Mexico - Haiti Observer Blog

As per latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings on 17 November 2013, Cuba has topped the Caribbean football squad table leaving behind Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica. Cuba ranked 74th among the world football playing nations, followed by Dominican Republic 78th, Haiti 80th and Jamaica 82nd. Under the current ranking, Cuba gained by 10 points over the earlier FIFA Ranking but Haiti and Jamaica lose (-2) and (-4) points respectively.

Haiti is one among the oldest football playing nations in the Caribbean and one of the early participants in the World Cup qualifying tournament. Its present rank as per FIFA/Coca-Cola Zonal Ranking is 8th; the other countries in the same zonal ranking table include USA (1), Mexico (2), Costa Rica (3), Honduras (4), Panama (5), Cuba (6), Dominican Republic (7), Trinidad and Tobago (9) and Jamaica (10).

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The cholera outbreak hit Haiti in October 2010. It claimed lives of 8,413 Haitians and threatened the health of more than 600,000 people in Haiti. Mexico has recently reported 171 cases of cholera epidemic with same strain that arrived in Haiti, Dominican Republic and Cuba three years ago.

The health officials of Mexico first picked up the problem through routine surveillance of severe diarrhea cases in the states of Mexico, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí and Veracruz between Sept. 9 and Oct. 18. One victim has died already and 39 other cases have required hospitalization.

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Things are not getting any better in term of the cholera outbreak. After Haiti, Dominican republic and Cuba, this time Mexico seems to be next winner of the cholera epidemic awarded by the United Nations.

There is a warning from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) that the Cholera illness could spread worldwide.

As you know, investigations have revealed that the origin of the outbreak of cholera in Haiti to leaking sewage at a camp for UN soldiers from Nepal. Supporters of the victims have tried to sue the UN, so far: "Nad marinad". This year, representative from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said "petition for compensation was "not receivable" under a 1947 convention which grants the UN immunity for its actions.

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The Mexican Federal Electoral Institute (MFEI) held a global workshop July 1-4, 2013. Among delegations present during the four-day event, Haiti signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mexico to make official a program exchange between the two countries to improve electoral operations.

In the MOU, among other things, training seminars will give instruction on electoral administration, mentorship support, and a manual of standard operating procedures to be used to guide the implementation of electoral responsibilities.

Transient College Permanent Electoral Council (TCPEC) President Emmanuel Ménard signed the MOU, along with signatories Leonardo Valdes Zuita, General Council President, and Edmundo Jacobo Molina, MFEI Executive Secretary.

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History of Haitian migration is pretty old. While millions cross the borders to become permanent residents of other countries, there are millions others who ride the same ferry but only to return after some time. Millions of Haitian people migrate and settle in Bahamas, Montreal in Canada, Cancun and Mexico City in Mexico, Cuba, United States and Dominican Republic. Other countries like French Guiana, French Antilles, France, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Chile, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos and Jamaica also have vast numbers of Haitian diaspora.

As of date, it is estimated that around 1.2 million Haitian people live in U.S. with proper documents while there are many others that have entered U.S. borders illegally. Canada is reported to have 200,000 Haitians while Dominican Republic is estimated to have 2 million Haitians. Bahamas accounts for 80,000 Haitians while the reported figure for France is 90,000.

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Haitian radio is the chief means of media communication on the island. Few have income to buy a TV, and those who have sets are subject to unreliable electricity service. Going online to access news coverage is impossible for all but the rich. Not only is newspaper distribution minimal, but 80% of the population are illiterate. The only information source available to everyone is the radio and radio stations are plentiful in Haiti. Reception is widely accessible in virtually every village on the island. Radios cost little to own and run on batteries.

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On April 12, 2012, the Mexican president, Calderon, is expected to visit Haiti. On the same day the Haitian president Michel is expected back from Miami where he was undergoing a surgery on his right arm. The visit will be to discuss bi-lateral relations between the two countries.

The Mexican president, Felipe Calderón, had been invited officially by president Martelly. The president will arrive with an entourage of delegates including the First Lady of Mexico, Chancellor Patricia Espinosa, Minister of Energy and Carlos Slim, the richest man in the world. His fortune is estimated at $69 billion among other investors. Carlos Slim is expected to assist Haiti through his foundation.

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