Haiti’s Former President Conveys Message of Hope
Former Congressman Bob Barr, with Attorneys Ed Marger of Jasper, Georgia and Mike Puglise of Snellville, Georgia, joined former Haitian President Jean-Claude Duvalier in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as Duvalier issued his first public statement upon returning to Haiti for the first time since he left the country in 1986.
Duvalier explained that the love for his country and the heartbreak he shared with all Haitians over the devastation wrought by last year’s massive earthquake overcame the risks he knew he would face by returning to Haiti at this time.
[ Also Read: If I Were President: My Haitian Experience ]One year after the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake shook their lives, Haiti’s 4 million children continue to suffer from inequitable access to basic water, sanitation, healthcare, and education services and protection from disease, exploitation, and unsanitary conditions, says UNICEF. Today, more than 1 million people – approximately 380,000 of whom are children – still live in crowded camps. (Read: Haiti Children Still Suffering after Quake)
Duvalier urged all Haitians, but especially the young people, to take leadership and raise the country from the ashes like a Phoenix.
[ Also Read: Documentary Short Film on Haiti Earthquake ]Duvalier stated that Barr, Marger and Puglise will be representing him in bringing his message of hope to the world.
The statement was released Friday, Jan. 21, by Bob Barr, a former Member of Congress (1995-2003).
