HAITIRoyal Caribbean boosts Haiti tourism pushBy far the biggest private investment in Haiti tourism in decades, a multimillion-dollar expansion by Royal Caribbean on the northern coast is igniting hopes of a tourism comeback.Related ContentBY JACQUELINE CHARLESjcharles@MiamiHerald.comLABADEE, Haiti -- Some vacationers Jet Ski, lounge on beach chairs and gorge at the buffet. Others hunt souvenirs in the nearby market or soar across the sky on a zip line linking lush mountains. Right here, in Haiti. Miami's Royal Caribbean Cruises has extended the palm-lined beach, put in a roller coaster and constructed an 800-foot pier -- a nearly $55 million investment that is fueling hope that this troubled nation can finally achieve the elusive goal of becoming a tourist getaway once more. ``We see a lot of possibilities,'' said Jean Bernard Simonnet, 54, who heads the north chapter of the Haiti Tourism Association. ``We have a lot of things we can offer tourists.'' Eco-tourism, archaeological exploration and voyeuristic visits to Vodou rituals -- all are being touted by Haiti's struggling boutique tourism industry as Royal Caribbean plans to bring the world's largest cruise ship here, sparking the need to increase excursions. Even the U.S. Agency for International Development is weighing in, granting an initial $15 million in financing that will, among other things, promote tourism in northern Haiti by training Haitians as tour guides and hospitality workers. `POTENTIAL' ``This broad interest and hope is a good environment to be in.. You want people to be optimistic,'' said Ray Waldron, acting chief of party for USAID's Haiti Market Chain Enhancement, or MarChe. ``There is tremendous opportunity, tremendous potential.'' But returning Haiti to its tourism heyday faces huge obstacles, from a lack of hotel rooms and decrepit roads to a parliament that puts other priorities ahead of tourism. The tourism push comes as the United States and other nations downgrade travel warnings to Haiti, the country's southern coast enjoys a resurgence of domestic tourism and Port-au-Prince's international airport undergoes a $1 million modernization. It also comes as former President Bill Clinton, now United Nations Special Envoy for Haiti, targets tourism as a key area for private investment. Clinton plans to visit Labadee with Royal Caribbean executives when he travels to Haiti on Thursday with 150 investors. Clinton will discuss his Haiti initiatives at the 13th Annual Americas Conference on Tuesday at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. ``There has been an effort to at least raise the consciousness of the Haitian people of the need for getting back onto the international tourism map,'' Tourism Minister Patrick Delatour said. Leading that effort so far is Royal Caribbean. The cruise line has extended its lease on the 260-acre northern peninsula until 2050 and remains committed to the expansion. ``The level of investment just speaks volumes about Royal Caribbean's commitment,'' said John Weis, the company's associate vice president of private destinations. ``We've never wavered on this but the project has been very challenging. There is a lack of infrastructure, building materials and heavy equipment available locally so everything must be brought in by barge..'' Of Haiti's 800,000 visitors last year, 500,000 were ferried in by Royal Caribbean. The cruise line charged each a $6 government tax, adding $3 million to government's coffers. The fee will be increased to $10 after the pier is completed over the next few weeks with the additional funds being used for improvements and operations, Weis said. ``The potential for tourism in northern Haiti is incredible now that we have a pier,'' Weis said. ``We feel this development will put Haiti on the map by making Labadee one of the best destinations in the Caribbean.'' INCREASED DEMAND With 2,700 more passengers -- a total of 6,300 -- on days the ship visits, demand has increased for excursions beyond the snorkeling and other jaunts the cruise line currently offers through a tightly-managed experience. Enter Delatour and Haiti's tourism operators, who want to open the north to cruise passengers by turning the Citadelle -- an impressive mountaintop fortress -- into an international destination. The $40 million plan involves transforming the now quaint town of Milot, home to the Citadelle and Palace of Sans Souci ruins, into a vibrant tourist village with arts and crafts markets, restaurants and stoned streets. Guests would be ferried past a