Kidnapping Tips - Haiti Observer Blog

One thing in Haiti that seems to become successful in its decentralization is the new phenomenon of Kidnapping in Haiti. On Monday (11-19-12), several hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in Jacmel to denounce the slaying of well known agronomist Jean Marie Patrice Etienne and the kidnapping of 3 years old, Jorry Maxy.

The population in Jacmel is saying enough is enough. This has become the latest flashpoint in Haiti related to kidnapping. It ignited anger, drawing a crowd of thousands on Monday in Jacmel.

The population took the opportunity to denounce authorities in the City for not providing a safe environment for the population in Jacmel. The cited recent increase in criminality and kidnapping occurring throughout the city. This was the second time in just a few weeks that the population in Jacmel rose up against kidnapping.

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The ever ending social-economic problems that Haiti has been dealing with for centuries have created an environment where many have turned to crime a way to earn a living. One of the most rampant crime in the past few years has been kidnapping

To counter counter these types of crime, the Haitian National Police has been developing a variety of strategy; however, due to lack of an adequate Police force in Haiti, kidnapping cases have been growing in the country, causing the population not to feel secure. Others who are able have decided to leave the country all together.

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Reports on fake kidnapping scams have been made recently. According to reports, scammers call random people and tell them that they have abducted a relative. It can be someone's brother, sister, son, or others. Once the victim has believed the caller, the criminal will then ask for ransom. These fake kidnappers would also frighten the caller by "threatening" the life of his/her relative.

Such incidents have happened in various places already, including Singapore and the American state of Miami. Officials said this crime is not new because it actually started in 1998 in Puerto Rico. According to Miami officials, more than 40 cases of kidnapping scams have already been reported in the past months. The Federal Bureau of Investigation added that the agency receives similar reports at least once a week.

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Kidnapping cases in Haiti are high. As a matter of fact, the Caribbean nation has been considered one of the world's kidnapping capitals. Victims are not mainly targeted based on their profession, age, gender or social class.

According to a report by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, everyone in Haiti is at risk of getting kidnapped. Just because a person is poor or unpopular does not mean that he/she would never be a victim.

In fact, some reports noted that most victims are poor because wealthy people often have a security team to protect them and ensure their safety. However, other reports stated that kidnappers are more likely to set their sights on rich people and those who look like they have money to pay for ransom.

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Haiti has been included in the list of kidnapping capitals in the world. Even if the country has recorded a decline in its kidnapping cases in the past, the number remains very high. Kidnappers in Haiti do not select victims based on their gender, age, nationality or race. As long as they have the opportunity to snatch someone, they will.

There are areas in Haiti that one must avoid due to security and safety concerns. Port-au-Prince, the country's capital, has a high crime rate. Slum areas in the capital, including Cite Soleil, Carrefour, Martissant, and the Delmas road area are hot spots for criminals. The same goes for urban route Nationale #1, the Boulevard Toussaint L'Ouverture and the American Road. Even public transportations are not safe because criminals, including kidnappers, can attack people in these areas.

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