Staff Writer 

August 11, 2023 – There are several steps to complete, but it’s looking more and more likely that there will be international boots on the ground in Haiti in the very near future.

The revelation came from Barbara A. Feinstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti, in a press briefing on August 04.  It followed a whirlwind of activity prompted by Kenya’s recent announcement that they would consider leading any multinational force deployed to the beleaguered country.

She explained the process to get soldiers into the country.

“The next steps for the Kenyan Government are to perform an assessment on the ground in Haiti, which we expect to take place in the coming weeks; to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders on the ground in Haiti and New York at the United Nations.  Provided the Kenyans are able to secure approval from their own government, they would then work with the United Nations to secure UN authorization of such a force,” said Feinstein in a press conference covered by Caribbean media firms.

Feinstein said the US is prepared to support by introducing a resolution authorizing the force, and they are fairly confident it will pass, with the Deputy describing the Government as ‘optimistic.’

“I would note that in the recent unanimous renewal of the authorization to extend the UN mission on the ground in Haiti, we [also] saw unanimous support for language that did endorse the idea of a multinational force and called for a report to lay out options,” she said.

That report will be tabled by August 15 and will help shape the multinational force.  As for how this multi-national force would operate, once it gets into Haiti, that depends on the findings of the Kenyan assessment.  What is certain is that it won’t be on the front lines.

Instead, it will: “Jumpstart the process of improving security in Haiti by sending thousands of additional personnel to secure critical infrastructure sites and thereby allow the Haitian national police to increase their focus on battling gangs.”

Haitian gangs have repeatedly taken control of important infrastructure relating to oil and electricity especially, forcing police to split their efforts to try and reclaim them while engaging in front-line battles with the gangs.

The US maintains it is committed to having Haiti lead on the response.

The Bahamas and Jamaica are among the countries which have also committed troops for the international mission should it be approved.

Staff Writer 

July 31, 2023 – As technology advances and continues to become more integrated in our society now more than ever, the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is taking action, calling Caribbean countries to support a global ban of the use of mobile phones.

Concerns were raised in a new UN report about the excessive use of smartphones at the negative effects they have on learning.

The UNESCO report refers to technology’s relationship to education and urges countries to meticulously analyze how it is used in schools.

The report emphasizes the need for a “human-centered vision” where digital tech is more a tool than taking precedence, exercising dominance over the main goal that is educating children. It is crucial that digital technology be used to facilitate education rather than be a distraction.

UNESCO’s call to action is that all countries establish their own unique standards for the way technology is designed and utilized in the education context so that is supports the shared goal of education and not replace physical, in-person teacher led institutions.

Staff Writer 

July 31, 2023 – As the world struggles with the warmest temperatures ever recorded, the United Nations has a grim outlook for the future.

“The era of global warming has ended.  The era of global boiling has arrived,” Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, said in a press conference on July 27^th, where he also acknowledged that the speed of the change is “terrifying.”

The UN leader was in receipt of a report from the World Meteorological Organization and Copernicus Climate Change Service, which officially confirmed the last three weeks were the hottest of all time.

“This anomaly is so large with respect to other record-breaking months in our record, that we are virtually certain that the month as a whole, will become the warmest July on record, the warmest month on record, in all likelihood,” Carlo Buentempo, Director of Copernicus Climate Change Service, told the UN via Zoom.

Ocean temperatures are pushing records as well.  Guterres described the consequences as clear and tragic.

“Children swept away by monsoon rains, families running from flames, workers collapsing in scorching heat, and for scientists it is unequivocal, humans are to blame,” he said.

Heat warnings, wildfires and vector-borne diseases have prompted alarm for various international agencies since the beginning of the month, all tied to the rising global temperatures.

Guterres is now calling on the people responsible for the change that is boiling everyone, especially Small Island Developing States, to do their part in combating the disaster.  He fingers the G20 nations, responsible for the vast majority of emissions, and says they must step up for climate justice.

Staff Writer

July 27, 2023 – As the world struggles under a mass of issues, from humanitarian concerns, to war and climate change a message of hope and determination has been shared by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres as he reflects on the life of the late Nelson Mandela shared on international Nelson Mandela Day July 18:

He says “Nelson Mandela was a colossus of courage and conviction.  A leader of immense achievement and extraordinary humanity.”

Today, poverty, hunger and inequality are on the rise.  Countries are drowning in debt.  The climate crisis is destroying the lives of those who have done the least to cause it.  And our unfair and outdated international financial system is not fulfilling its function as a global safety net. We have it in our power to solve each of these problems.

Secretary General Guterres urged world citizens to honor the late Mandela with action to expel the poison of racism, discrimination and hate; extinguish the legacies of colonialism and promote equality, human rights and above all, justice.