congested Cap-Haitien to a bay, then transported by bus past peasant plantations. Once in Milot, they would either hike or horseback to the Citadelle, built by 20,000 Haitians and named a World Heritage site in 1982. ``The four countries around us, regardless of their ideology or political system, all bet on tourism,'' said Delatour, who also hopes to have Clinton visit the Citadelle. ``There is a lot of pressure for Haiti to get into the fold.'' Weis said Royal Caribbean is willing to listen to plans to add day trips to its itinerary. ``Tours to the Citadelle is definitely achievable,'' he said. ``We have always expressed our strong support for the Citadelle and feel this would be an incredible experience for our guests by showing them the rich cultural heritage that Haiti has which is often forgotten.'' But in a country where paved roads and 24-hour electricity are luxuries, Delatour's proposal is an ambitious one. Just constructing the seven miles from the bay to Milot -- now a tortuous 45-minute, 17-mile trek -- would cost about $8 million. Then the Citadelle has to be made accessible by adding guardrails and other amenities. ``It's good to think long-term, but at the same time we have to employ short-term strategies as we go along,'' said Jean Lionel Pressoir, a tour operator involved with Fondation Destination Haiti, which works with local communities to help them develop sustainable tourism models. LACK OF SUPPORT Meanwhile, government support for tourism initiatives has been slow. Case in point: After raising expections that the Cap-Haitien international airport would finally be modernized, allowing large jets from Miami and New York to land, parliament has yet to ratify the $30 million loan agreement between Haiti and Venezuela. Simonnet, the local tourism leader, says business owners are excited by the prospects for the long-neglected region, but they are also looking for guarantees. ``Everyone is just living from day-to-day trying to figure out how to make payroll,'' Simonnet said. ``The international community is doing its part and we have to do ours, too.'' |
dimanche 27 septembre 2009
Royal Caribbean boosts Haiti tourism push.
Check out my photos on Facebook
Hi, I set up a Facebook profile where I can post my pictures, videos and events and I want to add you as a friend so you can see it. First, you need to join Facebook! Once you join, you can also create your own profile.
Thanks, Cyrus
To sign up for Facebook, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=1193336642&k=Z5L6Z4Q4Q3TF6BD1QA5XXUSWVT&r
samedi 26 septembre 2009
Visite d'exploration en Haïti pour une délégation d'entrepreneurs étrangers.
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La Minustha prête à aider dans l'organisation des prochaines élections.
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Le renouvellement du mandat de la Minustah une nécessité selon Hédi Annabi
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Le chef de l'Etat convoque les députés en session extraordinaire.
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Commentary: Petit-Goave note book
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Bulletin météo du samedi 26 septembre 2009
Valable jusqu'au 28 sept. 2009
Situation synoptique dans la Caraïbe et sur l'Atlantique
L'axe d'une onde tropicale est localisé sur porto Rico ce matin Par ailleurs, de l'air humide et instable résidant en basse couche continue d'occasionner de la pluie sectorielle et quelques orages isolés sur notre Haïti aujourd'hui et demain.
Prévisions pour Haïti:
- Temps partiellement nuageux ce matin ;
- Passages nuageux cet après-midi et en début de soirée ;
- Températures plus ou moins agréables en fin de nuit ;
- Pluie et orages isolés ce soir notamment dans le centre, l'ouest, l'artibonite, le nord, le nord-est et le sud, le sud-est.
Prévisions pour Port-au-Prince et environs:
· Ensoleillé ce matin ;
· Passages nuageux cet après-midi et en début de soirée
· Tº. max. : 34ºC ; Tº min: 23ºC ;
· Chance de pluie et d'orages isolés ce soir.
Lever & coucher du soleil pour Port-au-Prince:
Aujourd'hui 26 sept
Lever : 05h 39 mn
Coucher : 17h 42 mn
Dimanche 27 sept
Lever : 05h 39 mn
Coucher : 17h 41 mn
Lundi 28 sept
Lever : 05h 39 mn
Coucher : 17h 40 mn
Esterlin Marcelin, prévisionniste au CNM
Bulletin météo marine du samedi 26 septembre 2009
Valable jusqu'au 27 sept. 2009
Prévisions maritimes:
Zone côtière nord :
Samedi & dimanche
* Vent du secteur nord-est : 10-15 nœuds aujourd'hui,
* Hauteur des vagues : 3 à 5 pieds ;
* Mer peu agitée.
