HAITI | Jotup

Kenya’s mission to Haiti: how the 1,000-strong force is preparing for planned intervention

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Administration Police, Troop, United Nations Security Council, Intelligence, Weapon, Magnetic resonance, Violence, United Nations, Police, Food, General Service Unit (Kenya), Curriculum, Rapid Deployment Unit, Government, UN, Drug

In the absence of a government in Haiti, plans to deploy Kenyan troops are on hold.

Key Points:

In the absence of a government in Haiti, plans to deploy Kenyan troops are on hold.
Oscar Gakuo Mwangi, who studies radicalisation and counter-terrorism in Kenya, takes a look at Kenya’s preparedness to take on Haiti’s urban gangs.

What do we know about the Kenyan standby contingent?

Other countries that have formally agreed to provide personnel are Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Jamaica.
The initial period of the mission is 12 months following the adoption of UN Resolution 2699 (2023).
The Kenyan contingent, which is on standby, consists of 1,000 officers drawn from National Police Service units: the paramilitary General Service Unit, Rapid Deployment Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit and Border Police Unit.
In Haiti, the officers will wear the jungle green uniforms that they normally use when deployed to operational areas.

What kind of training have they had?

The discussions covered pre-deployment requirements like preparing the mission’s documents – the training curriculum, the concept of operations and protocol around discipline and use of force, and vetting processes.
In my view as a political scientist who assesses Kenya’s counter-terrorism polices and operations, the Kenyan contingent has sufficient training and the requisite expertise.
Despite their poor human rights records, various Kenya police units play a vital role in reducing violence in the country.
The police rely on local and international security cooperation and training, intelligence gathering techniques and the adoption of modern security equipment.

What international support can they expect if deployed?

These costs include US$1.5 million for training, US$9.1 million for weapons, ammunition and anti-riot equipment, and US$157 million for administrative support.
The US has pledged US$59 million to cover the costs of airlifting personnel and equipment to Haiti.
The US is already supporting Kenya in establishing the mission structure and training personnel for deployment.
Though Kenya is facing a fiscal crisis over high debt levels, the government can finance the costs through a supplementary budget.

What’s the case for deploying, and the case against?

The deployment will contribute towards Kenya’s role in enhancing global peace and security, and its stature in international affairs.
It will also strengthen Kenya’s position as an anchor state in regional, continental and global affairs.

Oscar Gakuo Mwangi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier: the gangster behind the violence in Haiti who may have political aspirations of his own

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

ABC News, Affection, Violence, Coma, Torture, Racism, Tonton Macoute, Prison, Crime, News, Survival, UN, Politics, Admiration, Brain, Drug

Over the past two weeks, Haiti’s powerful gangs have plunged a country already on life support into a coma.

Key Points:

Over the past two weeks, Haiti’s powerful gangs have plunged a country already on life support into a coma.
He is an unelected leader, taking power after Haiti’s president was assassinated in 2021, and has presided over the country’s economic freefall.
But Chérizier has emerged from the armed insurrection as the most formidable leader in Haiti, and some suspect he may have political aspirations of his own.
Haiti’s history is replete with political leaders with very dubious pasts, and the country’s citizens are used to their violent machinations.
According to Chérizier, his brand of violent street politics is very much in tune with the need of the hour.

Political acumen

The current political instability in Haiti has largely been manufactured by Chérizier and the gangs he leads as a cleverly thought-out survival strategy.
So, on the one hand, Chérizier’s decision to stir up a political uprising can be seen as a planned strategy to scare off any external forces seeking to impose order.
Chérizier has used Henry’s unpopularity and controversial decision to deploy foreign police officers in the nation to drum up a nationwide violent fervour for political change.
With Henry now out of the political scene, the chance that Haitians will be forced to embrace such an outcome may not be far-fetched after all.

Amalendu Misra has received funding from
British Academy /
Nuffield Foundation

Wood Mackenzie and Let’s Share the Sun donate solar PV and energy storage system to women’s shelter in Puerto Rico

Retrieved on:

Friday, March 8, 2024

International, National Network, Woman, Let, Wood Mackenzie, Wood, Domestic violence, Research, Partnership, Renewable energy

“This was a very unique opportunity to provide energy and domestic security to an area that often lacks both,” said Luke Lewandowski, VP, global renewables research for Wood Mackenzie.

