Photos

Here is a picture of Minister of Plannification, Yves Germain JOSEPH and President Michel Martelly.

When Haitian President Michel Martelly called a vote that would extend parliament and thus facilitate elections for the country, a deal that was being brokered by the United States, members of the political parties of the opposition failed to show up leaving the proposal floundering. The opposition has made their feelings - that the President has played a game to place himself in the de facto position, ruling by decree - and also their intentions - to keep their protests alive until they accomplish their one mission, to get the President out of power - well known.

Haiti isn't new to political unrest, as the world has seen documented, but in recent years, a new era of democracy had begun and hopes were high for that to continue. When issues began last year that would lead to the current dissolution of parliament, the governing administration blamed the opposition senators, and they in turn blamed the President.

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Minister of Communication, Rotchild FRANCOIS JR, receiving his folder from Haitian President Michel Joseph Martelly

Accusations against President Martelly have morphed slightly, away from his instigating the stalemate that led to the dissolution of parliament and his eventual rule by decree, to his now plotting to secure his chosen successor - amidst all this, he has promised not to alter the country's constitution to seek another term, having been at the head since 2011.

The new members who have been sworn in include Carel Alexandre, Secretary of State for Public Security; Yves Germain Joseph, Planning Minister; as well as six previous members of the cabinet such as the ministers of defence, health and foreign affairs. These changes come just before a council of 15 nations is set to descend upon Haiti to undertake a mission of fact finding. More changes are expected, including the creation of a 9-member electoral council, all with the aim of producing an election for the country before another year runs out.

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Here is a picture of the new Minister of commerce and Industry, Mr Hervey DAY, receiving his folder from President Michel Martelly

aiti new Ministerial cabinet

Haitian President, Michel Martelly, continues to push forward with his plans for the country despite the rather underwhelming changes in the public's opinion about the current political climate. His newest step in his role as de facto leader is the appointment and swearing in of Haiti's new ministerial cabinet. Joining him for the ceremony was his chosen Prime Minister, former Port-au-Prince Mayor, Evans Paul who recently named forty-four ministers and state secretaries despite his still unratified state.

The swearing in of 12 secretaries of state and 20 ministers took place at the National Palace, and the President took the opportunity to thank the opposition for their show of "goodwill", saying there is now pluralism within the new government. On the opposition side of the spectrum, some opposition leaders still accuse Martelly of not delivering on the promised consensus government, and the protests still continue.

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Here is a picture of assemblywoman, Rodneyse Bichotte.

Rodneyse Bichotte sworn in. She has become New York's first Haitian-American assemblywoman. Mayor Bill De Blasio, Bichotte's biggest supporter, performed the swearing-in ceremony for the new 42nd Assembly District representative. Bichotte is replacing Rhoda Jacobs, a 37-year veteran of the Assembly.

Bichotte trounced democratic candidate Rickie Tulloch for the seat, winning by 82% of the vote.

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Archevèque métropolitain du Cap-Haïtien, Mgr Max Leroy Mésidor

Mgr. Mesidor Vows Fealty to Haiti

Pope Benedict XV appointed Mgr. Mesidor Diocesan Bishop of Fort-Liberté. Mgr. Mesidor took an oath of fealty to the Holy See Concordat, Article 5.

Mesidor vowed ". . . to keep respect and loyalty to the Constitution of Haiti . . . for the . . . common good . . . and defense of the interests of the Nation"

Martelly said to Mesidor, ". . . you face a difficult challenge . . ." but ". . . (we will) struggle for the soul of Haiti . . ."

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It has been estimated that Haiti has more than 250,000 illegal weapons in circulation causing insecurity.

Weapons Destroyer to cut down on Firearms in Haiti

HNP are endeavoring to decrease illegal firearms in circulation. With the help of the Canadian Police they set out to destroy 195 weapons at Freres Police Academy.

Police Commissioner Therriault donated a $50,000 weapons destroyer, capable of destroying 500 weapons daily. Currently there are 250,000-plus illegal handguns and assault rifles in circulation.

Therriault said ". . . the need to strengthen the national management and control system of gun licenses . . ." is imperative.

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Here is a picture of Karizma Kompa music Band as they were performing at Big Night in Little Haiti in January, 2015

Gospel plays a Big Part in Karizma's Success

Karizma, one of Haiti's most popular bands, is releasing their second CD, Virus soon. The New York-based group comprising eight members plays a mix of Konpa, R & B, Gospel, and Hip-Hop.

A group member says what makes Karizma so unique from other bands, is all members come from musical backgrounds, and Gospel is their primary influence and key to success.

Karizma will be performing at Big Night in Little Haiti in January.

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Here is the picture of Haitian Prime Minister Evans Paul with Haiti Special Coordinator Thomas Adams and U.S. Ambassador Pamela White.

Prime Minister Paul Meets with U.S. State Department regarding Upcoming Elections

Prime Minister Paul took a meeting with U.S. State Department Special Coordinator for Haiti, Thomas Adams. The meeting agenda included elections preparation, political party funding, adjustments to the present budget, government corruption, and anti-Martelly protests.

Paul emphasized the government's vow to hold fair, honest, and democratic elections. He added the government would finance political parties for inclusion in them. Addressing demonstrations he said government would honor individual freedoms and the right to peaceful assembly.

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Here is a picture of Mr. Ariel Henry. He has been designated as the new Minister of the Interior under the Government of Evans Paul

New Interior Minister promises Democratic Elections

Member of opposition INITE, Ariel Henry, has been appointed Interior and Territorial Communities Minister. He is replacing Minister Reginald Delva. State Secretary for the Interior, Patrick Joseph, was present at the installation.

Henry assured everyone the government is committed to holding ". . . satisfactory elections, free, democratic, and inclusive"

He gave assurances regarding immigration/emigration policies his ministry would stop at nothing to foster a ". . . a climate of peace and security . . ."

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This is the picture of several members of the United Nations Security Council as they were welcomed in Haiti by President Michel Martelly, Prime Minister Evans Paul and other members of his Ministerial cabinet

UN Security Council Visit presses for the Holding of Elections

A delegation of UN Security Council members came to Haiti to insist the government hold overdue state and local elections soon. While there UNSC would evaluate if the strength of the Haitian National Police has increased.

The appointment of new Prime Minister Evans Paul has not dissuaded protestors to stop their ongoing demonstrations.

UN Ambassador, Samantha Power. said, "Gains for Haiti will be for naught without political stability . . . . (the) current impasse jeopardizes progress."

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