Golfe de la Gonâve :
Samedi & dimanche
* Vent du secteur est: 15-20 nœuds ;
* Hauteur des vagues : 4 à 6 pieds ;
* Mer plus ou moins agitée.
Zone côtière sud :
Samedi & dimanche
* Vent du secteur est : 15-20 nœuds,
* Hauteur des vagues : 4/6 pieds, allant jusqu'à 8 pieds samedi et dimanche
* Mer plus ou moins agitée.
Esterlin Marcelin, Prévisionniste au CNM
14th conférence internationale sur la violence, le viol et les traumatismes.
samedi 26 septembre 2009Town & Country Resort and Convention Center, San Diego, CA
IVAT : Working together to end abuse (Photo by Cyrus Sibert)
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Journalist honored for role in Ayres child abuse prosecution
Journalist honored for role in Ayres child abuse prosecutionBy Sean Maher San Mateo County Times Posted: 09/24/2009 07:36:28 PM PDT Updated: 09/24/2009 07:36:28 PM PDT With the second child abuse trial of once prominent psychiatrist William Ayres likely to begin early next year, the woman many people credit with crusading for his prosecution will be recognized today with an award for her role in the case. Victoria Balfour, a freelance journalist who lives in New York City, said she has been talking with alleged victims of Ayres' abuse since 2002. Prosecutors and police said her role in getting those victims to come forward with their stories was a critical step in building their case against Ayres. Balfour, 55, will be given the Award for Excellence in the Media for meritorious public service at the 14th International Conference on Family Violence, Abuse and Trauma in San Diego. "We're looking for a journalist willing to take some risk, to put themselves out there to expose information and facilitate some form of societal change," said Joyanna Silberg, who helped choose a winner among the nominees. "Vicky fulfilled the category because of her relentless pursuit of this one story." Balfour said she stumbled onto the story. "I never even heard of San Mateo, much less could find it on a map," she said. "Now I feel like it's as much a home as the place I grew up." She said she found one of Ayres' alleged victims almost by accident. "A man who lived in Brooklyn, a friend of a friend who grew up in San Mateo, called me about getting into journalism," she said. "He asked what kinds of Advertisement The man was willing to press charges but only if Balfour found another witness willing to do the same, she said. "Eventually, I had to look up Dr. Ayres to see if he was still alive," she said. "I was afraid to find out, because I knew if he was I would have to do something and I was terrified." Since then, Balfour says, she's met or spoken with 15 or 16 alleged victims, including one she found three weeks ago who told her he was molested in 1969. "That's not within the statute of limitations, but I told him to call the police detective anyway," Balfour said. Balfour's encouragement made a big difference in the case, prosecutors said. "She was very instrumental, and played a significant role getting victims to come forward," San Mateo Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. "She basically had a quest to bring Dr. Ayers to justice. She worked, at times without a lot of appreciation, to get it into police officers' hands." Balfour did not get specific about her future plans, but said she has hired a book agent for a project still under development. The first trial against Ayres was declared a mistrial due to a hung jury. A meeting to schedule the beginning of the second trial is set for early October, and Wagstaffe said he expects that trial to begin in early 2010. |
Victoria Balfour to Receive Media Award at the International Conference of the Leadership Council on Child Abuse and Interpersonal Violence.