Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine

Haiti: The price for liberation

Haiti is still paying the price of its own liberation

By Cary Gee, Tribune 15 August 2008

In I804, black slaves in the French colony of Saint Domingue staged the first African slave rebellion resulting in their emancipation, the defeat of the French occupiers and the establishment of modern Haiti as the first black-ruled republic in history. Napoleon quickly divested his empire of other colonial assets in the Americas. Others followed, and Haiti directly aided the liberator of South America, Simon Bolivar. The Island has been paying the price of its success ever since.

Following the revolution, the French imposed crippling debts. In effect, freed slaves were asked to compensate out-of-pocket 'slave owners'. The 'debt' was not finally paid off until the 1940s. More recently, the United States has instigated coups, launched invasions and imposed dictators.

The intellectual elite has been forced into exile to be replaced by a powerful new elite which grows fat on corruption while the rest of the island starves. Throughout this painful process, the West has done little more than look on.

This week marks the first anniversary of the disappearance of human rights campaigner Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine, presumed kidnapped on August 12 2007. 

Lovinsky Pierre Antoine came to the attention of the Haitian authorities after co-founding Fondasyon Trant Septanm, (September 30 Foundation). It was on September 30 1991 that elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was overthrown in a military coup. 

The organisation Lovinsky founded fights for the victims of both the 1991 and 2004 coups. Lovinsky previously worked as a child psychologist and much of his work involved helping street children.

Lovinsky was abducted after meeting a US-Canadian human rights delegation. Lovinsky's family was contacted a few days later by a group asking for a ransom of $300,000, but since then there has been no further contact with his alleged abductors. Prior to his disappearance, Lovinsky had declared his candidacy for elections to the national senate as a candidate for Fanmi Lavalas, the party of Aristide. 

Lovinsky was a staunch advocate for the disappeared, the poor, street children, and anyone suffering under the dictatorship of General Gerard Latortue – a regime responsible for an estimated 4,000 political murders in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince alone.

The embassies of both Canada and the US have remained largely silent about Lovinsky’s abduction. Like so many others in the region before him, Lovinsky has ‘simply disappeared’. The silence of the US might have something to do with Lovinsky’s campaign to bring to trial many US-trained militia members, including Luis Posada Carriles, a man wanted on terrorist charges in Venezuela and Cuba, where he was charged in absentia of attempting to assassinate Fidel Castro in Panama in 2000. Carriles was released by US authorities after being briefly detained in Texas in 2007. His whereabouts now are as much of a mystery as those of Lovinsky. 

Amnsety International and belatedly Human Rights Watch – which found the time to defend those implicated in an attempted coup against President Hugo Chavez in Venezuela in 2002, but not to call for the immediate release of Lovinsky – have published reports into Lovinsky's disappearance.

However, calls for an investigation by the United Nations have met with a limited response. The UN has its own problems in Haiti. More than one hundred peace-keepers from the UN Haitian Mission deployed following the 2004 coup were recalled following allegations that they themselves had been responsible for a number of violent attacks on the local population, including rapes.

Now there are renewed fears for the safety of Wilson Mésilien, Lovinsky's co-founder of Fondasyon Trant Septanm, who safety has been threatened, as has Lovinsky's wife Michelle. Her home has been subjected to attacks since the disappearance of her husband.

To mark the anniversary of Lovinskly's disappearance, vigils have been held in Port-au-Prince, Los Angeles, Washington, and San Francisco. A special vigil was attended by demonstrators in London, where weekly vigils have been held since Lovinsky's disappearance. Calls for his safe return have been made by high profile campaigners including Vanessa Redgrave, US congresswoman Maxine Waters and Danny Glover, the actor and friend of US presidential candidate Barack Obama.

It is unfortunate, to say the least, that Haiti, a country which gave the world one of the earliest lessons in liberation, should once again be in a state of crisis which cannot be divorced from the shameful price it is still being forced to pay for its independence. 

In the words of traditional Trinidadian Calypso singer David Rudder:

Toussaint was a mighty man, and to make matters worse he was black.

Back in the days when a black man knew his place was to be in the back.

But Toussaint he upset Napoleon, who thought it was not very nice.

And so today my brothers and sisters, they still pay the price”:

For the latest information on Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine, contact: womenstrike8m@server101.com

Today is the one year anniversary of the disappearance of Haitian human rights activist, Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine.  His wife, Michelle has sent this open letter to the Haitian authorities expressing her and her family's resolve and calling for the truth to be revealed and her shock at calling his mobile and someone answering the phone.

