Haitian Unrest Spirals Out Of Control

(BROOKLYN, New York): The situation in Haiti is becoming more and more grave as the government appears powerless to quall a major protest that has become dangerous and violent. Massive crowds have spilled onto the streets demanding that the government resign over allegations of corruption and theft in high places.

And as the government stubbornly digs in and confronts the siege, Haitians vowed to keep protesting until President Jovenel Moise resigns despite his announcement of upcoming economic measures designed to quell more than a week of violent demonstrations across the country.

Moise said during a recent and long-awaited televised address that he would not surrender the country to armed gangs and drug dealers and accused people of freeing prisoners to kill him. It was the first time Moise had spoken since the demonstrations began, and he made another call for dialogue with the opposition.

“I heard the voice of the people. I know the problems that torment them. That’s why the government has taken a lot of measures,” he said. “I asked the Prime Minister to come and explain them and implement them without delay in order to relieve misery.”

He said Prime Minister Jean-Henry Ceant will share details of the new economic measures late last week. The announcement came as protesters remain angry about skyrocketing inflation and the government’s failure to prosecute embezzlement from a multi-billion dollar Venezuelan program that sent discounted oil to Haiti. Few believe the government will take any steps to alleviate the

Protesters continued to block roads across Haiti as food, water and gas became scarce. Schools, businesses and government offices remain closed.