PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti—Supporters of former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide have held a rally marking the 20th anniversary of the military coup that toppled the two-time leader during his first term in office.
Ansyto Felix of Aristide’s Family Lavalas political party says the 1991 ouster of the populist leader was a rupture in Haiti’s long struggle for a more democratic society.
Friday’s rally is the first of its kind since Aristide returned to his homeland last March after a seven-year exile in South Africa. A rebellion in 2004 ousted the former Roman Catholic priest during his second term.
Thousands of supporters greeted Aristide upon his return earlier this year, but a crowd of only about 200 people showed up for the rally.
Supporters of former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide have held a rally marking the 20th anniversary of the military coup that toppled the two-time leader during his first term in office.
Ansyto Felix of Aristide’s Family Lavalas political party says the 1991 ouster of the populist leader was a rupture in Haiti’s long struggle for a more democratic society.
Friday’s rally is the first of its kind since Aristide returned to his homeland last March after a seven-year exile in South Africa. A rebellion in 2004 ousted the former Roman Catholic priest during his second term.
Thousands of supporters greeted Aristide upon his return earlier this year, but a crowd of only about 200 people showed up for the rally.
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And wherever Jean Claude Duvalier travels, without spending a gourde, thousands gather to greet their President. His popularity has never weakened.
Unfortunately his friend – Veronique Roy – is managing to drive many away.
Perhaps she will create a situation in which only 200 people come to his next birthday gala when over 6000 Haitians, from poor peasants to leading businesspeople and political leaders crowded his space this year.
I was at the demonstration and counted those present.
There was a total of 127 people, including two local bands, hired to attract people. The band would normally gather crowds of otherwise uninterested people but the Aristide effort was avoided by the general population who have little to zero interest in the ex-president.
Many believe he should face Justice for his many crimes which include murder, kidnapping and massive theft of public funds.
He is part of a best forgotten past, as is Rene Preval.
On the other hand, Jean-Claude Duvalier is a past that the majority of Haitians are proud to revisit. Everywhere Duvalier gos, hundreds, sometimes thousands gather to greet and touch one of their favourite sons.
Does this suggest something. Perhaps the world will re-evaluate the history created by paid media hacks that promoted Aristide/Preval, while targeting Duvalier as a devil.
A democratic vote would see Duvalier chosen by a vast majority of Haitians.
I though this website was for real news. you may not like Aristide, but you can not say he is not popular, alot of people did come to the airport to greed him, we all saw it. If Aristide is of the past and he is not important anymore, why are you spending time trying to make him look bad. The story is about sweet micky now, the focus should be on him. Aristide is a former leader some hate him some love him. Haitian need to learn to move on and let someone be. let those who still support him be. you writting those hate and untrue news will not change his support.
Tiffany- Were you actually in Haiti when Titide came back, or were you sitting in Florida listening to Jacqueline Charles give a “news” report?
My guess is the latter. I was there at the airport myself, and saw just what is being discussed here.
yes I was in Haiti, I trave to Haiti a lot, and I know alot of people still love this man, you may not, but a lot do. one did not any need to be in haiti so see how many people came to the airport and followed him to his house, it 2011, it’s on youtube, there so many different pictures, so many different reported the event, so please just get a life! I not crazy about Aristide,but your people need to stop speading nonsense. Report on some that is important, and can help the country.