Key Points:

“This was a very unique opportunity to provide energy and domestic security to an area that often lacks both,” said Luke Lewandowski, VP, global renewables research for Wood Mackenzie.
“It means a lot to work with this shelter on International Women’s Day and support this community through the benefits of sustainable energy.
Wood Mackenzie will send nine delegates to Puerto Rico this month, the third consecutive year that Wood Mackenzie has sent a volunteer delegation to Puerto Rico to support the Let's Share the Sun initiatives.
Let’s Share the Sun is a 501c3 foundation that facilitates the use of solar and energy storage in poor communities throughout the world.

Culp, Inc. to Webcast Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Conference Call

Retrieved on:

Friday, March 1, 2024

Manufacturing, Home Goods, Other Manufacturing, Textiles, Retail

Culp, Inc. (NYSE: CULP) today announced that it will provide an online, real-time webcast and rebroadcast of its third quarter fiscal 2024 conference call on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Key Points:

Culp, Inc. (NYSE: CULP) today announced that it will provide an online, real-time webcast and rebroadcast of its third quarter fiscal 2024 conference call on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
During this call, Culp will review the company’s financial and operating results for the third quarter ended January 28, 2024.
A press release announcing these results will be issued after the close of market trading on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
The live webcast of Culp’s conference call will be available under the “Upcoming Events” section on the Investor Relations page of the company’s website, www.culp.com , on Thursday, March 7, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

PrideStaff Fort Myers Metro Field Associate, Luchner Jean Paul, Named National Temporary Employee of the Year

Retrieved on:

Friday, March 1, 2024

Stellar, Life, Conference, Marriott Marquis, Family, Attitude

FRESNO, Calif., March 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In recognition of his hard work, positive attitude, and outstanding work ethic, PrideStaff is pleased to name Luchner Jean Paul as its National Temporary Employee of the Year. This award honors an outstanding field associate who embodies the PrideStaff mission and values. Luchner, who worked with the Fort Myers Metro, was presented with the award at the PrideStaff Annual Conference, an in-person, three-day event held at the Marriott Marquis in Houston, TX.

Key Points:

FRESNO, Calif., March 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In recognition of his hard work, positive attitude, and outstanding work ethic, PrideStaff is pleased to name Luchner Jean Paul as its National Temporary Employee of the Year.
Luchner, who worked with the Fort Myers Metro, was presented with the award at the PrideStaff Annual Conference, an in-person, three-day event held at the Marriott Marquis in Houston, TX.
Luchner lived in the United States for nine years before he came to PrideStaff Fort Myers Metro in June of 2021.
Lisa Gunther, Owner/Strategic-Partner of PrideStaff Fort Myers Metro, is thrilled to have Luchner Jean Paul on her team.

IDB Invest Partners with Barbancourt to Boost Sustainable Rum Production, Benefiting 3,000 Sugarcane Farmers in Haiti

Retrieved on:

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Carbon, SDG, Sustainable Development Goals, CO2, IDB, Ai, Recycling, Solar energy, Environment

The project consists of a solar energy project to generate power to cover its energy needs -- replacing existing diesel-run generators -- and building a recycling facility to reduce bottle consumption. This will enable Barbancourt to reduce emissions by approximately 45,000 tons of CO2 by 2030 by switching to solar energy and reusing glass bottles for its production.

Key Points:

IDB Invest will provide financing of up to $5 million to Rhum Barbancourt, the signature rum producer of Haiti.
Additionally, IDB Invest will provide advisory services to develop a sustainable and inclusive supply chain that will strengthen environmental, social and governance practices.
"We welcome the opportunity to partner with Barbancourt to boost Haiti's sustainable production and climate mitigation in the Caribbean," said Aitor Ezcurra, IDB Invest Chief Investment Officer (a.i.).
"The IDB Invest loan will enable us to reduce our carbon footprint while also creating jobs and improving the livelihood of thousands of sugarcane farmers."

AvevoRx Announces National Director of Pharmacy Operations Named to Triad Business Journal's "40 Leaders Under 40"

Retrieved on:

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Triad, Licensure, RPH, Coagulopathy, URAC, North Carolina State University, Growth, Doctor of Pharmacy, ACHC, American City Business Journals, University, Patient, Accreditation, USP, Biology, Nursing

GREENSBORO, N.C., Feb. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- AvevoRx, an independent provider of specialty infusion pharmacy services, is proud to announce its National Director of Pharmacy Operations, Justin R. Dent, PharmD, has been named to the Triad Business Journal's prestigious "40 Leaders Under 40" list. The 2024 list spotlights extraordinary young leaders with significant career achievements who work and are civically engaged in the Triad community of North Carolina.

