are defending their own country, the reason for the existence of the IDF.

    The BDF (Barbados Defence Force) not only completely lacks the experience of the IDF, it would be used on foreign shores for a reason which contradicts its very existence, Defending Barbados.

    Cuba is the nearest pace with an army which it once sent all the way to Angola.

  27. John Avatar
    John

  28. John Avatar
    John

  29. xNCO Avatar
    xNCO

    Haitians are saying Caricom troops are not welcomed and they have no friends in Caricom. No Caricom or Bajan family will be able to stomach their family member shown dragged through the streets of Haiti. Dialogue and a de-escalation of tension to mitigate a highly emotional charged disadvantaged people is the only solution. Military intervention for the imposing of puppets will not bring stability if the gangs are not included.

  30. John Avatar
    John

  31. John Avatar
    John

  32. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    @ David,
    Arrogance, menacing behaviour and intimidation are all learned behaviours that our regional governments and some of our countrymen and women have adopted from their colonial masters.

    Last night the news broke that Niger has cancelled with immediate effect its collaboration with the USA which allows its country to be used as an American army base. It has demanded that its army quits the country.

    You may ask what has provoked this sudden and dramatic action on the part of Niger?
    Well Uncle Sam rolled up unannounced and employed a mafiosi type of behaviour to bully Niger to accept America’s terms to remain in its country. The Niger “junta” refused to meet them as they were given no prior warning.

    Disgusted with this bullying type of behaviour. Niger responded tout de suite and demanded that the Americans must leave their country.

    The arrogant and insignificant Caricom should not be menacing our dear sister nation with threats of war. Rather, it should be menacing Haiti with practical assistance such as food aid, bringing in hygiene facilities, medical assistance, and other areas which will bring incremental changes to the quality of life to Haitians.

    One has to fear for our soldiers should they enter Haiti with the mentality of a predator. They should be aware that these proud revolutionary Haitians will make them their prey! Anyone who does this not believe this should be considered a first class Foolbert.

    https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-16/niger-s-military-junta-revokes-military-deal-with-us-state-tv

  33. John Avatar
    John

    American taxpayers seem to be realising that they are constantly being asked to pay for failures in policies in Haiti!!

    Imagine Bill Clinton on record as having destroyed rice production in Haiti and at the same time his foundation diverted millions from that country for his personal gain.

  34. David Avatar
    David

    Caricom’s Haiti failure

    MOST CARIBBEAN OBSERVERS, fed as they are on imperialist BBC and CNN perspectives, reduce the current crisis in Haiti to “unruly gangs” that have taken control of the capital and have paralysed the state.

    This simplistic version, devoid of historical nuance, and prone to domination by neo-colonial forces, currently explains CARICOM’s decision to walk lockstep with hemispheric imperialistic powers to “resolve” the Haitian crisis.

    In contrast to CARICOM’s neo-colonial interpretation, stands the perspective of University of British Columbia’s Professor Jemima Pierre.

    Pierre suggests that every political “settlement” since the ousting of Jean Bertrand Aristide, has been illegitimate since they occurred without the participation of ordinary Haitians. She sees Haiti as a colony of the United States, managed by an international consortium (the so-called core group), and with the participation of the United Nations (whose 2004 MINUSTAH Accord allowed for the stationing of 37 500 Brazilian soldiers between 2004 and 2017).

    In the current crisis following the assassination of one hand-picked leader Jovenel Moise, and his replacement by another Ariel Henry (now rejected), the international imperialist group has been unable to control the situation. No country has fully committed to sending its military. The Kenya plan is stuck. The United States itself, on the back foot due to its over-commitment to global imperialist interventions, and facing election year challenges, has been unable to send its army.

    This has allowed for a greater level of mobilisation by local para-military groups, currently dubbed “gangs” by the bourgeois press and their Caribbean echo-chamber.

    When the “gangs” were being mobilised to fire bomb Aristide’s motorcades by the anti-people groups, they were never demonised. Today, because of their new levels of internal organisation, selfmobilisation, vanguard discipline and autonomy from the established ruling groups, the “gangs” are now deemed problematic. There can be no resolution without the full participation of the paramilitaries and the Haitian people.

