Manifestations
Demonstrations in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, often take on myriad fronts. On Monday, March 12, demonstrators assembled in front of the international airport in anticipation of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's visit to the country. But they didn't only express jubilation at the Venezuelan head of state's visit.
Demonstrators expressed anger and resentment with United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and alleged abuses committed by them, namely, in Haiti's largest slum, Cité Soleil.
And, as always, calls for Aristide's return from exile were in vogue. Some yelled, "Five years!", a popular slogan in 2004, during the height of the rebellion, or depending on political orientation, coup d'etat, that forced Aristide from power, meaning that Aristide should serve his entire term in office, lasting five years.
A point of much contention is over the amount of people turning out for these demonstrations, as it usually turns into a debate about how much support the deposed president still retains. And getting into the nitty-gritty, what neighborhood are the demonstrators from and what percentage of the population do they represent?
In Haiti, a demonstration with 10,000 in attendance can easily turn into 100,000 with a photograph and text purporting one point of view. And a demonstration with the main goal of welcoming Hugo Chavez can have two or three other demands.
Comments
Nick,
I think these are some of your most powerful photos yet. What a complex country Haiti is!
Posted by: Maria Whalen | March 16, 2007 06:29 PM
Hi,
Great photojournalism going. As someone trapped in the US in that institution we like to call "college," I enjoy seeing your work.
A question, though: have you found many demonstrating on behalf of Soleil who are not from Soleil? This is more relevant to earlier protests during the height of the Jan-Feb Operation Nazca. I know the general population in Haiti is very knowledgeable and articulate about politics, but I'm wondering how much people in other areas of Port-au-Prince protested the raids against Cite Soleil?
Peace,
Brennan
Posted by: Brennan Bollman | March 17, 2007 01:57 AM
Thanks for the support, Brennan.
A lot of the people, I'd say the vast majority of the people demonstrating against UN operations in CS are from CS. That doesn't mean that other people in the capital aren't opposed to UN conduct — real or perceived — they just aren't on the streets demonstrating. I would say that residents living in Belair are also very vocal and account for a large showing at demonstrations. People from the poorer neighborhoods are the overwhelming majority at demos, as they see the brunt of the fighting between MINUSTAH and the gangs. You're not going to get a lot of people from Delmas and other areas actively demonstrating for CS. The situation has cooled and CS is calm now as the UN has completely occupied the zone. Evens, the leader of Boston, was arrested a few days ago.
Best,
-n
Posted by: Nick Whalen | March 17, 2007 01:17 PM
Great photos Nick. The photo of the person repairing the net is very warm and telling. Stay safe and Healthy!!!
Posted by: George Brun | March 21, 2007 08:47 AM