Unrest in Haiti

Unrest and uncertainty have besieged Haiti, which is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Protests have erupted throughout Port-au-Prince and other cities as frustrations grow because of a perceived power grab by President Jovenel Moise. Demonstrators are also upset with an increase in gang violence and the ongoing health and economic concerns that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Protesters are calling on the Haitian president to leave office immediately.

Instructors, click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.

Download the PowerPoint Lecture Spark for “Unrest in Haiti"

Links

“Dispute over Haiti presidential term triggers unrest”
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-56069575

“Haiti’s Power Struggle Raises Fear of Dictatorship”
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-12/why-haiti-power-struggle-raises-fear-of-dictatorship-quicktake

“Thousands march in Haiti to say ‘No to dictatorship’ as peaceful protest turned violent”
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article249251975.html

“Is there a democratic solution to Haiti’s current crisis?”
https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/12/americas/haiti-president-constitution-us-support-crisis-intl/index.html

“The Haitian diaspora wants Haiti to relive 1492 and 1915”
https://haitiantimes.com/2021/02/15/the-haitian-diaspora-wants-haiti-to-relive-1492-and-1915/

“Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs Claude Joseph spoke to FRANCE 24 about concerns the United States and the international community have of the recent political turmoil in his country over the presidential term limit.”
https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/the-interview/20210210-haitian-foreign-minister-the-president-is-not-a-dictator

“Haiti Supreme Court Judge Linked to Coup Plot Released from Detention”
https://www.voanews.com/americas/haiti-supreme-court-judge-linked-coup-plot-released-detention

Assessment

Writing: Describe why protesters are upset with President Moise and his government.
Debate: The U.S. and the international community should intervene in Haiti to protect the demonstrators and provide stability.
Poll: President Moise is justified in his consolidation of power and reform.
Short Answer: What would be the ramifications if Haiti becomes a failed state?

Current events quiz:

1) All the following are reasons why Haitian protesters have taken to the streets EXCEPT:

a. Economic concerns
b. Health concerns
c. Environmental concerns
d. Security concerns

2) President Moise supports constitutional reforms that would weaken which branch of government?

a. Legislative
b. Executive
c. Judicial
d. Bureaucracy

3) Which of the following statements is false concerning President Moise and his government?

a. He has cancelled scheduled parliamentary elections
b. He ordered the mass execution of dissidents
c. He forced some of the top members of the judiciary into retirement
d. He has arrested people who challenged his rule.

4) Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Haiti. (T/F)

5) President Jovenel Moise has recently been accused of a power grab. (T/F)

6) Haiti remains one of the wealthiest countries within the Americas. (T/F)

Answers:

1) C

2) A

3) B

4) True

5) True

6) False

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