Haiti, a Blood-Red Christmas

Christmas, a symbol of love, peace, and sharing worldwide, is for us synonymous with sadness, massacres, and insecurity. On December 24, 2024, heavily armed men opened fire on journalists and police officers present at the reopening ceremony of the General Hospital. Why so many barbaric acts in Haiti? For several months, the institution had been dysfunctional. Its reopening, announced weeks ago by the Minister of Health, Dr. Blema, had sparked both hopes and questions among the Haitian population. Very confident, the current Minister of Health had promised that the army and police would ensure security in the vicinity. However, law enforcement was conspicuously absent this morning. Journalists were sent to the slaughter.  Faced with this tragedy, three questions arise: 1. Why can't institutions like hospitals, churches, or schools remain neutral zones? 2. Why does Minister Blema, who had been promoting this event for several weeks, remain silent in the face of this attack, which we can only deplore? 3. Who should be held accountable for this failure, given that security guarantees had been promised? This tragedy is inhumane Attacking a hospital is an act that cannot come from sane individuals. However, we must also hold authorities accountable, especially those who had promised security for this grand reopening. In any self-respecting state, resignations should have already been announced. Who will take responsibility? Once again, the people find themselves alone, facing their suffering and misfortunes. Too much communication kills communication. But a total lack of communication is unacceptable. A fair balance must be found. We await explanations. This attack occurred as part of a state initiative by the government under the direct responsibility of the Ministry of Public Health. Journalists and other guests present had received security guarantees. For once, make a difference: let someone take responsibility! Who invited the colleagues? Where was Minister Blema? Who coordinated the visit?  « Nap lite pou n libere… » Such is our refrain. Poor sinners that we are, we pray without faith, for we have no law. Between youth and old age, this Christmas, we await concrete initiatives for the change in Haiti, the dearest dream of several generations. What if 2025 were the year of change? I firmly believe that with courageous and thoughtful decisions, it is still possible to correct the course of history. After all, politics is dynamic, isn't it? So, it's up to those who hold the keys to power to prove it. Tchedly Jackson Alexis