Florida residents with ties to Haiti are expressing concern for their loved ones on the island, who are facing extreme violence and unrest. Cosy Joseph, a resident of Boynton Beach who runs the Gaskov Clerge Foundation, has been working to provide healthcare, education, and sports opportunities in both Haiti and the U.S. for over 20 years. Watching events unfold from a distance, Joseph described the situation in Haiti as devastating and unprecedented, with armed gangs launching attacks on prisons, police stations, the international airport, and upscale neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince. The violence has left scores of people dead and thousands homeless, leading to fears of worsening hunger.
The ongoing violence in Haiti has left many residents feeling like prisoners in their own homes, unable to go out due to safety concerns. Joseph shared the heartbreaking reality faced by her own family members in Port-au-Prince, who are confined to their homes out of fear for their safety. The situation is impacting both those living in Haiti and those living abroad, with almost every Haitian feeling the impact of the violence in some way. In response, the U.S. State Department and the Florida Department of Emergency Management have been carrying out chartered evacuation flights to bring U.S. citizens back to Florida safely. Over 200 people have been flown back to Florida since the violence began.
The violence in Haiti has escalated to levels not seen before, with armed gangs targeting various institutions and neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince. The attacks have left many dead and thousands displaced, raising concerns about a deepening humanitarian crisis. The unprecedented situation has left many feeling helpless and hopeless, with the sense of devastation permeating throughout the Haitian community both in Haiti and abroad. The fear of hunger worsening as a result of the ongoing violence adds to the urgency of addressing the crisis and finding ways to support those affected.
Cosy Joseph’s foundation has been actively involved in supporting communities in Haiti through healthcare, education, and sports initiatives, highlighting the importance of ongoing support and aid in times of crisis. The work of organizations like the Gaskov Clerge Foundation becomes even more critical in times of heightened violence and instability, as communities in Haiti face dire circumstances with limited resources. With many Haitians feeling trapped in their own homes and unable to go about their daily lives, the need for assistance and intervention from the international community is evident.
The impact of the unfolding crisis in Haiti is being felt by Haitians worldwide, prompting concern and solidarity among those with ties to the island nation. As the violence continues to escalate and the humanitarian situation worsens, the importance of providing support and aid to those affected becomes increasingly urgent. The efforts of organizations like the Gaskov Clerge Foundation, as well as the evacuation initiatives carried out by governmental agencies, reflect a concerted response to the crisis and a recognition of the need to assist those affected. Despite the challenges posed by the violence in Haiti, there is a sense of resilience and determination to overcome the crisis and rebuild communities in the face of adversity.
