'Typical of Carib politics'
published: Tuesday | March 2, 2004
THE EDITOR , Sir:
AFTER THREE weeks of protest from his own people and pressure from the international community President Aristide has finally fled Haiti. His refusal to demit office until his time was up was based on the premise that he was elected by the masses. The masses, having put up with 10 years of suffering and a declining standard of living, lost hope. In order to salvage what's left of their dignity, and drive home the message, they had to rebel.
President Aristide's determination to remain in office despite his people's protest is typical of Caribbean politics, especially Jamaica. They tenaciously cling to power even when their services are no longer required.
I, however, applaud President Aristide for having the decency and common sense to leave (even if he was encouraged) setting the precedent for his counterparts who hold office but have not done much to better the lot of the masses to leave quietly and with dignity.
