More than 50 Americans and Canadians are desperately awaiting a missionary flight to get them out of Haiti where a bloody uprising has shut down airports.
Trapped in Chaos: Port-au-Prince’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport Closed
Port-au-Prince’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport remains closed, leaving them trapped amidst the violent turmoil.
Missionary Flights International Receives Frantic Calls
Florida-based Missionary Flights International said it has received dozens of frantic calls from expatriates trying to escape the violence.
“At this point, the airports are closed, and we are not able to do anything yet.
We are just waiting to see when things settle down; it could be next week, but who knows really,” stated the non-profit’s president, Joe Karabensh.
Americans and Notable Figures Stuck Without Evacuation Plan
Americans, including famed columnist Mitch Albom, are stuck in the country as US officials have yet to provide an evacuation plan or get them to safety despite labeling the conflict ‘unpredictable and dangerous.’
Prime Minister Resigns Amidst Uprising
Haiti has long been politically unstable, but a more brutal uprising began with gangs demanding the resignation of the country’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry, 74.
Henry has announced his resignation, but this has done little to stem the bloodshed.
Challenges at the Airport: Mobs Surrounding and Attacks on Aircraft
Yvonne Trimble, a US missionary, described how mobs have been surrounding the airport and launching bottles and rocks at any aircraft attempting to land in the mistaken belief it could be carrying Henry.
“We’re completely locked down. This is the worst I’ve seen it. It’s total anarchy.”
Stranded Families and Frustrations
Matt Prichard, COO of a missionary, and his family, including an infant and toddler, are also unable to leave.
The local grocery store is running out of basic goods, and gas has been hard to find, adding to the frustrations of those stranded.
Political Crisis Escalates: Gangs Unite, Institutions Attacked
Gangs led by Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Cherizier have unleashed a wave of violence, burning police stations, releasing inmates, and attacking the main airport, which remains closed.
The government’s extension of a state of emergency and nightly curfew has failed to quell the violence.
Warning of Civil War and Genocide
Cherizier warns that Haiti is heading towards civil war and ‘genocide’ unless Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigns.
Henry, who took power in 2021, had promised to step down by February 7 but postponed elections citing safety concerns.
International Response and Stalled Evacuation Plans
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Haitian political, religious, and civil leaders are grappling with the crisis, exploring ways to restore stability.
A presidential transitional council is set to be established, consisting of observers and voting members to represent various sectors of Haitian society.
Humanitarian Concerns: Rising Casualties and Struggles for Survival
Scores of people have been killed, and more than 15,000 people have been left homeless by the violence. Dogs are seen gnawing on unaddressed bodies in the streets, and the overwhelming stench of the dead permeates the country.
The situation is dire, with residents fearing the collapse of the police force and the onset of anarchy in the streets.
Stuck in Puerto Rico: Prime Minister Ariel Henry Unable to Return Home
Prime Minister Ariel Henry is currently unable to return home, stranded in Puerto Rico after officials deemed it unsafe for him to land in neighboring Dominican Republic.
International Efforts for Stability: CARICOM Meetings and Transitional Council
Over the weekend, Haitian political, religious, and civil leaders met with CARICOM Caribbean Community and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to decide how best to restore stability.
A presidential transitional council will be set up, consisting of two observers and seven voting members representing a range of Haitian society.
The situation remains critical, with concerns growing for the safety and well-being of those trapped in Haiti amidst the escalating violence and political turmoil.
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