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009Victoria Balfour to Receive Media Award at the International Conference of the Leadership Council on Child Abuse and Interpersonal ViolenceVictoria Balfour, Investigative Journalist, who has dedicated more than seven years to "crack" one of the biggest San Mateo County crime cases in recent years is receiving the media award at the international conference of the Leadership Council on Child Abuse and Interpersonal Violence for her work in bringing William Hamilton Ayres, M.D. to prosecution. The ceremonies will be held on September 25, 2009, in San Diego, California. Past recipients include pro football player Herschel Walker and reporters from the New York Times and the film makers of the Academy Award nominated documentary "Deliver Us From Evil" about a pedophile priest in California. _______________________________________________________ Below is a photo of Victoria Balfour and her brother (Freddie Balfour) taken in 2003. Victoria was a reporter at the Ladies Home Journal but her real passion was working towards getting a criminal investigation started regarding the reported child molestation by Dr. Ayres after a fellow aspiring journalist revealed he had been molested as a boy by Ayres while in therapy. Victoria's brother, Freddie, was an embedded reporter for BusinessWeek during the Iraq war. This photo was taken at a restaurant in Westport, Connecticut, celebrating his return with Victoria, her mother, and old family friends. _________________________________________________________ The photo was taken when the first criminal investigation into Ayres was still going on. A few weeks later, the United States Supreme Court came down with a decision that overturned the statute of limitations for victims in California. This effectively "killed" the first criminal investigation into Ayres. Victoria spent the next two years hunting for victims within the statute. She never gave up! I would like to personally congratulate Victoria on this tremendous accomplishment. I consider her a friend, a mentor, and most of all an inspiration.. It is said "uneasy lies the head that wears the crown" and Victoria has exposed William Hamilton Ayres through devoted and thorough investigative skills. This so called doctor was San Mateo County's own "sacred cow", untouchable, receiving awards, unreportable by his peers, and leaving a wake of victims in his path for more than 40 years. Ayres is facing a second felony criminal trial, has settled one civil lawsuit and has four pending civil lawsuits, all for child molestation. Victoria Balfour put Ayres "under fire" and has essentially dragged him to the woodshed. She deserves this prestigious award for her years of dedicated advocacy for the victims and children of San Mateo County. There would be no case without her research and the brave victims. I recall the day Victoria Balfour called me and told me she was taking the bus to Boston to meet with the Chief Operating Officer of the Judge Baker Children's Center (where Ayres claims he was trained to give boys genital exams, which has been thoroughly debunked). I honestly could not believe the determination on her part. We Californians get bent outta shape if our car is in the shop for an oil change, but Victoria takes the bus in the heat and walked a long distance up a hill to get to Judge Baker Children's Center. I still can't fathom what she was running on! I will have to think of a better word than determination, perhaps propelled by God is more fitting, along with the crown she wore on behalf of the victims. Victoria Balfour did not want to let anybody down, and from what I know of her, mostly herself. She finishes what she starts against all odds. God bless, Victoria Balfour! |
vendredi 25 septembre 2009
La mission médicale américaine «MEDRETE» soigne plus de 8.300 patients dans le Sud-est du pays.
Le 23 septembre 2009 No. 2009/64 La mission médicale américaine «MEDRETE» soigne plus de 8.300 patients dans le Sud-est du pays. Le 23 septembre 2009, des membres du corps médical de l'Armée Américaine ont mis fin à la mission médicale humanitaire dénommée «MEDRETE» qui s'est déroulée principalement à Marigot et à Cayes-Jacmel. Cette mission médicale s'est révélée un succès. Environ 8.300 Haïtiens ont bénéficié des services du staff médical composé de médecins généralistes, de dentistes, d'ophtalmologues et d'autres spécialistes en santé. «Nous travaillons avec le gouvernement haïtien pour aider dans la croissance économique et la création d'emplois à long terme », a déclaré l'ambassadeur américain en Haïti, Kenneth Merten, qui a assistait à la cérémonie de clôture tenue au Centre de Santé de Cayes-Jacmel, « mais les besoins urgents de ce peuple sont également très importants. Le peuple américain se soucie beaucoup de la situation du peuple haïtien, et cette mission – à travers laquelle des personnes peuvent apporter directement leur aide à d'autres - est un témoignage de la