a1733: New Law (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Dr Allen <drallen@periogroup.com>

RE: New law
    The Lavalas government finally delivered something to the Diaspora.
After receiving strong support from Haitians abroad for the past 12 years,
and recognizing that the Diaspora is the only lifeline to the Haitian
nation,  the Lavalas have successfully introduced a law in the parliament
that allows Haitians who have acquired another nationality or offspring of
Haitian citizens to enjoy a number of rights.  By the same token, it also
helps the many people living in Haiti in an irregular situation.
    These special privileges include the elimination of the "Permis de
sejour" and the visa, the right to work, the right to inherit  and to own
property without limitations ( 11 "privileges") .
    Although this represents a step in the right direction, what is wrong
with this picture?  The simple truth is that  the law does not restore
Haitian citizenship.  It is a special status to "foreigners" a sort of
"residency status".  The right to vote is of course missing, because it is
reserved to "Haitians".  The civil rights are restored, but not the
political rights.
    I do recognize that this action taken by the government may be the
quickest way to deliver on promises made on so many occasions, but it falls
way short of expectations.  If this law is not followed  by the introduction
of proposals leading to a constitutional amendment, restoring the
citizenship of those who have lost their Haitian nationality, for whatever
reason, one would be entitled to view it as an insult to the Diaspora.
     Joseph A. Allen DDS
    Miami, FL