More pleas for help from Konbit Sante.

OPEN LETTER May 20, 2010 Hugh Tozier President Konbit Sante Portland, Maine Cap Haitien, Haiti Dear Hugh, Here I am, once again asking, pleading, begging (whatever you want to call it) for you to help us help a group of Haitian boys who were raped and sodomized. The former Project Pierre Toussaint students in Cap Haitien, Haiti who were sexually abused by former director, Douglas Perlitz, remain in desperate need of professional counseling services. There are now 24 boys who have reported to U.S. Justice Department investigators that they were sexually abused by Perlitz. (http://www.ctpost.com/betrayal) It has been painful for many to know that you will not assist these victims. Let me ask you this, Hugh. If funds become available to pay for the cost of counseling services, would Konbit Sante then agree to help coordinate, assemble and provide assistance to a group of Haitian mental health professionals who can begin treating the boys? It's been two years since the boys first reported their abuse. Although you and  Konbit Sante (www.konbitsante.org) have steadfastly refused to be of assistance in this situation, I continue to hope you will have a change of heart. The Cap Haitien community has learned a hard lesson from all that has transpired in this case. The children did the right and courageous thing by reporting their abuse. In return, their school was closed, they've been forced back on the streets, and it has become painfully obvious that no one cares about them. They have been abandoned. This is a landmark case. The United States of America will no longer tolerate the sexual abuse of even one child by a U.S. citizen in any country. These kids need help. I hope you will contact me. Paul Kendrick 207 838 1319 PS I noticed in today's paper that your Executive Director, Nate Nickerson, will be in Cap Haitien until mid June. Our plans are not yet finalized, but two of us are planning to travel to Cap Haitien during the same time period. Cc: Cap Haitien community members