Trump and Vance lie about Haitians. “Fighting for Haiti” is not the case

On By Rgal Nv

As Haitians become a pawn in yet another U.S. election, it’s easy to forget the real people caught in the middle. This is the truth about Haiti’s history and the continuing fight for the future.

Régine Théodat
| Opinion contributor

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As Haitians find themselves at the center of a new political storm, a pawn in another American election cycle, it is easy for some in the United States to forget the real people caught in the middle. The political back-and-forth could lead those unfamiliar with Haiti’s struggle to wrongly assume that Haitians are incapable of being at the center of their self-determination, as if today’s Haitians are somehow different from those who rose up in 1791 and fought their slavers. and broke free in 1804 to create the first free black republic.

A new documentary, “The Fight for Haiti,” shows just how false this is.

Anti-immigration rhetoric ignores the key factors that brought us here. Ironically, the most recent anti-corruption movement was dismantled by Jovenel Moïse, a president supported by both the Trump and Biden administrations.

Moïse’s actions before his assassination in 2021 further fueled gang violence, displacing hundreds of thousands of people.

In testimony before the US Congress, activists warned that Washington’s continued support for corrupt leaders would lead to mass migration – something today’s xenophobic rhetoric ignores.

Why a Haitian group filed a complaint against Trump and Vance

Last week, the Haitian Bridge Alliance filed criminal charges against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, citing their “baseless and malicious comments” about Haitian immigrants in Springfield eating pets.

The repeated claims without evidence led to bomb threats and evacuations, terrorizing Springfield. Under Ohio law, private citizens wishing to be arrested or prosecuted may file an affidavit for review.

In a now-deleted tweet, Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., disparaged the advocacy group by dismissing its lawsuit as “sophistication” that Haitians could not possess — apparently oblivious to the “sophistication” of the Haitian Revolution which played a crucial role in the Louisiana Purchase, where he now holds office.

Notice: Trump’s Republican Party excuses racists

Haitians have, and always have, embodied the means to seek self-determination. “The Fight for Haiti” shows us that Haitians today are indeed the wildest dreams of their ancestors.

This captivating documentary draws us into historical and current events triggered by a seemingly simple question: What happened to the billions of dollars in missing development funds received by Venezuela’s PetroCaribe oil alliance?

The film focuses on the PetroCaribe challenge which has struck a chord in a nation long burdened by corruption, broken promises and deteriorating living conditions. Despite physical losses, death and threats, the aptly named “Petrochallengers” stood firm in their question: “Kot kòb PetroCaribe a?” (Where is the PetroCaribe money?)

It was a question that Haitians around the world were asking themselves. In 2018, Haitian filmmaker and writer Gilbert Mirambeau Jr. posted a photo of himself holding a cardboard sign with this very question. This unsuspecting tweet quickly became the catalyst for monumental change in the Haitian socio-political landscape, arriving at the perfect time. Social media challenges were flourishing, and Haitian youth, frustrated and digitally mobilized, turned it into a movement.

The issue shines through in Haiti’s internal social hierarchies, which often separate people based on their wealth, geographic location or education. Everyone wanted the answer.

Haitians demand justice from the US-backed regime

As the director of the documentary “The Struggle for Haiti,” Etant Dupain, explains: “The movement unites all walks of life, which is one of the reasons why I interviewed people of all ages, classes and groups of people. people, I want to show that all Haitians are worried. »

The country has become accustomed to corruption and broken promises, but the film shows why this specific question about the PetroCaribe funds was different. The deal with Venezuela offered Haiti discounted oil, with the savings going toward development projects such as infrastructure, health care and education. Unlike traditional foreign aid, which often leaves countries stuck in debt and under foreign control, this was an opportunity for Haiti to invest in itself.

Unfortunately, much of the money has disappeared, stolen by the people charged with protecting it. Many projects were never completed or poorly executed.

Notice: I’m a pastor in Springfield. Haitian immigrants in our city need compassion, not hatred.

Like their ancestors, who moved from ordinary citizens to soldiers, today’s Haitians have become activists and investigators. When the movement began in 2018, anyone with a smartphone could become a Petrochallenger. People used social media to demand a collective audit of the funds.

Ultimately, the Moïse government was forced to carry out a full audit. Despite threats against auditors, the Petrochallengers persisted and three in-depth reports were released.

This audit serves as a basis for holding those responsible to account, recovering stolen funds and investing them in the development of the country. The United States and Canada have launched economic and political sanctions against many of those involved in the embezzlement. No arrests have been made, but the Petrochallengers are hopeful and continue to fight for justice.

The history of the question “Kot kòb PetroCaribe a?” and the Petrochallengers are more than a movement; it is a symbol of the determination of the Haitian people. “The Fight for Haiti” powerfully reflects this determination, making it not only a historic document but also an urgent call to action for a better future.

“The movement is not dead because the activists believe that the trial is not negotiable,” believes Dupain. “The film itself is proof that the movement is alive and well, and it’s also a tool to create momentum.”

Will you also be a Petrochallenger?

Régine Théodat is an entrepreneur, strategist and defender of Haitian-American culture. She is a director at Anana Consultants and owns a children’s cultural learning brand, Isse & Lo.