longue amitié qui existe entre nos deux pays». Avec la collaboration du Ministère haïtien de la Santé Publique et des autorités locales, ces médecins de la Réserve de l'Armée Américaine se sont installés à l'Ecole Nationale de Marigot du 14 au 18 septembre et au local de la Clinique Médicale de Cayes-Jacmel du 19 au 23 septembre 2009. Ils ont prodigué des soins médicaux généraux à plus de 3.000 patients; des soins dentaires à plus de 1.500 et plus de 1.500 autres ont bénéficié des soins ophtalmologiques et optométriques. Plus de 600 paires de lunettes ont été distribuées. «Nous tenons à remercier le Gouvernement haïtien, en particulier le Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population, pour sa collaboration. Nous remercions également les communautés de Marigot et de Cayes-Jacmel de nous avoir accueillis», a déclaré le colonel Donna Hershey, commandant de la mission humanitaire. «Cette mission a été réellement une grande réussite». (Fin du texte) _________________ September 23, 2009 US Medical Mission "MEDRETE" Treats more than 8,300 Patients in the Southeast of Haiti On September 23, members of the U.S. Army concluded humanitarian mission "MEDRETE" in Marigot and Cayes-Jacmel. This medical mission was a success. About 8,300 patients were treated by this military team of doctors, dentists, ophthalmologists and other medical professionals. "We are working with the Haitian Government on long-term economic growth and job creation," said U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Merten, who attended the closing ceremony held at Cayes-Jacmel's Medical Clinic, "but people's immediate needs are also extremely important. Americans care deeply about the people of Haiti, and this mission -- people helping people directly -- is a demonstration of the friendship between our two countries." With the collaboration of the Haitian Ministry of Health and local authorities, doctors from the U. S. Army Reserve attended patients in Marigot's Ecole Nationale September 14-18 and in Cayes-Jacmel's Medical Clinic September 19-23. They provided medical treatment to over 3000, dental treatment to over 1500 and optometry exams to over 1500. More than 600 pairs of glasses were given out. "We wish to thank the Haitian Government, especially the Ministry of Health, for its collaboration, and also the communities in Marigot and Cayes-Jacmel who welcomed us," said Col. Donna Hershey, the commander of the humanitarian mission. It really has been a successful mission." (End of text) Micette Dubique Information Assistant US Embassy Port-au-Prince, Haiti Tel: (509) 2229-8351 Cell: (509) 3463-3668 |
jeudi 24 septembre 2009
Note de 'Le Ré.Cit - Réseau Citadelle' (by Cyrus Sibert)
NB. Le dossier des enfants de rue du Cap-Haitien est notre motivation.
Cyrus Sibert
Miami, Florida, USA.
24 septembre 2009
Bulletin du jeudi 24 sept 09
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Bulletin météo du jeudi 24 septembre 2009
Valable jusqu'au 26 sept. 2009
Situation synoptique dans
Une onde tropicale se rapproche de l'arc antillais ce matin. Quelques activités de pluie isolée restent encore possibles sur Haïti ce soir.
Prévisions pour Haïti
Prévisions pour Port-au-Prince et environs
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Lever & coucher du soleil pour Port-au-Prince
Aujourd'hui 24 sept
Vendredi 25 sept
Samedi 26 sept Lever : 05h 39 mn
Bulletin météo marine du jeudi 24 septembre 2009
Prévisions maritimes:
Hauteur des vagues : 4 à 5 pieds ;
Chance de pluie et d'orages isolés ce soir;
Hauteur des vagues : 5 à 7 pieds ;
Mer plus ou moins agitée.
Hauteur des vagues : 5 à 7 pieds ;
Mer plus ou moins agitée.
Jacquet Jackson, Prévisionniste au CNM
Haïti à pleuré la mort d'un fils/ Maestro Pierre Louis
Haïti à pleuré la mort d'un fils/ Maestro Pierre Louis
Haïti une nouvelle fois a pleuré le départ de l'un de ses fils les plus dignes, à l'heure des inventaires de nos ressources valables, intègres et sérieux qui se font remarquer par leur rareté dans presque tous les domaines, surtout dans les rangs de nos dirigeants et nos représentants. Tout ce qui nous laisse perplexe et curieux, en vu de comprendre la nature du problème, tant qu'il paresse plus complexe et profond que l'on croyait, à la dimension du vide qu'il reste à combler, de modèles à créer, et des choses positives à construire pour la postérité.