    This is why CARICOM’s current involvement is error-laden. CARICOM is no more than a Caribbean face to US imperialism. CARICOM has not insisted upon a break with imperialism nor the full participation of all Haitians. CARICOM’s insistence that Ariel Henry “step down” has no more legitimacy than the US declaring Ariel Henry Prime Minister in the first place.

    What then explains CARICOM’s role in Haiti today?

    An ego-driven “false consciousness” is now shaping the role of some CARICOM leaders on the world stage, more interested in global photo ops than in taking a firm stand against imperialism and for the empowerment of the Haitian people.

    A space has now opened for ordinary Haitians (including the paramilitaries) to take full control of their destiny, while global imperialism seems temporarily paralysed. CARICOM’s role is not to frustrate this process. CARICOM should either stand against imperialism or stand aside. This is not the time for over-blown global egos, enjoying the limelight while serving US imperialism.

    Tennyson Joseph is Associate Professor of Political Science at North Carolina Central University.

    Email tjoe2008@live.com

    Source: Nation

  35. John Avatar
    John

    Is the situation in South Africa the result of “climate change” or entirely an ANC disaster?

    No electricity, no water.

    https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/taps-have-run-dry-across-south-africa-s-largest-city-in-an-unprecedented-water-crisis/ar-BB1kg8Ed?ocid=msedgntp&pc=W069&cvid=d52ec28e552449ee92dc34659353c995&ei=66

  36. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    As usual, Tennyson Joseph makes sense.

  37. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    “Haitians Resist Foreign Intervention as U.S. Pushes for Unelected “Transition Council” to Rule Island”

    https://www.democracynow.org/2024/4/3/haiti_crisis_pierre_ives

  38. David Avatar
    David

    Deepening the Haiti error

    IN MY LAST ARTICLE, I warned against the eagerness of CARICOM, with Barbados in the lead, to side with global imperialism in effecting a “solution” to the Haitian crisis.

    I cautioned the nuevo-imperialist Caribbean leaders from eagerly participating in an invading force into Haiti without weighing the historical, moral and political implications of such invasive participation. Barbados, however, continues to prepare its forces while waiting on Kenya.

    The word invasion is deliberate. A group of external powers that militarily intervenes in an independent state without the consent from a legitimately constituted internal authority, is nothing short of an invading force. If it quacks like a duck . . . .

    Who has authorised Barbados? An internal Haitian group or the United States government?

    Who chooses the leaders of Haiti? Even more critically, whose class interests in Haiti would a CARICOM-blessed invading force serve?

    There is no such thing as a neutral war or invasion. All wars and invasions are undertaken on behalf of specific class interests. What is the “problem” that the Barbados-CARICOM invading force is seeking to solve, and on whose behalf? Who has more to lose?

    Currently, the mulatto, monied segments have been the entrenched ruling class in Haiti. It is Duvalierist in philosophy and practice. Its rule is heavily subsidised by US, French and Canadian economic interests.

    The monied Duvalierist mulattoes see themselves as historical enemies of the children of Jean Jacques Dessalines, the black anti-slavery revolutionary with whom the Haitian Blacks passionately identify. The ruling elite hardly lifts a finger to collect garbage, to clear the overflowing sewage-filled drains or to provide normal services to the people.

    There have been two recent attempts at reversing these internal class dynamics: the first was Jean Bertrand Aristide’s Lavalas movement, and the second is the current self-organisation of the militarised urban youth intent on retaking the state from the traditional ruling class. While the militarised youth are far from sinless, and while deep democratisation and institutional development must be encouraged, CARICOM has no right to make decisions for Haiti without respecting the armed groups’ legitimate rights to participate in Haitian politics.

    The question remains, what is motivating Barbados to play such an eager role in a future Haitian invasion?

    It is public knowledge that the US has agreed to bankroll the Kenya invasion. The Bahamas and Jamaica may claim some concern about a potential Haitian refugee problem. What is Barbados’ interest?

    The last time CARICOM countries participated in an invading force, they were motivated by ending “communism” in Grenada. Is enjoying the global spotlight a sufficient motive to drive some Caribbean leaders to invade Haiti?

