Florida citizens are experiencing intense worry for their loved ones who are residing in the Caribbean island nation of Haiti as the upheaval there grows.
The ongoing violence has left many feeling helpless and worried about the safety of their family and friends who are virtually being held prisoners in their own homes.
Recent Developments in Haiti
Cosy Joseph, a resident of Boynton Beach and founder of the Gaskov Clerge Foundation, has been closely monitoring the situation from afar. With a mission to provide healthcare, education, and sports opportunities in both Haiti and the US for over two decades, Joseph has never witnessed such devastation in Haiti.
The escalation of violence began about a month ago when armed gangs launched attacks on prisons, police stations, and even the international airport. These brazen acts of aggression extended to upscale neighborhoods and other districts in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The resulting chaos has claimed numerous lives and displaced thousands, sparking fears of worsening hunger and humanitarian crises.
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Evacuations Bring Hope to Florida
Joseph shared the anguish of having family members in Port-au-Prince who feel trapped in their own homes due to safety concerns.
Joseph complained, “They don’t feel safe, so they can’t really go out.” Indeed, the ubiquitous feeling of uncertainty has impacted almost every Haitian, whether they live in the nation or outside of it. “I mean, who wants to be in that situation?”
Aware of the gravity of the situation, the US State Department and the Florida Department of Emergency Management arranged chartered flights out of Haiti for US individuals who were left behind.
More than two hundred people have already been transported back to Florida, providing a ray of optimism among the chaos. The concern and unity shown by Floridians as the situation in Haiti worsens is evidence of the strong ties that bind people together despite distance.
The collective efforts to support people impacted by the upheaval, both at home and abroad, exemplify the tenacity and fortitude of the Haitian community, despite the seemingly difficult path to stability.
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