Key Points:

The 2024 list spotlights extraordinary young leaders with significant career achievements who work and are civically engaged in the Triad community of North Carolina.
As its National Director of Pharmacy Operations, Dent ensures the smooth and efficient day-to-day operations of AvevoRx's pharmacy services at scale.
Dent's most significant achievements include helping to expand the company's national footprint and experience with pharmacy law and accreditation compliance.
"Our founders established a solid base, and we're constantly enhancing our operations to provide specialty pharmacy care to as many patients as possible.

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES 2023 GEORGE POLK AWARDS IN JOURNALISM

Retrieved on:

Monday, February 19, 2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Five recipients of the 2023 George Polk Awards, announced today by Long Island University, were for coverage of the Israel/Gaza and Russia/Ukraine wars in a year when the university is marking the 75th anniversary of one of American journalism's prized honors.

Key Points:

NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Five recipients of the 2023 George Polk Awards, announced today by Long Island University, were for coverage of the Israel/Gaza and Russia/Ukraine wars in a year when the university is marking the 75th anniversary of one of American journalism's prized honors.
The George Polk Awards were established in 1949 by LIU to commemorate George Polk, a CBS correspondent murdered in 1948 while covering the Greek civil war.
The awards, which place a premium on investigative and enterprising reporting that gains attention and achieves results, are conferred annually to honor special achievement in journalism.
At the same time, sixteen outstanding journalists whose careers reflect a commitment to deep investigative reporting will be honored as "George Polk laureates."

Gary Anton Reveals White House Insights in "Patriots: The Paradox of Power," Exposing Untold Narratives

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Gary Anton, a former participant in intelligence and foreign policy discussions during the Reagan administration, announces the release of his latest book, "Patriots: The Paradox of Power." In this revealing account, Anton introduces readers to his group's intelligence and foreign policy discussions during a pivotal period. Gary Anton's compelling narrative invites readers to explore the untold stories that shaped the course of our nation's history.

Key Points:

In this revealing account, Anton introduces readers to his group's intelligence and foreign policy discussions during a pivotal period.
Gary Anton's compelling narrative invites readers to explore the untold stories that shaped the course of our nation's history.
Reflecting on his participation in intelligence and foreign policy discussions, Anton emphasizes the importance of accountability and historical reflection.
Among the group's remarkable achievements was the identification of a military base established by Cuba and the Soviet Union in Grenada in 1983.

In the face of severe challenges, democracy is under stress – but still supported – across Latin America and the Caribbean

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Social media, Violence, Freedom, Democrat, Pessimism, Growth, Thought, Food, Authoritarianism, Government, Crime, Food security, COVID-19, Fear, Optimism, Democracy, Speech, Drug

Threats to economic and physical security have become persistent and pervasive across Latin America and the Caribbean – and that is affecting the way people view the state of democracy in the region.

Key Points:

Threats to economic and physical security have become persistent and pervasive across Latin America and the Caribbean – and that is affecting the way people view the state of democracy in the region.
The 2023 round of AmericasBarometer, which includes nationally representative surveys of 39,074 individuals across 24 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, reveals widespread pessimism and adversity, decreased satisfaction with the status quo, and yet also resilience in popular support for democracy.

Elevated economic and physical insecurity

In brief, despite variation among different countries, the average resident of the region has been facing elevated economic and physical security challenges for over a decade, our surveys have found.
In the mid-2010s, a global economic commodity boom ended, and the region’s economic recovery has been thwarted by structural issues, including low productivity and high income inequality.
The uptick in crime and insecurity is similarly driven by a range of factors, including economic crises and the growth of well-armed transnational criminal syndicates.

Disillusionment is a challenge to democracy

Our results show that disillusionment with the democratic status quo is strikingly high in the region, with only 40% thinking democracy is working.
Although the root causes are debated, disillusionment with the status quo fuels support for populist leaders with autocratic tendencies.
El Salvador stands as an example of how disillusionment can undermine democracy.
He cheekily referred to himself on social media as a “dictator”, while his running mate spoke of their program to eliminate democracy.

Democracy retains popular support

Despite general gloom about how well democracy is performing, there is reason for optimism: Support for democratic governance has largely held steady over the last decade of our survey.
Across the region, on average, 58% say that they believe democracy is the best form of government.
In all but three countries – Guatemala, Honduras and Suriname – majorities say they prefer democracy.
For now, at least, an enduring belief in democracy may facilitate efforts by leaders in and outside the region to champion and strengthen democratic governance.

The contents of this article are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or any other funding agency.
Elizabeth J. Zechmeister co-directs the AmericasBarometer, which has been supported by grants from USAID, the US National Science Foundation, and the Inter-American Development Bank.