CRO makes token donation and issues statement on Haiti

Calls for the repayment by France of the millions of dollars extorted from Haiti 200 years ago...

The Caribbean Rastafari Organization (CRO Inc.) an umbrella organization serving the regional Rastafari community, with members throughout the English, French, Spanish and Dutch Caribbean, will be making a token donation to the relief effort in support of Haiti, through the ‘Friends of Haiti” and Pastor Gerald LaFleur.

The CRO has reviewed the grass-roots programme of assistance, support and reconstruction that Pastor Lafleur has outlined and call on aid to Haiti to be channelled through his organization which has a proven record of assistance in previous disasters in that country.

In addition to a token monetary donation the CRO also donated a large tent received from a Rastafari benefactor, Mr. Michael Josiah, to the relief effort being coordinated by Pastor Lafleur and the “Friends of Haiti”.

The presentation was made at the Market Square in St. John’s, Antigua on Saturday 30th January 2010, where the “Friends of Haiti” received donations.

The CRO has also issued a statement expressing support and solidarity for the people of Haiti and calling on the international community not to exploit the present situation to further victimize the people of the noble country of Haiti. 

Statement on Haiti

The Caribbean Rastafari Organization (CRO Inc.) expresses solidarity, support and sympathy for the people of Haiti in their hour of desperate need following the devastation of the earthquake of 12th January 2010.

The CRO also echoes the concerns of the people of Haiti that humanitarian concerns be given precedence over so-called security issues, and calls for the reduction of the overwhelming military presence in the country in favour of an increase in personnel concerned with aid and support.

The CRO additionally cautions the international community not to exploit the present situation to extend imperialist control and policies over Haiti, which control and policies have been traditionally detrimental to the aspirations, economy and people of the noble country of Haiti.

 The CRO supports the view expressed by Dr. Norman Girvan that real and sustained recovery and reconstruction must address Haiti’s longer term development, environmental and governance issues and join his call for :

  “The immediate cancellation of all bilateral and multilateral debt owed by Haiti.   The IMF to immediately convert the US$100 million emergency loan to Haiti into a grant provided without any conditions.”

In relation to governance, the CRO calls for the return of the kidnapped and abducted Haitian leader Bertrand Aristide and the legitimization of his “Famille Lavalas” political party. Further the CRO calls for the repayment by France of the millions of dollars extorted from Haiti 200 years ago. 

The CRO also commends the offer made by the government of Senegal to welcome Haitians wishing to enter Senegal and see this as a welcome step in the endeavour of Africans in the Diaspora to return to the land of their forefathers.