Crisis in Haiti: A vocal Montreal diaspora is heard outside Trudeau’s office

Several members of the Haitian diaspora gathered Sunday in front of Prime Minister Trudeau’s office in Montreal, urging his government to do more to secure their loved ones who are affected by the crisis in their native country.

“If they have a modicum of respect for us, [les décideurs] will get involved in a serious and relevant way, ”said Wilner Cayo, president of the organization Standing for Dignity, to the Journal.

A few minutes later, he held a fiery speech in front of some 200 Haitians who were gathered on Boulevard Crémazie Est, along Highway 40.

“We want a serious commitment!”, he thundered repeatedly.

Under the spring sun that hit the metropolis, the demonstrators also chanted a host of slogans: “Let’s put an end to kidnappings”, “Canada can make a difference”, “No to corrupt politicians”.

moments of terror

Concern and anger were also palpable among those interviewed by Le Journal.

“We live in moments of terror. We live in fear, there is insecurity everywhere. We are ransomed for money that we do not even have, ”lamented Holanda Beaubrun.

This mother has lost count of the dollars donated to help acquaintances extorted by violent gangs in Haiti.

“We wonder every day what will happen to our loved ones,” added Ms. Beaubrun, whose parents and sister are constantly on their guard in their native country.

Ronalde Obas, whose shoulders were covered by a large Haitian flag, for his part testified to the exasperation that is eating away at the diaspora.

“We are tired of seeing our children, our brothers and sisters, our cousins […] suffer and starve,” she said.

The one who has lived in Quebec for fifteen years has also recently paid $ 400 to help a friend to meet a ransom.

The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) did not report any slippage during the demonstration.