Haiti Earthquake

The first anniversary of the earthquake that killed some 220,000 Haitians and left an estimated 1.5 million homeless is likely to increase calls for donors to deliver on their promises of recovery aid and to spur questions about a cholera epidemic that has killed some 2700 Haitians. A presidential election stalemate adds political volatility to the Caribbean country's woes. Memorials services will be held in many cities of the world, in Haiti and at the United Nations.

There were at least 85 confirmed UN fatalities, including mission head Hedi Annabi.

The International Donors’ Conference Towards a New Future for Haiti, held on Mar 30 at UN headquarters, demonstrated an international commitment to Haiti’s short and long-term recovery, according to a UN press release. It yielded more than US $9 billion in pledges for Haiti’s reconstruction but questions remain about the rate of delivery on the pledges and the way money is being spent.

Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive told the BBC recently that his government had too little influence because aid money was channelled through outside agencies.He added that only 20 per cent of the aid pledged had been received so far.

According to the Bay State Banner in May, a half-million homeless received tarps and tents; far more are still waiting under soggy bed sheets in camps that reek of human waste. More than 4.3 million people got emergency food rations; few will be able to feed themselves anytime soon. Medical aid went to thousands, but long-term care isn’t even on the horizon. The newspaper notes the growing discontent in the country. Haitian leaders — frustrated that billions are bypassing them in favor of UN agencies and American and other non-governmental organizations — are whipping up sentiment against foreign aid groups they say have gone out of control.

The Guardian newspaper questioned in December why, when some 12,000 non-governmental organisations are in Haiti and involved in the recovery effort, so many people have been infected with cholera, a disease that is easily treated and controlled. In the 11 months since the quake, according to the article, little has been done to improve sanitation -- a reliable measure against the disease -- across the country.

The earthquake destroyed much of the infrastructure for holding an election. The first round of the presidential vote saw low turnout, fraud, rampant disorganization, violence and voter intimidation. There were 19 candidates on the ballot. Rioting followed preliminary results that showed carnival singer Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly eliminated in favor of ruling-party candidate Jude Celestin by less than 1 per cent. Former first lady Mirlande Manigat was in first place. Most candidates have called for the results to be thrown out. The government of President René Préval has promised a recount.
This is from World News Forecast.