US legislator calls for ‘united front’ to aid Haiti amid escalating violence
NEW YORK, United States (CMC) — A leading Haitian-American legislator is calling for a “united front” to aid the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country amid escalating violence.
“I join our Haitian communities here and across the nation in praying for the safety of the Haitian people and for the humanitarian relief they deserve,” New York State Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, told the
Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
“Let’s not forget that this is a global crisis. Haiti has a sizable diaspora, with over 730,000 immigrants in the United States alone,” added Bichotte Hermelyn, chairperson of the Brooklyn Democratic Party.
She said with the resignation of Haiti’s Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry, “the nation is further spiralling into a violent humanitarian crisis, and I hope with all my heart that the Transitional Presidential Council allows for a smooth transition to peace and stability”.
Henry, who came to office following the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, Tuesday announced his resignation in a video statement. He has been stranded in Puerto Rico since last week after criminal gangs in his homeland shut down the airports.
Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 42nd Assembly District with a high concentration of Haitian and other Caribbean immigrants, said Haiti has drawn on the resilience of its people, the work of its institutions and the assistance of supporters from its community in New York and across the United States to overcome the myriad ravages caused by waves of natural disasters and political turmoil.
“I echo calls across the globe calling for a unified front to help Haiti overcome the ravages of this tragic calamity,” she urged.
Last week, another Haitian-born legislator said she was heartbroken about the spiralling chaos and despair in her native country.
“It is truly heartbreaking to watch from afar as my beloved Haiti continues to spiral into chaos and despair,” said New York City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, who represents the 46th Council District in Brooklyn.