Alors, comment pouvons-nous aujourd'hui, nous payer le luxe de fermer les yeux sur l'avenir, si on veut sauver le dernier rempart de cette société en chute libre ? car, nous nous trouvons face à une société qui se périclite, incapable de prendre son destin en main, faute de discernement, de vision, de discipline et de constance qui constituent la clé du succès du Maestro Pirre-Louis, que la nation haïtienne a fait un adieu dans un éclat à nul autre pareil.
Ainsi, il était 6 heures du matin, et tout le pays s'assoupissait encore, mais, s'apprêtait à offrir un dernier hommage au titan de la musique haïtienne qui a su doter le grand Nord et la mère patrie d'une citadelle musicale, qui suscite l'admiration de tous les mélomanes: "Le sublime SEPTEN", un modèle parfait du bon goût et du succès, qui guide la jeunesse dans son long trajet.
Le samedi 19 septembre 2009, le Cap, comme un seul homme, se tenait debout pour saluer le départ du Maestro Ulrick Pierre Louis, dans une ambiance difficile à décrire, La famille capoise dans ses différentes composantes était au rendez vous, en marge de toute politicaillerie, mesquinerie, à un carrefour où le pays est divisé, agité et que seul l'intérêt mène, laissant à chacun l'occasion de tirer quelque profit d'autrui, au détriment des valeurs sacrées.
Ce qui donne lieu de lancer une vibrante requête aux gens du nord, le nord héroïque, devant fournir des efforts pour consolider l'unité qui se constituait autour de se grand génie visionnaire, afin de changer le visage de la citée abandonnée, méprisée, bafouée par ses propres fils roués et avide de pouvoir.
Nous méritons mieux ! Par contre, il est grand temps de nous dresser comme un seul homme pour choisir parmi nous ceux qui sont capables de nous défendre face à ces complots qui vise de réduire le nord à son plus simple expression. Tel, au 21ièmes siècle, nous n'avons pas droit à l'eau, électricité, un Aéroport moderne.
Alors, vous vous imaginez, que nous nous trouvons dans l'obligation de nous rendre aux Gonaïves, à St. Marc, ou plus fréquemment à Port-au-Prince pour dédouaner nos marchandises. Que nous vaut donc l'honneur d'avoir des représentants au niveau national ? D'autre part, depuis quand les nordistes se sont transformés en des pleurnicheurs, des fainéants, ou encore en des reptiles?
Le célèbre Maestro, a su défendre et imposer la musique provinciale aux gens de Port-au-Prince, vers la fin des années" (50) cinquante, qui croyaient que׃ " Bonbon andeyò pat ka vann lavil". Il a dû également créer un rythme propre aux haïtiens "le rythme Boule de feu" pour défier la musique cubaine en particulier et la musique latino en générale qui envahissaient le marché local. Oui, les (5) cinq premiers album de l'orchestre Septen ont vu le jour au lycée national Philippe Guerrier, au Cap-Haitien, dans des conditions inappropriées, faute du refus des Pharaons de la capital, de produire pour l'orchestre du nord, aujourd'hui, honoré, par l'honorable président des Etats-Unis d'Amérique, Mr. Bill Clinton et la représente de la couronne d'Angleterre au Canada, honorable gouverneure Mme Michaelle Jean.
Qui dit mieux ?
Mesdames et messieurs, j'ai l'honneur de vous présenter les images de l'événement le plus populaire du 20ième et 21ième siècle, Ici à la citée Christophienne. Les funérailles du très regretté Maestro Ulrick Elima Solon Pierre-Louis, né le 22 septembre 1928 et décédé le 2 septembre 2009 a l'hôpital St. François de sales.
Adieu Maestro, le Nord est fier de toi !
Patrick JOSEPH Cap-Haitien Le 22 septembre 2009 |