    Instead of stoking invasions, CARICOM leaders should be condemning imperialist meddling in Haitian life, and insisting on the full participation of all Haitian voices in finding a Haitian-first solution.

    Tennyson Joseph is Associate Professor of Political Science at North Carolina Central University.

    Email tjoe2008@live.com

    Source: Nation

  39. David Avatar
    David

    No decision yet on troops for Haiti

    by COLVILLE MOUNSEY colvillemounsey@nationnews.com

    IT IS STILL UNCLEAR if Barbadian armed forces will be dispatched to Haiti as part of a regional and international effort to restore peace in that CARICOM territory.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Kerrie Symmonds said yesterday the region is still awaiting the final word from Haiti’s Presidential Transition Council, which was installed only a week ago.

    “That council has been named and, to the best of my understanding and information, they have started to meet internally. I guess we are just waiting for them to come back to us on what their recommendations are. They are supposed to identify the name of a person who can be the interim president, then they also must structure a road map to an election,” he told the DAILY NATION.

    “We had said that if there was a multinational security force, we would work with the Regional Security System and we would send our people through that mechanism. Nothing has changed yet, but obviously we cannot do anything until such time that the Presidential Transitional Council in Haiti determines that they have identified a person who is going to be functioning as president and that person has to give the go-ahead for the process to begin.”

    Symmonds pointed out that as a full member of CARICOM, Haiti must be equally able to rely on the spirit of cooperation and partnership that membership affords, especially in times of crisis, something which has served the region in good stead for many decades.

    ‘Unified’

    “We are unified under a CARICOM umbrella. So that a humanitarian disaster in one part of CARICOM cannot simply be ignored by the rest. I will concede that Haiti may not be as close to some of the members as, for example, Barbados is to a St Vincent. However, we must remember that none of us are immune from disasters, whether it be natural or human-made.

    “Regardless of how it is caused, we will all want to rely on each other in the spirit of cooperation once we are facing crisis,” he said.

    The minister said Barbados and the rest of CARICOM were not divorced from the instability in Haiti, which presented a threat to national security, including the proliferation of guns and narcotics throughout the region.

    “The other thing that we must consider is that it is a question of security for the entire region. Right now, on the ground in Haiti, we have a large percentage of the country that is controlled by armed gangs. The rule of law has broken down. Those things that we take for granted in Barbados like public health, public hygiene, the capacity of the country to guarantee law and order, all these things have now either collapsed or are collapsing in Haiti. It is vitally important for countries in CARICOM to work together to try to restore a government for delivering these essentials,” Symmonds said.

    “Beyond that, because the country is now run by armed gangs, there is a large movement of illegal firearms, ammunition as well as narcotics. This only lends to the instability, and it is important to remember that Haiti is only 90-odd miles away from Jamaica; it is also not far from [The] Bahamas. It is therefore very easy for some of these types of problems on mainland Haiti to be transported across water to a neighbouring CARICOM country.”

    Source: Nation

  40. The OG Avatar
    The OG

    I comment only because I feel it necessary to protect the sons and daughters of the nation.

    If you are a relative then start protesting today. Don’t wait till the body bags start to come home before you raise your voice. It’s a fool errand they gave set out on.

    Don’t let the big mouths of others write a check for your son/daughter to cash.

    I am quite certain that this administration has realized the complete folly of this proposed course of action. It needs you to speak-up so that it can save face in withdrawing.

    Trinidad has already indicated that it sins and daughters will not be going.

