Haiti police find partial human remains in area where journalist disappeared
BY JACQUELINE CHARLES
March 29, 2018 09:49 AM
Updated March 29, 2018 07:52 PM
Haiti police are investigating whether part of a body found in an area where a freelance Haitian photojournalist disappeared March 14 are those of Vladjimir Legagneur, 30.
Police spokesman Frantz Lerebours said the mangled partial remains were discovered Wednesday, along with a hat, after Police Chief Michel-Ange Gédéon ordered police to run an operation into Grand Ravine, the gang-controlled neighborhood in Port-au-Prince where Legagneur was last seen as he worked on an independent project.
“It’s the DNA [test] that will say for sure if it is him,” said Lerebours, adding that a motorcycle taxi driver who drove the victim was also killed.
On the morning of March 14, Legagneur told his wife, Fleurette Guerrier, that he was headed to the teeming slum to meet someone as part of an independent photo assignment. A freelancer who worked for several Haitian media outlets, Legagneur “really loved taking photos and he was passionate about it,” Guerrier, 31, said.
“It wasn’t about the money,” she said. “He always seized every opportunity he could to take a photo.”
A police source said they know Legagneur stopped in at a nearby police station before entering Grand Ravine, where gang members keep a close eye on people coming into and leaving the area.
In November, Grand Ravine was the scene of a deadly police raid in which two police officers and several civilians died. The deaths have raised questions about what happened during the anti-gang operation. Gang members have remained suspicious of outsiders, and police have been reluctant to go in. Even United Nations peacekeepers, before their withdrawal from Haiti in October, often steered clear of the community.
An internal police investigation was ordered into the raid, and the Port-au-Prince police director, Alain Auguste, who ordered the operation, was replaced. The United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, which supported the raid and condemned the violence afterward, has called for a judicial inquiry into the police shootings and alleged human rights violations.
On Wednesday, hundreds of journalists wearing white and holding placards took to the streets of Port-au-Prince to denounce the passivity of Haitian authorities after Legagneur’s disappearance.
Guerrier, who filed an official complaint with the chief prosecutor’s office after the march, said she filed a missing person’s report with Haiti’s investigative police unit on March 16 after spending two days searching “local hospitals, police stations and the morgue” for her husband. She said she did not hear back from police, who in a press conference on Wednesday guaranteed reporters “that we will shed light on this case.”
“There are no no-go zones,” Gédéon, the police chief, declared in a tweet. “In the days coming, Grand Ravine will be emptied of its bandits and accessible to all.”
The lack of an outcry by Haitian authorities over Legagneur’s disappearance and silence of police investigators and the chief prosecutor’s office led Haiti-based journalists to ask for help on Guerrier’s behalf from press freedom organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists. The journalists also took to Facebook and Twitter with the French hashtag #OuEstVladjimir, or WhereIsVladjimir.
A number of foreign journalists on Wednesday, from France to Latin America, also showed solidarity with their Haitian colleagues by posting photos on Twitter of themselves holding up a photo of Legagneur with the French hashtag. That same day, the Committee to Project Journalists issued a statement urging Haitian authorities to “do everything possible to locate...Legagneur and conduct a full and transparent investigation into his disappearance.”
Haiti journalist Liliane Pierre-Paul, co-founder of Haiti’s Radio Kiskeya, was among the prominent personalities who joined the marchers. She said Legagneur’s disappearance was a reminder of Haiti’s fragile democracy and “of all the journalists who never found justice, who were assassinated, those whose bodies were found and whose bodies were never found.”
“These incidents are like a scar that never goes away,” Pierre-Paul said.
Haiti installs leaders of reborn army
AFP•March 27, 2018
Port-au-Prince (AFP) - Haitian President Jovenel Moise on Tuesday installed the leaders of his country's army, a symbolic step in the impoverished Caribbean country's reformation of a military demobilized 23 years ago after decades of coups and political interference.
Human rights activists have criticized the choice of the general and five colonels who will lead the army, as they are members of the old guard.
One of the colonels stands accused of extrajudicial killings of civilians in 1994, during military rule.
"This is not an emotional or a partisan act, aimed at pleasing one political camp or group -- this is an act of state, one that is patriotic and inclusive," Moise said at an installation ceremony.
Haiti's armed forces, dissolved in 1995 by then-president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, were reborn in 2015 under the leader at the time, Michel Martelly.
The country's army, currently at 150 soldiers, was trained in Ecuador.
When he took office a year ago, Moise made the restoration of the military a priority, especially as the UN pulled its peacekeepers out in October 2017.
Faced with concerns about the military's intent, and the possibility that abuses could recur, the government has been at pains to reassure the population that the military is needed.
"Today, Haiti's armed forces are a powerful tool in crisis and disaster management for a country that is constantly confronted by natural catastrophes," said Defense Minister Herve Denis.
