August 12 was the one-year anniversary of the kidnapping of Haitian
human rights activist Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine. Thus, the Ad Hoc Working
Group for Haiti stepped up its pressure on the local Brazilian
consulate—in conjunction with actions around the world, including ones
in England, Guyana, and Haiti itself. Between 20 and 22 demonstrators
were counted, and a 92-year-old passerby raised her walker in support.
As passing motorists honked in support, Lisa Longstaff of Women Against Rape and the London weekly vigil for Lovinsky's safe return, read a letter by Selma James of Global Womens' Strike and Pierre La Bosierre of Haiti Action Committee:
“. . . Lovinsky shares Aristide's goals and methods: ending poverty and human rights abuses through grassroots mobilization. Before his abduction, Lovinsky campaigned for changes to the constitution, so Haiti would never again have a military.
“He was [inaudible word] for the senate, an election he was sure to win. Fasts and vigils for his safe return are being held today in Haiti, Guyana, Canada, and the U.S., and on the steps of St Martin-in-the Fields [Church] in London.