Staff Writer

#Haiti, July 26, 2023 – With Haiti’s humanitarian crisis still ongoing, gangs growing in power and estimated to control up to 80 percent of the capital, the U.N Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution asking Antonio Guterres, U.N. Secretary General on Friday, to report within 30 days, with a “full range” of options to aid in the enhancement of the country’s Security situation.

Guterres is expected to report back with additional training for the Haitian National Police and provide support to fight illegal arms trafficking to the republic.

Additionally, the resolution, co-inspired the the US and Ecuador, authorizes up to 70 U.N. police and corrections advisers to bolster support and training for Haiti’s understaffed and underfunded police force while encouraging other countries, especially in the Caribbean region, to step in and respond to the appeals from Haiti’s prime minister as well as Guterres, for the deployment of an international specialized force.

Amid the worsening crisis, Haiti’s prime minister in reaching out for help sent out an appeal in October of 2022 asking for “the immediate deployment of a specialized armed force, in sufficient quantity.” However, it is unfortunate to report that after more than 8 months since the appeal, no country has taken the initiative to take on the challenge.

In continuation, Guterres took a trip to the gang plagued Republic earlier this month and last week, called for a robust international force to aid the Haitian National Police crush and dismantle the gangs that have now attained too much power.

He highlighted the estimated number of anti-gang police needed according to William O’Neill, independent expert for Haiti, which is up to 2,000 which is not an exaggerated figure given the nature of Haiti’s situation as witnessed by O’Neill who took a 10 day trip the the country after which he said, “I found a country bruised by violence, misery, fear and suffering,” he said, adding that all types of human rights are being violated. “It is urgent to take action. The survival of an entire nation is at stake.”

The resolution urges all countries to prohibit the supply, sale, or transfer of weapons to those supporting gang violence and criminal activity.

Furthermore, it restates the need for all Haitians, with support from the U.N. political mission known as BIHUH ( mandated to advise the Government of Haiti in the promotion and strengthening of political stability and good governance, including the rule of law,) to establish “a Haitian-led, Haitian-owned political process to permit the organization of free, fair and credible legislative and presidential elections.” And it calls on the Haitians “to urgently reach an agreement on a sustainable, time-bound and commonly accepted roadmap for elections.”

Thanks to the resolution, BIHUH’s mandate was extended until July 15th, 2024.

In expressing that the resolution is important, but not enough in helping Haiti, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador, said “we must do more,” encourage all 15 council members to stand with the U.S. in working with BINUH, the Haitian government, and the international community to “help the Haitian people secure a more just and peaceful future.”

Photo caption:

Photograph from Le Quotidien 509

Staff Writer 

May 15, 2023 – Mothers and newborns are dying at unacceptably high rates according to the World Health Organization because basic care is unavailable to them, but a new invention might help turn the tide.

“Global progress in reducing deaths of pregnant women, mothers and babies has flat-lined for eight years due to decreasing investments in maternal and newborn health, according to a new report from the United Nations (UN). The report shows that over 4.5 million women and babies die every year during pregnancy, childbirth, or the first weeks after birth – equivalent to 1 death happening every 7 seconds – mostly from preventable or treatable causes if proper care was available,” a report released on May 9th said.

Progress on decreasing maternal deaths halted in 2015, with around 290,000 maternal deaths each year, 1.9 million stillbirths and 2.3 million newborn deaths.  COVID-19 only exacerbated that issue.

Along with the report the WHO revealed that a new solution, called E-MOTIVE, could provide a major breakthrough in reducing risk of the leading cause of death in new mothers: childbirth-related bleeding.

It affects an estimated 14 million women each year but despite being treatable, it results in around 70,000 deaths – mostly in low and middle-income countries, the WHO says.

E-MOTIVE is a trial process that measures blood loss using a simple, low-cost collection device called a ‘drape’ and when cause for concern arises, bundles together recommended treatments instead of offering them one by one.

The WHO and UN say to increase survival rates, women and babies must have quality, affordable healthcare before, during, and after childbirth.  E-MOTIVE seems to fit the bill with bullseye precision, removing the element of guesswork involved in using visual markers for blood and instead, collecting the blood as it drips then immediately beginning treatment including uterine massage, medicines to contract the womb, and stop the bleeding, intravenous fluid administration, an examination, and when needed, escalation to advanced care.

It is also not a specialty service and midwives everywhere can be taught to perform it.  The study was performed across Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania.  Two hundred thousand women participated, and the use of E-MOTIVE resulted in dramatic improvements where severe bleeding (when a woman loses more than a litre of blood after birth) was reduced by 60 percent.

