THE Emancipation Support Committee (ESC) is asking Caribbean governments to set up a Caricom scholarship programme for Haitian young women and men to strengthen the country’s redevelopment.

ESC chairman Khafra Kambon said this yesterday during a press conference on the re- development of Haiti’s infrastructure at the ESC offices at Maraval. “They need scholarships in areas such as construction, health, early childhood education and agriculture by countries who can support any of these fields. The people of the Caribbean must be prepared to take Haitians in their homes to help this process,” Kambon said.

He also pointed out that a Haiti Re-development Fund has been set up in Republic Bank with the account number being 180 482 611 901. “We are asking people to give generously to this fund. We need to set up a proper network of communication in Haiti to decide whether we want to focus on several construction projects which will have to be undertaken,” he said.

Kambon further explained the importance Haiti played to the Caribbean.

“When Haiti was in an unimaginable terrible condition they still gave money to those who were fighting for freedom. That is why when we hear about money being given to Haiti, we should never count what it means to us,” he said.

Kambon who described the Haitians as “a resilient people” noted they needed the Caribbean’s assistance so they can take the lead to their own rebuilding. “Haiti is such an integral part of our Caribbean that we are to take the responsibility of the rebuilding of Haiti. It has to be a Caribbean project, we have to protect Haiti from predatory interference,” he said.

Also speaking at the conference was Haitian born, Lucie Tondreau who explained the first thing that Haitians need right now are psychologists. “Families have been wiped out, this is shocking, this is not something you see everyday. A couple of seconds changed lives in Haiti,” she said.

She also addressed critics who said that Haitians suffered such tragedy because of their practice of voodoo. “Voodoo is our religion. I don’t think anybody can claim that people from any religion was saved, everybody was hurt,” she said.

She noted that Haitians were paying the price of not following the law when it came to getting permits for buildings. “Laws must be followed and they were afraid of enforcing them, no proper permits were given, we are paying the consequences for our inconsequence,” she said.

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