The Caribbean

Haiti: UN troops beat and rob delivery workers

Brazilian soldiers, “peacekeepers” with a United Nations force Haiti, detained two water delivery workers and a friend without cause, robbing them and beating them repeatedly.

The Caribbean

Latin America: new regional bloc includes Cuba —but not US

Heads of state from 33 countries met in Caracas for the first summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), a new regional bloc that, unlike the OAS, includes Cuba—but excludes the United States and Canada.

The Caribbean

Haiti: fired unionists push for reinstatement

Haitian activists have started an international campaign to force Port-au-Prince apparel assembly plants to rehire six union members who were allegedly dismissed for their union activities.

The Caribbean

Haiti: a legislator is jailed on President Martelly’s orders

Haitian police arrested opposition legislative deputy Arnel Bélizaire at the Port-au-Prienc airport as he returned from an official visit to France and then whisked him to the National Penitentiary, sparking protests against President Michel Martelly.

The Caribbean

Haiti: protesters demand decent jobs and housing

Chanting “This has to change,” some 200 Haitians marked World Day for Decent Work with a march to the industrial park where most of Port-au-Prince’s low-wage assembly plants are located.

The Caribbean

Haiti: Martelly backs Clinton aide, army restoration

Haitian President Michel Martelly’s latest choice for prime minister has been an assistant to former US president Bill Clinton, who is already being referred to in political circles as the de facto “governor of Haiti.”

The Caribbean

Haiti: garment bosses fight new unionization drive

Three Port-au-Prince apparel factories fired a total of six members of a new local of the Textile and Garment Workers Union (SOTA) little more than a week after the union announced its formation.