/image%2F1034110%2F20221028%2Fob_0c2a43_thumbnail-13.jpeg)
Some of the biggest news coming out of Haiti in recent weeks concerns attempts by America’s DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) to arrest a man named Guy Philippe. Philippe, long accused by Aristide of drug running, was one of the key leaders of the 2004 armed coup d’état against democratically-elected President Aristide, a coup d’état with key Canadian involvement. After Canadian troops helped secure the airport in Port-au-Prince so US troops could whisk Aristide out of the country (the US is still barring his return), Miami lawyer Gérard Latortue was flown in to run a dictatorship that saw thousands murdered and tens of thousands raped, with Canada’s full knowledge and support. In the elections that were held two years later, in 2006, Guy Philippe ran for President, winning about 2% of the vote.
Election posters of Guy Philippe in Port au Prince prior to the 2006 elections.
So why is the DEA suddenly looking for him now, years after his affiliations with drugs were known? A recent article by American journalist Kevin Pina may shed crucial light on the subject: Philippe has been spilling the beans on Haitian radio, naming the names of members of the Haitian business and political elite involved in the overthrow of democracy in 2004. A crucial name is Andy Apaid, textile mogul in Haiti who makes T-shirts for Montreal based Gilden ActiveWear (seen the ads on the bus shelters?). Apaid is being fingered for key involvement in the overthrow of democracy in 2004. Him and his cronies all have ties to the US and could name many more inconvenient names.
Andy Apaid delivers a speech in the 2006 elections in Haiti. Photo: Darren Ell
So as in much of US history, a close friend and ally (in this case Guy Philippe) has become a common enemy that needs to be locked up. He’s still in hiding, but the story is worth following.
citizen.nfb.ca/blogs/2007/07
/https%3A%2F%2Fayibopost.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F11%2FOrange-Brown-Animated-Creative-Colorful-Welcome-Autumn-Video-1-1-675x380.jpg)
/image%2F1034110%2F20220615%2Fob_330770_proxy-image-1.png)
/image%2F1034110%2F20201010%2Fob_5199b7_20200325120332-ea3c56f0dd5af3ed4d7267f.jpeg)
/image%2F1034110%2F20190419%2Fob_77267f_serveimage-3.jpg)
/https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F3zA7ByU7KwQ%2Fhqdefault.jpg)
/https%3A%2F%2Fayibopost.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F04%2FYon-jenn-etidyan-ki-ap-fe-lekti-1.jpg)
/image%2F1034110%2F20240503%2Fob_04050d_arton10245-0dfbb.png)
/https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FoACius7KVrY%2Fhqdefault.jpg)
Commenter cet article