Additional soldiers were recruited beginning in summer 2017, but the process has stalled after hundreds between the ages of 18 and 25 signed up.
Haiti hopes eventually to field an army of 3,000-5,000 soldiers.
The funding of the military raised eyebrows both at home and abroad, given that the defense ministry's entire budget stands at 6.3 million euros ($7.8 million).
The military brass will return to their old headquarters in the heart of Port-au-Prince, facing the presidential palace. The building had been used by the culture ministry, which now needs a new home.
Haiti 2018 Crime & Safety Report
U.S. Discourages American Citizens from visiting Haiti
The U.S. Department released a report on March 28 warning against possible risks when traveling to Haiti. According to the current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication, Haiti has been assessed as Level 3: reconsider travel.
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The ACS Unit cannot recommend a particular individual or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Port-au-Prince as being a CRITICIAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Haiti is unique in the Caribbean for its relative lack of tourism, scarcity of foreign investment, and poor infrastructure.
Crime Threats
Crime statistics in Haiti are hard to verify, and they should be considered as uncorroborated when assessing the threat from criminal activity. This lack of reliable data makes it difficult to compare the crime threat in Haiti with other countries in the region, and comparisons of reported statistics should be avoided.
Traditional tourist-oriented crimes (pickpocketing, purse snatching) are less frequently reported than elsewhere in the region. This results from both a lack of tourism and underreporting.
The most frequently reported crimes against U.S. citizens in Port-au-Prince are aggravated assaults and robberies. A typical mugging in Port-au-Prince involves a group of young males who surrounds and overwhelms a victim in a public area. Reports of robberies of Haitian-Americans appear to increase around holiday seasons, but that appears to correlate with an overall increase in visitor traffic. Armed robberies against motorists/pedestrians remain a serious concern and have increased dramatically since the departure of UN Security Forces in October 2017. In recent years, many people have been robbed en route from Toussaint L’Ouverture airport. Banks continue to be a frequent location for armed robberies. Motorcycle-mounted assailants frequently follow their victim a short distance and rob them in a less public area. Shootings during these incidents are common.
Vehicle break-ins and thefts from vehicles, occupied or empty, occur frequently. Unattended vehicles with visible valuables are subject to break-ins. There have also been reports of pedestrians opening unlocked doors of idling vehicles and snatching valuables.
Violent crime appears to remain predominantly gang and/or robbery-related. Robberies are most common in Port-au-Prince and affect affluent areas frequented by visitors (Petionville). Gang-related violent crime was centralized in specific areas of Port-au-Prince (Cité Soleil, Carrefour, Martissant), none of which are traditional tourist/business areas; however, criminal gangs have expanded or at least shifted their operations to more affluent areas frequented by visitors (Petionville).
Homicides continue to be a major concern. In 2017, there were 890 reported homicides, with 79% occurring in Port-au-Prince. (Statistics are grossly underreported by the government of Haiti, and with the departure of United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), statistics are considered unreliable.)
Residential theft (burglaries, home invasions) trends over the past few years have suggested a decline in traditional criminal burglary and a rise in home invasions. There was a continuation of home invasions in the more affluent areas of upper Port-au-Prince in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The bulk occurred in middle-class neighborhoods (Delmas 75, Delmas 83, Laboul, and Pelerin) outside the traditional expatriate residential areas. Assailants have little fear of resistance from residents and do not appear to consider whether a residence is occupied. Criminals are not reluctant to use violence; however, the vast majority will brandish a firearm/weapon, fire it randomly, tie up their victim(s), and abscond with currency or a vehicle. Criminals do not seem overly concerned with police response, as they know none will be dispatched quickly.
Other Areas of Concern
Cite Soleil remains an area of particular difficultly for Haitian National Police (HNP) forces to rein in. Other areas of concern include Belair, Carrefour, Fort National, Simon Pele, Martissant, and Grand Ravine.
A Young Haitian is selected as a World Fellow by Yale University
Ralph François, a young Haitian sociologist who later became an IT programmer, is one of 16 professionals worldwide to have been selected as a World Fellow by Yale University.
Since 2016, along his colleague Daphné Charles, Ralph created COCREAD, an entrepreneurial incubator in a disadvantaged district of Capané Vert. The main mission of COCREAD is to support entrepreneurship within the Community of Vila Rosa and also to provide technology training to girls. Currently two arts and craft organizations are incubated and seven girls from the area are receiving training in IT programming including practical sessions around artificial intelligence and robotics.
Aware of the huge opportunity this represents François wants to reap the most out of it. Besides the 4 months which he will spend on the campus of Yale University to learn and to network, he will also have the task of mentoring students on social entrepreneurship. "I am frankly pleasantly surprised to have been selected. Generally the beneficiaries of this scholarship are connected with big organizations. Cocread is a rather young initiative,” he explained.
