For some time now, kidnapping has been part of everyday life in Haiti. It’s a hot topic in both traditional and online media. The situation affects all sectors, particularly the academic world. Schoolchildren and university students alike are affected by this frightening phenomenon. Some are discouraged, but others are resisting.
Abdias Alexis, a 24-year-old law student at the Université d’Etat d’Haïti, is a young dreamer who hopes one day to see a new Haiti. Alexis says he is concerned by the worsening of events as the days go by. “Like most citizens, I live in fear. I sometimes cancel certain night-time activities as a precautionary measure. I can’t go about my business outside this perimeter, which is surrounded by armed gangs operating freely in the surrounding area. I have to change my route [every time] to get to the faculty, because at bas-Delmas, la Saline, etc… gang leaders sow terror. Sometimes the public transport buses are held up by these criminals”, in
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He lives in fear for his life and his loved ones. And he’s not the only one who has to face these dangers every day. Célineca Léana Cénadin, 18, is a brilliant young woman who has lived through this terrifying moment. Fear, stress and anxiety are her existential lot. Everyone deals with their frustrations and confusion in their own way. Some may feel in danger, while others manage to cope.
“I don’t live anymore! Every morning, when I leave the house to go to work, it’s like going to war. I tremble at the possibility of being robbed, sequestered etc.,” said the manager.
Claudine, a 21-year-old 3rd-year medical student at the Université de la Fondation Aristide (UNIFA), is learning to adapt to this situation, in which the authorities are powerless to intervene. I go to university 6 days out of 7. Which exposes me to a lot more danger. In Haiti, we adapt to any situation that arises, and in a way we normalize it. I’m no exception.
Some find it hard to focus on academic work. “It’s true that I would have liked to be in a suitable environment, but I’m a girl who always manages to fight for what she wants, despite the difficulties. Yes, it can happen that stress overwhelms me and blocks my inspiration a little, but it’s always ephemeral”, explains Célineca Léana Cénadin, a student in Public Administration at INAGHEI.
“Of course we are. We’re scared, we’re stressed. We’re in shock. We can’t work well. We can’t concentrate on our work. Preparing for our exams is becoming more difficult with other worries taking away our peace of mind,” complains Abdias Alexis.
According to Claudine, good academic performance depends on a number of factors, including being in a safe environment in every respect, so the fact that there’s this wave of insecurity doesn’t work on its own. It also reflects a constant state of stress affecting these
returns. However, she feels that she would be more productive in a better environment.
At the same time, the manager may freeze, feel pain/stiffness in her neck and have the impression that her blood circulation is poor. At this point, she’s working below capacity. She takes much longer to finish a job because she can’t concentrate.
Living on Haitian soil is an act of bravery and perseverance. Haitians are described as warriors. Young people wonder about their future in Haiti? According to them, they would have a better chance of succeeding in life.
“Sometimes I think how I would have excelled better in another country offering better opportunities where security is guaranteed. For those
who still live in Haiti, I would say that most of them don’t have a choice, or that they harbor desires for change and want to actively make their contribution,” reveals Claudine, deep in thought.
“I often feel like fleeing the country, but to go where? Those who still live in Haiti, I would call HEROS. Indeed, they are. Facing danger on a daily basis and managing to survive is nothing short of an act of heroism,” says Célineca Léana Cénadin.
Continues the future lawyer, Alexis, “The desire to flee the country is in all of us. But there’s also the desire to fight. It’s more reassuring. After fighting, we’ll be able to live easily in our own country. Elsewhere, we’re still skeptical.
She dreamed of spending her whole life in the fold, but conditions are no longer favorable. “Yes, unfortunately. I used to sell dreams, but now I want to go far away and never set foot here again. Those who now live in Haiti are brave”, says the manager with trembling hands.
The young people are calling on the authorities to assume their responsibilities. Because they hate living in such a situation, we’re fed up with watching the country in peril, while the decision-makers enjoy the perks of their positions without ever achieving any major results. Haiti can no longer breathe.
“The authorities are well aware of what we’re going through. And they are fully complicit. The people named in kidnapping cases are never summoned or arrested. What are the authorities worth to present their claims? Let them leave, accompanied by their thugs! The street is to the people what justice is to a nation”, Alexis Abdias criticizes the passivity of those in power with regard to bandits.
Leaders have tried numerous measures to stop kidnapping, but so far nothing has been done. Haitians are dying in anguish. Jovenel Moïse, on the other hand, is a firm believer in the forthcoming elections. Which planet is Jovenel Moïse living on? Haiti or…?
Claudine and Christelle; borrowed names.
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