Prejudice against Haitians

The Editor, Sir:

Please afford me some space to make what I believe to be an important comment. As a Haitian native who have lived in many parts of the Caribbean and the world (now residing in Jamaica) I have often been the silent victim of a particular prejudice - that being a hatred for Haitians. The current situation after the earthquake has seen anti-Haitian sentiments flaring up amidst the outpouring of support for the rescue and restoration efforts.

Unfortunately, and for far too long, Haiti has only been spoken of in the negative. For some time, the only way we have been described is as the 'poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere'. Granted, there are truths in that comment as well. But there is so very much more to Haiti. In this regard I want to say a big thank you to the Breakfast Club for a refreshingly thoughtful discussion on Haiti (Friday, January 22).

Thoughtful segments

My sister, listening online in Suriname, brought it to my attention. We thought the three segments on Haiti were thoughtful, well-researched, factual and sensitive. I am pleased to say that we were honoured by the comments made by the contributors and the host of the programme, Raymond Price, as well.

I just want to say that our situation in Haiti didn't happen overnight. It is a complex one that has many contributing factors - let us look behind the headlines and understand what those were. Once again, my thanks to the Breakfast Club for doing that last Friday.

I am, etc.,

CARMEN MARCHIELLE

c.marchielle@gmail.com

Montego-Bay