Madam/Sir -- the authorities, Exactly one year ago, on 12 August 2007, my husband, Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine, after coming back from out of town, suddenly left home to go to a meeting arranged by phone by people who probably wanted to lure him into a trap.  Up to now, that was the last time his family saw him.  It was also the start of an ordeal for those close to him as well as for his colleagues and friends. 12 August 2007-12 August 2008.  Twelve long months have gone by since his disappearance was reported to all bodies with responsibility for Haiti: the President’s office, Primature, Parliament, Ministry of Justice, National Police of Haiti, UN, OAS (Organisation American States), etc.  To this day, the Pierre-Antoine family has witnessed, with disappointment but not surprise, the lack of, if not to say the total absence of any results from the actions and investigations which the authorities are supposed to undertake. Today, my demeanour is that of a traumatised wife, of a mother who is shocked and powerless, speechless in the face of Lovinsky’s two sons’ daily questions about what has really happened to their dear father.  I’ve heard nothing about where the investigation has reached, and I’m getting to the point where I wonder if there really is a will to present any concrete official results. A year after this incident, the Haitian authorities and the public seem to have forgotten this citizen whose disappearance, as a human being, should arouse sympathy.  The worst is the mental anguish his family has to endure; we also feel angry about the sick actions of his kidnappers and the blatant indifference of some of his closest colleagues. Without doubt, an active citizen of Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine’s calibre does not disappear, doesn’t melt into nature without a trace.  Actually, the leads and clues left during and after his kidnap were not worked on or explored advisedly so as to bring concrete results.  For example, the fingerprints found in the vehicle Lovinsky used, the shocking and revealing statements made to the press by an influential member of the political party Lovinsky belongs to.  Personally, not too long ago, I told the police that in a moment of hope, I rang Lovinsky’s mobile and was stunned when someone answered, who calmly replied, without any concern, that he was in possession of a personal belonging of someone who had mysteriously disappeared, which could constitute evidence of the crime if there was jurisdiction in this country. Thinking about Lovinsky’s disappearance, his family and I think of it as missing his physical presence, but he remains with us, alive in our hearts and minds because he is a remarkable husband, a father and family man who cares about his children’s education and future, and a wise adviser to those around him.  Surely, even those who don’t agree with his convictions and political actions, still admire his activism, seriousness, his commitment to what he has promised, his team spirit and above all, his love for Haiti.  Words fail us to describe Lovinsky’s rare and fantastic personal qualities.  Our memories of him are the best. Putting my arms around the shoulders of my two sons who are in tears at the disappearance of their dear father, and who are waiting for him to come home, my only choice is to reapply myself to notifying all the authorities concerned, to shine a light on his disappearance.  Actually, it’s time to break with this atmosphere of suspense and uncertainty; it’s time to break the silence everyone is keeping about this affair, a silence which becomes a tacit plot hatched to keep secret the identity of who is behind this disgusting act.  Once more, I call on the conscience of each and every person to get to the truth and end this inexpressible tragedy for Lovinsky, as it is a tragedy for his family.  I also call on the conscience of the members of the new government so that they re-launch the investigation on Lovinsky and make the truth come to light. Finally, I am with my sons in expressing recognition and thanks to the real friends and supporters of Lovinsky, to all those who have lent their moral support, all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to express their opposition to this act, in the streets of various cities in Haiti, in the US and other countries as well as abroad in front of the embassies and offices of Haiti, to all those who have written up articles on this affair for the radio, print media, television and internet, and all those who, in one way or another, have shown sympathy about this sad and terrible situation. Let everyone know that despite all these terrible things, Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine’s family is stronger than ever.  Lifted up by hope. Monday 11 August 2008 Michèle Pierre-Antoine Lovinsky’s wife

Actions: Haiti Large march planned in Cite Soleil, called by Fondayson Trant Septamn and other organizations, with candles and flags. Pressing for Lovinsky’s return to his family, friends and community.

San Francisco Vigil: 12 noon-1pm,  Oakland Federal Building. Co-sponsored by Ecumenical Peace Institute http://www.epicalc.org, together with Berkeley Women in Black, Mustard Seed Affinity Group, East Bay Coalition to Support Self-rule for Iraqis, Bay Area Labor Committee for Peace and Justice, Peace & Freedom Party, and Buddhist Peace Fellowship.

