26307: Casimir: FW: This letter from Simeus proves that he is an American from his own words. (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Jean-Claude CASIMIR <jccasimir@hotmail.com>

      October 29, 2004

      Dear Friends,

      As a Haitian-American, a former president of TLC Beatrice
      Foods (a $2 billion multinational corporation), and now the
      owner of the largest African American food processing
      business in the United States, I am truly grateful for the
      opportunities the U.S. has afforded me. I am also grateful to
      the U.S. for the support it has offered to Haiti thus far.
      However, given the latest alarming developments, the U.S.
      needs to demonstrate a stronger show of support for the
      interim government in order to protect this young, developing
      democracy and prepare for peaceful and transparent elections
      in 2005.



      Along with many others in Haiti and the Haitian Diaspora, I
      supported Jean-Bertrand Aristide during his presidency. To
      see his presidency end as it did on February 29, 2004 was
      discouraging and troubling. Aristide's time has passed and
      the country must move on. Now is the time for all parties to
      reconcile for the good of Haiti.



      While Haiti was reeling from the blow dealt by Hurricane
      Jeanne, violent demonstrations broke out in recent weeks.
      Some thugs have even used copycat tactics termed "Operation
      Baghdad" in which the heads of at least seven Haitian
      policemen have been severed. The country cannot move forward
      with this type of hoodlum pulling the world's attention
      backward to thoughts of the past and violence.



      I urge you, the Congressional Black Caucus, to help Haiti and
      enact these initiatives:



      * Demonstrate your support for the interim government with a
      public statement and a Congressional Black Caucus delegation
      visit with the Prime Minister to help fund solutions to the
      current situation. I would be happy to join you on this
      diplomatic mission.



      * Pass the Haitian Economic Recovery Opportunity Act (HR
      4889) exactly as passed by the Senate (S2261). This
      legislation could be the springboard for the creation of up
      to 100,000 direct jobs in Haiti, and hundreds of thousands of
      indirect jobs.



      The Congressional Black Caucus can play a visible, pro-active
      leadership role in helping Haiti move forward and become
      self-sufficient economically rather than being constantly
      dependent on the international community for humanitarian
      aid. I, along with many in the Haitian Diaspora, would be

      grateful for your support and speed of action.



      Sincerely,



      Dumas M. Siméus

      Chairman & Founder

      Siméus Foods International, Inc.

      812 South 5th Avenue

      Mansfield, Texas 76063

      Phone: (817) 473-1562

      Fax: (817) 473-0591

      ===============================================================

      Captez Radio Classique Inter à : www.radioclassiqueinter.com

      ===============================================================

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