Celebration

We heard demonstrations and noise until the wee hours of the morning - it was the 5th day of demonstrations. Apparently the polititians were awake all night as well because this morning they've announced that there is a winner. The CEP (the organization responsible for the elections) has declared that Preval has the necessary 50.15% to be declared the winner. They declared the fact at just after 3:00 am. This morning there is a celebratory air in the city. Singing, chanting and spontaneous parades already during our breakfast time. Tap-taps are again running, horns are honking and TOUT MOUN KONTAN! (everyone is happy!).
I don't know how they reworked the results but I do believe this to be the best solution for Haiti at this point. The common folks feel that they have somehow shown the superpowers that they cannot be ignored. The scene from our balcony early this morning - notice the branches that people are waving. It reminds us of Palm Sunday coming up.

People are again going to work - business as usual.

This means planes will again be flying and we can continue to expect new guests.

Heating Up

We agreed not to leave the compound of the Guest House today. Last night we listened to music, speeches on far-off loud speakers and just general noisy crowds in the distance until about midnight. Today the people have declared a general strike. I am once again amazed at how effectively the people are able to tell the leaders that they are unhappy with what is happening. There are no schools open, no transit running, no businesses operating. Instead there have been demonstrations and protest parades. Roadblocks have been set up around the city, including main Delmas - many roads are not passable. The sound of helicopters whirling overhead is frequent. We see black smoke billowing upward in many directions indicating that tires are burning. People are upset because they sense that Rene Preval is being held back, amidst reports of ballots gone missing and miscounted. "Give us our president" they chant.
The problem is that there is always controversy about who is in charge. Every department and ruling body blames another for the confusion. Rumors abound about bribe money from candidates being supported by foreign powers.
All the people know is that they want their president and they are tired of waiting!

The view from our balcony today saw groups of young men tearing down posters of the opposition. Many wore Preval T-shirts and hats - one young man offered me a hat, but I declined from my perch on the second storey.

Once again vehicles and trucks raced by, loaded with young people singing, chanting and shouting. Police and UN vehicles also made their hurried patrol around the corner in front of our GuestHouse. I noticed that today each one carried no less than 6 armed men.

And of course for some members of the neighbourhood, it is business as usual. These goats are not afraid and neither are we. Here you see me watching Waldo on the opposite roof where he is checking the water tank. We spend a lot of time on the roof these days!

Election Week - as viewed from our Balcony

We could sense the difference as soon as we woke up last Sunday. Not the usual car and foot traffic plus an undercurrent of excitement. The campaigning started in earnest that day. Trucks like this one loaded full with young Haitian men would drive by slowly down the street. The riders threw leaflets into the air and generally attracted attention by the incredibly loud boom boxes that followed behind them. They love attaching giant speakers on top of their vehicles as well as inside (or filling pickup trucks with them) and then cranking up the volume to the highest possible decible level. Everyone on the street knows they're there. We were treated to a number of parades like this.
Monday was quiet, as if in anticipation. All schools were ordered closed for several days and most businesses followed suit. Election day started early with most public transport - tap taps and buses - suspended. People started walking very early while it was still dark, most determined to exercise their right to vote. Many had to wait a long time as polls, which were to open at 6:00 am, only opened at 9:00. This caused some problems throughout the city, generally however, things were conducted in orderly fashion.

And now the wait for ballots to be counted. It has already been a week and the official announcement of results has still not been made. For polls in the remote mountains areas donkeys were used to carry the ballots, so it is understandable that the process takes time. It seems that Haitians have embraced the democratic method of being able to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice.

Today people on the street were itching to celebrate a victory for the favored candidate. However, it has still not been announced and we cross our fingers hoping for a favourable outcome. The majority are hoping it will be Preval.

Step Right Up - Hear All About It

Our life in Haiti! It looks a bit different than life in North America. Would you like to hear more? Well if you're tired of watching those Leafs lose and eating bad pizza, we have a suggestion to make. Take a trip to Elmira, Ontario for the annual FIDA fund-raiser.
Why Elmira you ask? Because that's where we'll be on Tuesday Feb 21st, at 6:30 pm telling you all about it. Yup! We're flying home right to the heart of Mennonite country to meet all those farmers who help support Fida with their donations, and of course to taste Sarah Marten's world famous potatoes! The food alone will be worth it - have you heard of Mennonite cooking?

We're only doing it once so don't miss it - (unless you come incognito to Luther Village Senior's Residance in Waterloo the next day - but don't tell them I said that!)

This enjoyable event will take place at Elmira Lions' Hall (on 40 South St. West, Elmira) and starts with an all-you-can-eat roast dinner that only costs $15.00 - can you believe it? There's musical entertainment and yeah, Waldo and Pam showing our pictures and telling about our experiences. So come on down!

But don't forget - you need to RSVP to Pari at the Fida office by Feb 17, 2006. She can be reached by phoning (519) 886-9520.

We won't have time to connect with many of you that we'd like to on this whirlwind trip - so if you can make it there, we'd love to see you!