The cohort of 16 men and women who have been selected as 2018 World Fellows brings the total number of World Fellows since the program’s start in 2002 to 327 Fellows, representing 90 countries. This year marks the 17th cohort of World Fellows.
“I am honored to announce the 2018 World Fellows,” said Emma Sky, director of the Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program. “The talent, bravery, and resilience of these individuals is quite extraordinary. They are amazing role models for Yale students.”
The World Fellows program is Yale University’s signature global leadership development initiative and a core element of Yale’s ongoing commitment to internationalization. Each year, the University invites a group of exemplary mid-career professionals from a wide range of fields and countries for an intensive four-month period of academic enrichment and leadership training.
“I am thrilled to welcome the seventeenth class of World Fellows to campus,” said Yale President Peter Salovey. “These remarkable leaders and innovators bring immense expertise and insights to our university. While they are on campus, they contribute to our academic excellence through teaching, scholarship, and research, and they improve our community by participating in public service. Although they are on campus for four months, they remain engaged with Yale faculty, staff, and students long after the fellowship ends. They continue to be ambassadors for Yale and share our mission to improve the world today and for future generations.”
The mission of World Fellows is to cultivate and empower a network of globally engaged leaders committed to making the world a better place. The program is part of the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, which prepares Yale students for global leadership and service through its master’s program in global affairs, master of advanced study in global affairs and undergraduate major in global affairs.
Candidacy for the 2018 International Writing Program (IWP) Fall Residency …
The Embassy of the United States is pleased to announce a call for candidacy for the 2018 International Writing Program (IWP) Fall Residency, which is scheduled to be hosted by the University of Iowa from August 18 -November 6, 2018. The IWP brings approximately 35 emerging and recognized writers from around the world to Iowa City for an intensive 12-week cultural exchange.
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IWP FALL RESIDENCY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
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- 2. (U) IWP was founded in 1967 and is the most prestigious program of its kind in the United States. The University of Iowa is also home to the world-renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and in 2008 Iowa City was designated the first UNESCO City of Literature in the United States. Two IWP alumni – Orhan Pamuk of Turkey and Mo Yan of China – have received the Nobel Prize in Literature.
- 3. (U) The Fall Residency convenes emerging and recognized writers from around the world for an intensive 12-week program designed to spur creativity, support professional development, and promote freedom of expression. The 2018 Fall Residency is scheduled to take place from August 18-November 6.
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SELECTION PROCESS
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- 4. (U) The IWP is open to established and emerging writers working primarily in the genres of fiction, creative non-fiction, screenwriting, drama, and poetry. Except in extraordinary cases, candidates should have at least one published volume of work or have works appearing in significant publications over a period of at least two years. Candidates must be fluent in English, comfortable with cross-cultural dynamics, and eager to engage with other writers from diverse cultures. Candidates must be adults between the age of 21 and 65, non-U.S. citizens who are able to travel to the United States and stay for the full 12 weeks. Family members and others are not allowed to accompany the writers during the Fall Residency.
- 5. (U) The deadline to submit your candidacy is April 6, 2018. Please provide a literary-focused CV and a representative writing sample in English (original or translated). A standard sample will contain 10-15 pages of clearly formatted material. Please also provide biographical information and a justification of why you should be selected.
- 6. Your application to participate in this program should be sent by email to the following addresses:
American center Port-au-Prince:
American center Director Nathalie Gardere :
Nathalie Gardère
Director, American Center Port-au-Prince
Public Affairs Section
U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince
(Office) +509.2229.8342
Police: Delray Beach, Florida man kills wife, sister-in-law and himself in shooting
A Delray Beach, Florida neighbor tells WPBF 25 News she never expected to wake up Sunday morning and find out her neighbor shot and killed his wife, sister-in-law, and himself.
"It just hurts my heart. My heart goes out to the family, especially the kids," said neighbor Pearlie McMiller.
The double murder-suicide happened just before 6am at a home on NW 13th Ave.
"An adult male in the house killed two adult females and then killed himself," said Dani Moschela, Delray Beach Police spokeswoman.
Detectives said Julien Techeler Rosemberg shot and killed his wife Pierrena and her sister Lourdine Cazeau.
Police then said he walked outside to the backyard of the home and turned the gun on himself.
"When I was walking I saw this lady laying in the door. A there's a guy laying across the field back there," said McMiller.
Investigators said there were four children between the ages of five inside the home, but thankfully none of them were injured.
Unfortunately, police said the frightened children were forced to run past bodies for safety.
Neighbors are now reminiscing on memories they shared with the kids.
"I'm going to miss them kids. On my day off, it would look forward to seeing them playing around, having fun," said neighbor Reginald Griffin.
Police said the Department of Children and Families have been notified and the children are in the custody of family.
"I know its going to be a tough fight after what went on this morning, but God is good. So, I just hope this doesn't affect those kids life in the future," said Griffin.
Detectives said there were no reports or calls from the home related to violence.