Hundreds of thousands of Haitians, most of them young people, are leaving in search of opportunities and a respite from instability. They leave behind holes in families, towns and schools, as well as in state institutions, businesses and the cultural and political organizations of Haitian civil society. But those who remain, willingly or unwillingly, also leave holes, as they no longer enjoy freedom of movement, and where every outing requires sophisticated planning in the provinces due to fuel shortages or occurs at the risk of being kidnapped in the capital.
Poko bout / Unfinished is the theme chosen for this 4th issue, echoing the general feeling of being incomplete, of halting mid-flight, which is felt not only at the individual level but also collectively. The work is not finished because so much has stopped mid-course, whether it is Haiti's ambition for equality, political mobilization against corruption, advances in feminist struggles, a school year that has to be completed in a third country, lives taken and lives not given the chance to begin.
Contributions by Darline Alexis, Val Bah, Micalle Charles, Monique Clesca, Yanick Lahens, Tessa Mars, Nathania Pericles, Velphyne Pierre
and Sherlee Skai
Illustrations: Corine Bond
Translation: Mlodie Crin, Anne-Doris Lapommeray, Nadine Mondestin, Galle Bien-Aim and Rose-Myrlie Joseph