  41. David Avatar
    David

    BACKTRACK
    BARBADOS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT, NOT TROOPS TO HAITI
    By Emmanuel Joseph

    The government has reversed its decision to send troops to Haiti, citing escalating dangers and insufficient strategic planning at the global level, Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister Kerrie Symmonds announced.
    Barbados will now only offer technical assistance, marking a significant shift in its approach to the crisis in a fellow CARICOM member state.
    Expressing concerns that the environment in Haiti has become more dangerous, Symmonds indicated that Barbados does not want to take any chances at this time.
    “We are mindful of this [increasing danger], and you don’t want to send people in harm’s way, likely or unnecessarily; and the truth is that, it has to be a properly strategically planned activity. And we cannot safely say right now, that there has been the level of strategic planning at the global level that we would have wanted,” the foreign minister told Barbados TODAY.
    “Even though we talked about it, and we began to execute it, then, the American election has transformed all of that, and we are just marking time. But what bothers me most, is that while we are marking time on this matter, the situation in Haiti seems not to have settled down, and in some cases, it clearly has gotten worse.”
    Symmonds was adamant that only technical assistance will be rendered by Barbados for now.
    He said: “Our troops aren’t going anywhere at this point.
    We have indicated to everybody that Barbados would want to lend technical assistance wherever possible; and we are not at this point thinking in terms of any boots on the ground in Haiti. When I say technical assistance, there may be people with specialist skills whether medical, training, whatever.
    “Right now, the Kenyans had been the lead in terms of placing policemen in Haiti, and we had expected confidently that the Biden White House would continue to be supportive.
    The election intervened, and America has pretty much stalled; and with that, the rest of the world has gone on pause.”
    But Symmonds pointed out that the Haiti situation cannot be put on pause and has again to be brought to the forefront: “And if it is that we have to wait until January 20 when a new administration is in place in the United States, so be it.”
    “It paused at elections, nothing happened in the United States elections . . . absolutely nothing. They even didn’t want to talk about it. Now that the Democrats have lost, they have now gone silent and there has been no forward movement, and we have to see what happens to the [Donald] Trump administration,” he said.
    “And again,” the minister added, “our foreign policy will be the same. We are going to reach out to them, and we are going to ask them to understand that Haiti cannot continue in the way it is going. And that the commitments which the United States had given before should stand, because we are talking about human beings and the welfare of human beings in the Caribbean.”
    Symmonds argued that the engagement must therefore continue with the US.
    Bridgetown had originally committed to sending a contingent of Barbados Defence Force (BDF) troops to Haiti as part of a United Nations-backed multinational peacekeeping force under a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) umbrella.
    Barbados was one of five countries to have formally pledged troops to the force, Benin being the largest contributor with 1 500 personnel, along with Chad and Bangladesh. The Bahamas had previously said it would send 150 personnel.
    Last week, Central America joined the fighting contingents of soldiers and military policemen. Some 83 security personnel, including an advance team of eight soldiers from El Salvador and the first 75 of 150 military police officers from Guatemala arrived in Haiti on Friday.
    The Salvadorans will be providing casualty and medical evacuations in support of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission, while the Guatemalans will be joining the armed security mission in the fight against terrorising gangs.

    emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

  42. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    These BLP politicians love talking loud and saying nothing. We told them from way back to not send our troops to their inevitable deaths to Haiti. We told them that our soldiers would be canon fodder.

    @ Mr Symmonds you are welcome to take my moniker.

    TLSN
    March 12, 2024 at 7:01 pm

    @ Miller,

    Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier is a rebrand of Toussaint L’ouverture. He may well be assassinated, however in his place a Dessalines will arise like a phoenix. What would the great C.L.R James make of this situation. He would be horrified but not surprised that Caribbean elites would conspire against a fellow black nation to collaborate with colonists to subjugate poor blacks and keep them downtrodden. This Caribbean black bourgeoisie mock their own peoples on a daily basis. This is why Mia is sending out the BDF to suppress the revolutionary message of Barbecue. May Barbecue’s spirit resonate throughout the Caribbean region

    What will be the reaction from the Barbados public once the body bags start piling up?

  43. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    Words of cowardice from both TLSN and Kookie Symmonds.

    How does one turn their backs when a neighbor is in dire need – ‘because the situation is dangerous’?
    Is THAT not what an army is created, conscripted, and trained to do?

    It won’t take much for our own murder situation to equal Haiti’s on a per capita rate – what then?
    Will THAT be too dangerous for the BDF?
    Will we understand when no one offers to intervene to assist us?

    Trinidad is the worse possible example to cite.
    Those morons abandoned THEIR OWN CITIZENS to BB during covid. No wonder then, that coups, crime, and chaos has been their modus operandi.

