CARICOM must strive to find the truth
published: Wednesday | March 3, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

IF HAITIAN president Jean-Bertrand Aristide was indeed forced at gunpoint by United States armed forces to leave his homeland, then democratic nations, led by CARICOM, must cry foul and do so loudly. I find it highly implausible that President Aristide would make such a dangerous accusation, particularly against the world's only superpower.

U.S. armed forces cannot act without direct orders from its superiors in Washington DC. Yet, the Bush administration has denied Aristide's allegations. One thing is certain, if it turns out that Aristide is correct, this would have harsh and dangerous implications for democratic nations throughout the world, particularly those which don't comply or agree with the U.S. on certain issues.

CARICOM must leave no stone unturned in getting to the truth about Aristide's abrupt departure from Haiti. If U.S. armed forces did indeed order Aristide to leave Haiti, then a thin line would exist between the actions of terrorists and non-terrorists.

I am, etc.,

PATRICK A. GALLIMORE

pagalley@hotmail.com

Kingston

Via Go-Jamaica