14ymedio, Madrid, 21 March 2024 — After two weeks and not using a phrase concerning the destiny of the Cubans trapped in Haiti, the Cuban Embassy in Port-au-Prince introduced on Wednesday that the plan for his or her return has been designed, however there isn’t a scheduled date so long as the Toussaint Louverture airport stays closed, within the midst of the latest disaster of violence that the nation has been experiencing since February twenty ninth.
“The consultant of Cubana de Aviación, a member of the Cuban state mission in Haiti, has established phone and face-to-face contact with the 32 rental homes the place many of the Cuban passengers of the canceled flights are staying, reviews the diplomatic headquarters. That group consists of 260 Cubans in whole, largely “mules” who journey between Haiti and the Island to fill up on items which can be scarce in Cuba.
In line with the assertion, the Embassy is in touch with Barbara Joseph, the business specialist for Dawn Airways, the Haitian journey firm utilized by the Cubans. “There might be flights to 2 locations: Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba. Passengers from different provinces might be transported by Transtur bus to their locations of origin,” the textual content provides.
“The flights might be made to 2 locations: Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba. Passengers from different provinces might be transported by Transtur bus to their locations of origin”
To prepare the return, Cubans who reside in Haiti – largely staff on Cuban “missions” such because the 60 healthcare staff – and those that are passing by will meet just about with the representatives of each airways “with the intention to present related data and talk about issues.”
Some relations replicate on the distressing scenario of their family members. “They’ve spent over three weeks in a spot filled with uncertainty, hardship and worry. Shootings and killings within the streets proceed; the violence is unimaginable,” says one particular person.
“I make this attraction to all of the households of the Cubans who’re stranded in Haiti to lift our voices and ask the Authorities to do one thing for them. They’ve been telling us lies for 23 days, in a single assertion after one other, about how they will get them out, and so they nonetheless haven’t achieved a factor. We would like our households right here now! We’re determined. Please assist us in case you can,” one girl demanded of the International Ministry, whereas one other, whose aunt is in Haiti, wished a fast return for her. “Could God permit every thing to go properly and shortly everybody might be right here in Cuba consuming collectively, even when it’s simply picadillo, however comfortable and calm.”
“Could God permit every thing to go properly, and shortly everybody might be right here in Cuba consuming collectively, even when it’s simply picadillo, however comfortable and calm”
On February twenty ninth, when the armed gangs started a brand new wave of violence in Haiti, a Dawn Airways airplane certain for Cuba was delayed by gunfire. That day, for safety causes, air site visitors was closed, stopping the return of the Cubans who had been within the nation, who’ve requested for assist from each the airline and the Cuban Authorities. There are one other 2,000 Cubans in Haiti “in several situations,” in response to the Minister of International Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez, final week on Cuban tv.
In the mean time, the one nation that has begun to evacuate its nationals is the US, which plans to take 30 folks day-after-day by helicopter to the Dominican Republic. In line with CNN, one other 30 folks had been transferred to Miami on a flight chartered by the State Division. In whole, there are virtually 1,000 People in Haiti, stated its spokesman, Vedant Patel.
Within the meantime, the scenario within the capital stays high-risk. This Wednesday, the streets of Pétion-Ville, within the hills of Port-au-Prince, had been once more strewn with our bodies. This neighborhood is the one one within the capital of Haiti that’s not but fully managed by armed gangs.
Seven our bodies had been discovered, including to the 15 discovered two days earlier. The pictures had been comparable: our bodies shot – some within the midst of flames and others already charred – stretchers with the deceased being put into ambulances and staff carrying coffins.
Along with the already present insecurity, firstly of the month about 3,000 prisoners, together with gang leaders and members, managed to flee from two prisons within the metropolis, throughout assaults by armed teams.
Along with the already present insecurity, firstly of the month about 3,000 prisoners, together with gang leaders and members, managed to flee from two prisons within the metropolis
All this has an impression on the functioning of town. There may be virtually no business exercise, colleges are closed, and there’s a fixed motion of individuals fleeing from their houses and neighborhoods to areas thought of safer.
In line with the most recent knowledge from the Worldwide Group for Migration (IOM), this new escalation of violence has led to greater than 15,000 folks turning into displaced. In whole, greater than 86,000 Haitians reside in 84 refugee facilities, in colleges, church buildings and public squares, the place they survive in unhealthy and inhumane situations. As well as, in response to IOM, in lower than every week, 17,000 folks left the capital in quest of a safer place and traveled with household and pals to different provinces, placing themselves at risk, because the gangs management the roads.
The United Nations company estimates that, because the starting of the 12 months, within the metropolitan space of Port-au-Prince, the displaced inhabitants has elevated by 15%, and 160,000 folks can’t return to their houses.
All this occurs whereas ready for the implementation of a transitional presidential council. The Haitian Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, will then depart energy, and a multinational safety power might be deployed, led by Kenya.
Translated by Regina Anavy
____________
COLLABORATE WITH OUR WORK: The 14ymedio workforce is dedicated to working towards critical journalism that displays Cuba’s actuality in all its depth. Thanks for becoming a member of us on this lengthy journey. We invite you to proceed supporting us by becoming a member of 14ymedio now. Collectively we will proceed reworking journalism in Cuba.