    Even if Brassbados could only afford to send six operatives to help to restore normalcy, and to help to protect the lives of innocents in Haiti… then THAT is what we should do…

    Steupsss…
    He is a big-ass bully slashing tyres and cussing people while hiding behind parliamentary immunity – and now a cry-baby when faced with REAL WORLD, big boy problems…

    What a sham…
    All talk and bluster.

  44. David Avatar
    David

    We didn’t turn our backs on Grenada because Uncle Tom was by our side.

  45. The OG Avatar
    The OG

    https://barbadostoday.bb/2025/01/08/barbados-to-provide-technical-support-not-troops-to-haiti/

    They got it right. It took some time but they got it right in the end.
    Go Mia!

  46. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    Uncle Tom was by our side.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    We just did as we were told back then.
    Uncle Tom was our master …and we obeyed his every instruction as always.

    Here we had the opportunity to INDEPENDENTLY do what is the RIGHT thing to do for a neighbor in need, within our limited capabilities, and we acted like cowardly slaves without a master to instruct us.

    Or perhaps ‘Uncle Tom’ (who has washed his dirty hands of this matter,) has given us the usual instructions that slaves require…

    Those who think that the key objective of this shiite life is to take ‘no risks’, are doomed to be slaves forever….
    Those who are willing to LAY DOWN THEIR LIVES to do the right thing (for their neighbor in need) – will inherit TRUE life…

  47. Goeht Avatar
    Goeht

    Will defend my position later, but I have repeated warn against going to Haiti and provided reasons

  48. David Avatar
    David

    @Bush Tea

    Our leadership in Barbados does what is popular devoid of an ideology or philosophy that anchors decisions like assisting Haiti in this case. Is it any wonder the population mirrors what they see? Then again our leaders come from among us.

  49. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    Haiti has a population of 12 million. Whilst Barbados has 285,000.

    Caricom should have reached out to both Cuba and Haiti over the decades. Both countries have been sanctioned to death over the years and have been victimised by their thug neighbour: the USA.

    All Caribbean states have had the capacity to assist Haiti and to ameliorate the lives of their citizens over the decades. Caricom should have been pushing the international community to play its role in the alleviation of the suffering of Haitians.

    Uncle Sam knows that our region is fragile. USA imported guns menace the island, as well as Latin and Central American drug cartels who have made our region the gateway of the international drug’s trade.

    Imagine if we were to send over a small percentage of our miniscule, inexperienced, rag bag of an army to Haiti. We would lack the capacity to tackle those jnternational drug gangs who would exploit heavily our lack of a domestic army whom would be engaged trying to defend their lives in a hostile Haiti.

    Haiti is viewed suspiciously within Caricom (Grenada apart) because it’s the only island within the region that knows what it means to fight for and to gain their freedom. Its people are too black, too African and too toxic for our region. Quite rightly, Carribean leaders and the elite with their antiquated mindset are fearful of their own people developing a similar mindset.

    Barbados remains an impoverished and a fragile island. It should take my advice and avoid playing games alongside the malevolent and toxic Uncle Sam.

  50. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ TLSN
    Boss, stop taking your moniker literally do…!

    So you ONLY see value in helping your ‘in-need’ neighbor-
    …if the whole community pitches in?
    …or if you personally have the resources to provide all the needed help?
    …or if you were not yourself ‘impovished and fragile’?
    …or if that neighbor was not ‘viewed suspiciously’ by others?
    …or if Uncle Sam was a nicer fella?

    Steupsss… based on ‘do unto others as you….’
    If and when the shit hits Bushie’s fan, the Bushman would be GRATEFUL if a poor fella passing by would just stop and put a little water on the bushy lips…

    Presumably you will only take help from those well enough off, to fully address your issues? … fellas like John 2 and Enuff? …and not stinking Bushie… LOL

    Yours (and Symmonds’) are reactions of fear and cowardice.
    Do not try to defend the indefensible.
    Basically, you are NOT the ‘Good Samaritan’ who stopped to help. You were afraid that you may be mugged, and besides, the fellow needed more help than you could afford, so you crossed the road and went long…

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