Word: haitians
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...after Jean-Claude fell from power last year, but in spite of repeated promises, it was never disarmed. The provisional government has prosecuted only a few of the most notorious thugs. "It isn't easy to get rid of something as basic as the Macoutes," says Aubelin Jolicoeur, a Haitian journalist and former gossip columnist. The recent rampages have a signature style that has led many Haitians to suspect that elements of the Macoutes are involved: the late-night assaults, the beatings of entire families, the arbitrariness, the brutality...
...crisis began last month, when the government, defying Haiti's three- month-old constitution, took control of the electoral process. Although Namphy reversed his action, the response did not quell public furor. The general has only made matters worse by retreating into silence. Says a Haitian historian: "Unless Namphy comes to his senses and opens a dialogue, there could be a bloodbath." Now it is up to Namphy to decide whether he will lead Haitians to the polls -- or to civil...
...HAITIAN mother and three children spent some time in a shelter but now have found an apartment with a volunteer's help. The mother speaks less English than her daughters, although they arrived in the Land of Opportunity a year ago. Apartments are always hard to find and expensive to keep; the average single-bedroom apartment in Cambridge rents for $550 per month...
Still, there has been some progress toward instilling a spirit of democracy after 28 years of Duvalier dictatorships. Haitian airwaves crackle day and night with radio programs that invite Haitians to speak their minds. In the legislature, once a rubber stamp for the Duvaliers, spirited debates rage. Sixty assemblymen are currently arguing over the details of a new constitution that they promise will be tyrant-proof and will be put to a popular vote next month. Moreover, political parties have proliferated, with more than 70 now vying for popular attention...
...each step forward seems to be offset by disappointing setbacks. Since Duvalier fled and the dreaded Tonton Macoutes disbanded, large pockets of the Haitian countryside have degenerated into lawlessness. Contraband flowing into the country has fueled a rash of burglaries, arson attacks and murders. After all of Haiti's ports were reopened last fall, illegal rice from Miami hit the market, undercutting local farmers. Inevitably a battle erupted between farmers and profiteering smugglers that has yet to quiet. "Smuggling is unfortunately the No. 1 growth industry in Haiti," says a Western diplomat. "Crime is not far behind." Last week...