19212: Hyppolite Pierre: my last words on this issue (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Hyppolite Pierre <hpierre@irsp.org>

This is a tough one. Very, very difficult for me personally to say this. But
let me explain myself as well. All my Lavalas friends are going to be
furious but, this is more important than anything else. It's not about me,
or them; it's about Haiti.

Back in November 2002, I wrote a post on this list, warning the government
that unless they change their ways, and have a new government with competent
people, it'll get to the point where even the constitutional argument will
be mute for Aristide's survival.

My humble advice was for Aristide to reconstitute its government, and
replace the current Prime Minister (Yvon Neptune). Of course they did not
see it important. Well, we are here now.

On my way back home this evening, I was hearing all sorts of arguments on
NPR and else, and reports about Haiti. I have come to the tragic but final
conclusion, that Aristide should simply resign.

He should do so, and make sure that an orderly process takes place.
Otherwise, Haiti may be a blood bath. It's not worth it. I am sure that he
can survive but by the end, is it worth it? It's time for us to end the
cycles of Pyhrric victories, on this 200th anniversary of Haiti.

Rest assured, all of you, that this is a personal and extremely difficult
conclusion for me. It's hard to say but at this stage, Aristide had played
all his cards, and most of them poorly. In light of what Pierre Jean has
been posting on this list, with no reply from government employees, it's not
worth it to see a battle in Port-au-Prince where so many innocent lives wil
be taken gratuisoulsy.

The people have been had. Aristide should simply negotiate to ensure his
safety, a very orderly transition, and his stay in Haiti. Hopefully, he can
become some kind of a "Juan Bosch", but he should go at this stage.

Of course he'll have to go through the process required by the Constitution
in terms of his wealth and all. But it's a waste at this stage to have Haiti
go back to the Chamblain's, and the Toto Constant's of the past.

I hope there will be an orderly transition, so the popular and the elitist
movements in Haiti can grow in a much more positive fashion. Perhaps
finally, Haiti will begin to secure peace and prosperity.

Believe me my friends, it's just not worth it anymore for the country to be
hostage, when Aristide and his party were involved in so much corruption.

I am truly saddened, but I am speaking my mind, as my heart is very, very
sore. Now truly, "alea jacta est".

Best regards,
Hyppolite Pierre
IRSP
http://www.irsp.org