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WHO IS RUNNING HAITI FOR WHOM ?

Four months after Goudougoudou (the quake), I interviewed Richard Morse (RAM) at The Oloffson Hotel, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

The full interview, including the English segments (Parts 5 to 9), which contain noteworthy revelations about the February 29, 2004 Coup d'État, are posted on youtube and accessible via the links provided below:

Part 9 -- "Is Aristide still (too) popular?" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_NdeHbuR8w )

In this segment, RAM discusses the popularity of former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, currently living in exile in South-Africa. I asked him whether, in 2010 Aristide iremains themost popular political leader of Haiti and whether his popularity is the reason for his continued exile.

Part 8 - "Should Aristide be allowed back?" ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noL8L5DziaQ )

In this segment, RAM weighs in on whether the exiled former President of Haiti should be allwed to return to his homeland.

Aristide was first elected December 16, 1990 and overthrown in a CIA-backed military coup, the evening of September 30, 1991. As one of several conditions for his return to Haiti in 1994, then U.S. President Bill Clinton and "Western" allies demanded that the 3 years he spent in exile be counted as part of his 5 year presidential mandate. As the Haitian Constitution forbids two consecutive terms, he could not run in the elections organized under his presidency in 1995. The next opportunity for him to run was in November 2000.

Part 7 "Did Aristide Steal the 2000 Elections" ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W5LN64eldk )

In this segment, RAM tries to recall how things unraveled in Haiti 10 years ago. The May 21, 2000 Legislative Elections and the November 26, 2000 Presidential Elections are put in context. Aristide Haitian and foreign foes claim these elections were rigged in favor of the exiled former President's Fanmi Lavalas (FL) party.

Part 6 -- "It was a coup, I participated!" ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxh8J6HCe4w )

In this segment, RAM explains his rationale for taking part in the February 2004 coup d'état that toppled the government of president Jean-Bertrand Aristide. He claims to have attended coup-plotting meetings in Washington. I asked him whether, now in 2010, he has any regrets. Can you guess his answer?

Part 5 -- "Washington and The Families" ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQO4DtfHa6E )

In this segment, RAM explains what he considers Washington's influence in Haiti and why it has not been positive in the recent past.

The first segment (parts 1-4) is available in Kreyol and covers a range of topics that may also help shed light on current events unfolding in Haiti, as the nation braces for the final days of Y2010.

Pati 1 - "Emerante kanpe djanm apre Goudougoudou" (video)
Part 1 - "Emerante stands victorious over Goudougoudou" ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knxCYR4HxBk )

That faithful afternoon of January 12, 2010, Goudougoudou caused much devastation in Haiti. Yet, there is one icon of Haitian culture it could not overrun on its trail of destruction. Having graced our planet for well over 9 decades with beauty and elegance, lady Emerante Desprasdines Morse stood her ground and refused to bow down to the arrogance of Goudougoudou who wanted to carry her to the abode of the ancestors, way before the duly appointed hour.

This wonderful tale of courage and resilience told by Emerante’s son Richard. A. Morse (RAM), sets off a multifaceted and interesting conversation between a musician and a fouyadò.

Pati 2 - "11 fanmi ap dirije Ayiti tankou plantasyon" (video)
Part 2 - "11 families run Haiti like a plantation"

( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZFZlyiKPqc )

In this segment, RAM connects dots between the jailing of a member Haiti's infamous “families” condemned for fraud in 2007, the 2008 fall of the Jacques Édouard Alexis government in the midst of so-called “hunger-linked” street protests, the 2009 wedding of President René Préval with Ms. Elizabeth Delatour...

See also: An inside look at Haiti's business elite, Multinational Monitor

André Apaid Jr. of Group 184

Pati 3 "M konvenk Washington pou Préval" (video)
Part 3 – “I convinced Washington Preval is good to rule”

( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltzSh9c6ZzU )

In this segment, RAM explains the front role he claims to have played in the choice of René G. Préval as presidential candidate in the 2005-06 elections. Today, how satisfied is he with that choice? Does he have any regrets?

What does he see as the most valuable accomplishment of the Preval presidency?

Charles Henri Baker , brother-in-law of A. Apaid, Group 184 leader

Pati 4 "MINUSTAH ranplase FAdH" (video)

Part 4 – “MINUSTAH replaces FadH” ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6q4YHWAH5o )

In this segment RAM discusses the United Nations mission in Haiti. MINUSTAH (the 9000 foreign troops), he reckons, has a peculiar mandate. He explains why he sees MINUSTAH as a sort of placeholder for the now defunct Forces armées d’Haiti (FadH).

Photo credit & article link: Haiti Information Project