Haiti Declines To Renew Dominican Republic's Lease
Sunday, 08 January 2012 00:00
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Earlier this week, Haitian officials sent a letter to notify the Dominican Republic that they will not renew their lease after it expires.
"We regret to inform you that we will not extend your lease, which is scheduled to end on December 31, 2012," the letter said. "We trust this notice will provide you with sufficient time to secure a new residence for your citizens and vacate the premises."
According to the signed lease documents, the Dominican Republic has been renting 2/3 of the island of Hispaniola from their western neighbor since 1844 as part of their declaration of independence from Haiti. As the 168-year lease comes up for renewal this year, the Haitian administration opted not to renew the contract.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - On a recent trip to Haiti, television talk-show queen Oprah Winfrey surprised the entire population of the Caribbean nation by giving each resident a free car.
"I have a surprise for you today," said Winfrey speaking to a crowd in Champs-de-Mars. "Each one of you is going home today with a brand new car. You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car!"
The unexpected announcement stunned and delighted spectators who came out to catch a glimpse of the billionaire media mogul.
"I'm speechless," said former Brooklyn resident Sherline Laguerre who is enjoying retirement in her native land. "I've been a fan of Oprah for years. When I heard she was visiting the country, I thought I'd come to see her, maybe get her autograph or a picture with her. Would you believe it? Now I'm going home with a Mini Cooper."
As Part Of National Reconciliation, Aristide Confirms Cédras As Friend On Facebook
Thursday, 10 November 2011 00:00
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - In a further sign of progress towards national unity, former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide has accepted ex-military Raoul Cédras's request to add him as a friend on Facebook.
The news came as a complete shock to Haitians everywhere and the international community considering the well publicized falling-out between the two men. Aristide admitted that he confirmed Cédras, the man who overthrew him in a 1991 US-backed coup, as a friend on the popular social networking site for the sake of national reconciliation.
"Look, after what that little weasel did to me, I realize I have every right to deny his friend request," said Aristide. "But, this is not about me. This is about my country. And right now, my country needs me.'"
Disguised Cédras Caught Trying To Win Old Job Back
Wednesday, 26 October 2011 00:00
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Wearing a fake black mustache, former army General Raoul Cédras was caught on Monday as he attempted to convince the Martelly administration to put him in charge of the new army, Haitian officials said.
"Shame on Cédras for carrying out such audacious plot," said Thierry Mayard-Paul, Minister of Interior and National Defense. "Lucky for us all, we didn't hire him."
Cédras, the former Lieutenant General responsible for the 1991 coup d'état that ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, wore a self adhesive as a means to avoid being recognized by administration officials. In addition, the deposed military ruler daringly managed to enter the National Palace under the fictitious name, Caoul Rédras, to discuss his qualifications to lead the new armed force.
"In retrospect, we should have instantly picked it up on the name," said Mayard-Paul, expressing remorse over the oversight. "In our defense, we were overwhelmed sorting through a huge stack of résumés."
"We regret to inform you that we will not extend your lease, which is scheduled to end on December 31, 2012," the letter said. "We trust this notice will provide you with sufficient time to secure a new residence for your citizens and vacate the premises."
"I have a surprise for you today," said Winfrey speaking to a crowd in Champs-de-Mars. "Each one of you is going home today with a brand new car. You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car!"
The news came as a complete shock to Haitians everywhere and the international community considering the well publicized falling-out between the two men. Aristide admitted that he confirmed Cédras, the man who overthrew him in a 1991 US-backed coup, as a friend on the popular social networking site for the sake of national reconciliation.
"Shame on Cédras for carrying out such audacious plot," said Thierry Mayard-Paul, Minister of Interior and National Defense. "Lucky for us all, we didn't hire him."
