Havana University Holds Workshop on Haiti

HAVANA, Cuba - The Group on Caribbean Studies of the University of Havana held the workshop “Haiti, a year after”.

In view of the current situation in Haiti, a year after the earthquake of January 12, 2010, experts and cooperants met to offer their support and discuss the reality of this Caribbean nation.

The president of the Group, PhD. Digna Castañeda, talked about the importance of getting acquainted with the history of that country so as to understand its population.

Castañeda added that Haitians are still facing the aftermath of such a natural disaster and the cholera epidemics.

The politologist and professor from the International Relations Higher Institute (ISRI), PhD. Luis Suarez Salazar, offered an overview on Haiti’s geographic, political, economic and social panorama, and commented on the future of its population.

Suarez noted that, a year after the earthquake, 75 percent of the residents in Puerto Principe are still homeless, and the cholera epidemics is expected to affect some 400 000 people.

He added that almost half a million children still wander around the streets without being able to go back to school because more than 80 percent of the education sector is private and very expensive.

The rector of the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM), Dr Juan Carrizo Estevez, highlighted the humane quality of the Haitian people.

He pointed out that more than 600 Haitian students graduated from ELAM, while there are other 400 still studying there.

The workshop was also attended by historian and member of UNEAC, PhD.

Gloria Leon Rojas, as well as by members of the Henry Reeve International Brigade, who shared experiences from their missions in Haiti. (acn)