Los Angeles Vigil: 12-1pm, Brazilian Consulate. Called by Ad Hoc Working Group for Haiti:  CISPES/LA, Global Women’s Strike/LA, International Action Center/LA, Northeast LA Radical Neighbors, Women of Color in the Global Women’s Strike, and other concerned individuals. Endorsers to date: ANSWER-LA, Haiti Action Committee, Office of the Americas

London Special Vigil of Conviction and Hope called by Global Women’s Strike. 1-2 pm  Brazilian Embassy,: "Brazil: What are you doing to find Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine?" 2 pm US Embassy:"End US/ UN occupation and starvation of the people of Haiti!" 3pm-5.15pm  Silent Vigil and petitioning St Martin-in-the Fields Church: "Lovinsky, Haiti – We are with you!"

Tues 12 August – 1st anniversary of the disappearance of
Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine.  Special Vigils in London, Haiti, San Francisco, Los Angeles & elsewhere

With conviction and hope, we will be holding a Special Vigil to mark one year since the disappearance in Haiti of our dear friend and colleague, human rights activist Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine.  On this day, we remember Lovinsky’s work for justice and his abduction, and remind the US, UN and Haitian authorities that his family, friends and community, and people around the world will continue tirelessly to demand his safe return. 

SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY VIGIL IN LONDON

1-2 pm  Brazilian Embassy, 32 Green St, W1
“Brazil: Head of UN forces in Haiti – What are you doing to find Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine?”

2 pm  Walk to the US Embassy, 24 Grosvenor Sq, W1
“End US/ UN occupation and starvation of the people of Haiti!”

3pm-5.15pm  Silent Vigil on the steps St Martin’s in Field, Trafalgar Square
“Lovinsky, Haiti – We are with you!”

Latest information  contact Global Women’s Strike 020 7482 2496   womenstrike8m@server101.com

•Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine is co-founder of Fondayson Trant Septanm for victims of the 1991 and 2004 military coups against elected President Aristide.  He is an advocate of those with least, especially single mothers and street children.  He was abducted after meeting with a US-Canadian human rights delegation visiting Haiti. He had been pressing for changes to the constitution so that Haiti would never again have an army, and shortly before his abduction he had announced his intention to stand for the Senate, an election he was most likely to win.
•Fondayson Trant Septanm holds weekly vigils, like the Mothers of the Disappeared in Central and South America. Its members have been targeted.
•Amnesty International has issued two reports for Lovinsky’s return and the safety of his colleague, Wilson Mésilien, who has been forced into hiding.
•Lovinsky’s wife Michelle and their sons, US Congresswoman Maxine Waters, UK parliamentarian John McDonnell, Pax Christi Intl., actors Danny Glover and Vanessa Redgrave, authors George Lamming and Benjamin Zephaniah and thousands of concerned people have appealed to Haiti’s President René Préval and to the UN.
•Weekly vigils and fasts have been held in a number of countries for the past year putting pressure on Brazil, head of UN forces in Haiti, and on the US, Canada and France which organized the 2004 coup. In London there is a weekly vigil in front of the Brazilian embassy every Wednesday.
•The world owes a huge debt to the Haitian people. Their 1804 revolution was the first to overthrow slavery, making way for emancipation throughout the region and strengthening liberation movements everywhere. Haiti directly aided South American Liberator Simón Bolivar.
•But Haiti paid for its victory. France imposed a crippling debt forcing Haiti to pay for its loss of slaves and costs incurred from the Haitian Revolution. The US imposed coups, invasions and dictators. They killed thousands and forced many others into exile. A tiny elite has profited from sweatshops which exploit an impoverished population, and from the destruction of local farming to make way for US rice. With food price increases half the population now faces starvation.
•The people of Haiti have never given up. Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine, beloved father, community organiser and member of Aristide’s Lavalas movement, represents their revolutionary resistance and determination. Ending poverty and human rights abuses have been central to his work. 

We are all connected by the thread of solidarity in day-to-day struggle for a world of equality, justice and peace.  On 12 August you can:

• Participate in the vigil.
• Fast for Lovinsky’s release.
• Fast at another time, on  ___________
• Add your name to the international list of fasters.
• Sign and ask your friends and colleagues to sign the petition at
     http://www.petitiononline.com/lovinsky/petition.html
• Download the petition as a word doc and collect signatures.
• Write/fax/email the Brazilian Embassy the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti
     (MINUSTAH), the US Embassy in Haiti, and Haitian  President Préval. [See this site for addresses]

London Vigil

Weekly Vigil for the safe return of Lovinksy

Every week a weekly vigil is held in London and other cities around the world.   Here in London the vigil is held outside the Brazilian embassy on Wednesdays between 5-6pm.   Please join us there calling for the safe return of Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine.

 

   

The 12th Ausgust 2008 will mark the 1 year anniversary of the disappearance of Lovinsky in Port-au-Prince and there will be special vigils held to mark this very sad day.  Please return to this site for more information on the 12th August activities.