Staff Writer

May 5, 2023 – A Committee of the United Nations is urging countries in the Caribbean and Americas to hold off on the expulsion of Haitians who flee to their countries.  This comes out of concern for Haitians who are subject to violence and are forced back to Haïti without proper assessments of their protection needs.

As highlighted by Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General who spoke of Haitians as the victims of one of the worst human rights crises in decades; the 18 Committee experts expressed concern that Haitians are vulnerable to degrading, cruel, and inhumane treatment and racial profiling from law enforcement agencies. Also, they experience excessive force from countries.

The need for the protection of Haitians is seen now more than ever. The gang issue plaguing the country has now led to a 21 percent increase in homicides for the previous quarter, 815 up from 673; as well as 63 percent in kidnappings, 637 up from 391

The call to action referenced the increase in expulsion numbers this year without consideration given to their safety.

The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), estimated that 36,000 Haitians were expelled from countries between January and March (90 percent from Dominican Republic) up from 22,000 the same time last year, with about 15,000 from the US.

In a statement on Friday April 28th, 2023, the Committee expressed that countries should take measures to protect “Haitians on the move,” instead of purely negative moves against the refugees.

“Caribbean countries, such as The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, announced repressive measures against undocumented Haitian migrants.” Additionally, the US put in place a plan for the increased expulsion of Haitians  as well as other migrants to Mexico.

Haiti is in need of all the support they can get and as expressed by the UN, that includes being mindful of the urgent need for protection, hence the reason they flee to these countries.

Staff writer 

#Ukraine, April 27, 2023 – For the first time since the 2022 invasion, Russia’s strongest ally is holding talks with Ukraine and has plans to send ambassadors to the country.  Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to Volodimyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine via phone on Wednesday afternoon (Chinese time).

Zelenskyy made the announcement via twitter describing it as a significant move towards better relations between the two countries which while not directly at odds have not been friendly.

“I had a long and meaningful phone call with President Xi Jinping.  I believe that this call, as well as the appointment of Ukraine’s ambassador to China, will give a powerful impetus to the development of our bilateral relations,” he said.

CCTV China says the two spoke about the war and Xi emphasized his intention to maintain the diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

“China is neither the maker nor the party involved in the Ukraine crisis.  As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, we will neither watch the fire from the other side, nor add fuel to the fire, let alone take advantage of the opportunity to make profits.”  The state media house said in the article.

China while not declaring open support of Russia’s war in Ukraine has strengthened ties with its Eurasian neighbor even more since 2022.

It has caused significant friction between China and the western countries and its diplomatic relationship with the UK and US has deteriorated significantly.

Both sides have now expressed intent to exchange ambassadors.

Staff Writer  

#Canada, April 13, 2023 – A report out of Canada, the unofficial hub for the organization of international aid to violence plagued Haiti, has revealed that Police equipment necessary in the fight against gangs in the country is once again delayed.

Canada has been adamant that it will not send troops into the country which has been spiraling into anarchy following the assassination of Jovenel Moïse, former President.  The ideal tactic they say is to strengthen local police but private company delays in providing agreed upon help are dampening the effort. 

According to CBC news, this time, its Canadian armored cars: Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles (MRAPs) that are delayed. Without them the police are much more vulnerable to the gangs which outgun and outman them.

CBC says “Toronto-based INKAS signed a contract to deliver 18 armoured vehicles to Haiti last year.”

That was long before the situation grew as dire as it is.  Now, there have been repeated extensions but only nine vehicles have been delivered.  For its part, the developer says supply chain issues are causing the snags and claims they have gone above and beyond to assist in the interim.

Four of the remainder, are set to be delivered in May, hopefully.

The UN has repeatedly advocated for military assistance in the country but has been shut down time and again.

The Caribbean has thrust its support behind the idea promoted by Canada, which is to strengthen the Haitian National Police rather than station ground troops. Some countries, however, have indicated a readiness for a more direct and assertive dismemberment of the gang forces running over 60 percent of Haiti’s capital, Port Au Prince.

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, April 3, 2023 – April is World Autism Month and April 2nd was celebrated as World Autism Day this year.  This year marks the 16th annual World Autism Awareness Day.

For the 2023 commemoration, the United Nations has decided to focus on Transformation: Toward a Neuro-Inclusive World for All.  They emphasize acceptance, support and inclusivity for autistic students who are just as able to succeed and live fulfilling lives.

For this to happen the UN says parents, policy makers, workplaces must come together to create an accessible world for autistic people.  This ‘ enables autistic people to claim their dignity and self-esteem, and to become fully integrated as valued members of their families and societies.’

The Turks and Caicos Special Needs schools are celebrating during the month as well.

The SNAP Center hosts its reading month series in April which culminates in an award ceremony and Ashley’s Learning Center will host a classical music concert on April 8th where special needs students will have the chance to perform.