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Boat People - Haiti Observer Blog
Boat People, Haiti Observer Blog. Read the following articles about Boat People
An Answer to those who say Haitians should not risk their lives on Boat to reach the US
Once again, we have learned that some Haitian migrants perished at sea or as their body came ashore on the coast of Florida, the Bahamas or some islands near by. Often you hear: " The U.S. Coast Guard says an overloaded sailboat carrying migrants from Haiti has overturned and at least 10, 20 30, 40, 50,.... people have reportedly died.
Why do Haitians continue to risk their lives?
Has the information been published in Haiti, in the regions where those trips are being organized?
Do Haitian really know the risk?
They most pay those smugglers some good money. Why can't they use that same money to start a business in their own country instead?
United States history of maritime interdiction particularly Haitian Boat People
The United States has a history of forbidding foreign boats from entering its territories and reaching its coastline, particularly boats from Haiti and Cuba. Originally, in 1981 the U.S. had an agreement with Haiti which allowed the boarding of a vessel. Those forbidden at sea were interviewed to determine their status as a refugee. Upon discovery of any violations, the vessel was sent back to Haiti after notifying the Haitian government. When the U.S. stopped abiding by this practice, the agreement became terminated in 1994. However, the United States has continued to forbid entrance of Haitian vessels.
18 more Haitians dead as ship capsizes in Turks and Caicos Islands
Tragedy once again among Haitians guilty only for attempting to get a better life for their family. According to a upi.com, at least 18 Haitians migrants perished at sea when their boat capsized near Turks and Caicos Islands
The accident happened after Turks and Caicos marine branch police captured the boat and was towing it to a port. It was reported by the Caribbean Journal that 32 people were rescued by Turks and Caicos; however for 18, nothing could be done before they all drowned.
The last incident where Haitian boat people died at sea took place just one Month ago. In November, more than 30 people died when their boat sank off the Bahamas.
At least 254 Haitians migrants dead at sea within past 5 years
Here is just a quick estimate of the number of Haitians who perished at sea while attempting to leave Haiti. The actual number is likely to be much greater. Just keep in mind that these people have only been trying to have a better life or provide for their family.
On May 4, 2007, it was reported that at least 61 Haitians migrants die at sea near Providenciales in Turks and Caicos Islands. The sailboat was carrying over 160 people.
On April 20, 2008: 22 Haitians died when a Speedboat carrying over 25 Haitian migrants sank near Nassau, Bahamas as they were attempting to reach the coast of Florida.
10 Haitian died in overloaded boat in the Bahamas
According to Reuters, at least 10 Haitian migrants were killed as a result of a sinking boat in the Bahamas
The U.S. Coast Guard reported on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 that rescuers fought to save over 100 Haitians who were attempting to reach the US coasts in a 40-foot (12-metre), sail-powered freighter.
The ship capsized near Staniel Cay in a location in central Bahamas on Monday night.
Thirteen survivors were taken aboard a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter in direction to Staniel Cay for treatment.
The cause of the accident was unknown and will be investigated by Bahamian authorities
Viter Juste, AKA Pere Juste, the Father of Little Haiti in Miami died at the age of 87
Considered the father of Miami Little Haiti area, Viter Juste, AKA Pere Juste is widely known for establish the name "Little Haiti. Viter Juste was a visionary and a pioneer. Many people would tell you that this man deserves much of the credit for helping South Florida's Haitian community become the thriving group it is today.
Viter Juste wanted Haitians in South Florida to build a vibrant community. According to family, Juste wrote an article to The Miami Herald and named it 'Little Port-au-Prince.' However, the Miami Herald edited the title, calling it instead 'Little Haiti.
Over the past several decades, Viter Juste was very happy to see watch the positive transition of the Haitian community in Miami, moving from Haitian immigrant boat people to become a force politically and economically in South Florida
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