Caribbean News
VooDoo fears lead to Massacre of over 100 Elderly people by Haitian gang
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Haiti, December 18, 2024 – The sudden death of a gang leader’s son is reportedly what triggered a gut wrenching slaughter of nearly 200 people, the majority of whom were described as elderly men and women by the United Nations.
In a report on December 9, it was said: “The Secretary-General strongly condemns the continued gang violence and loss of life in Haiti, where an armed gang is reported to have killed at least 184 people, including 127 elderly men and women, between 6 and 8 December in the Wharf Jérémie neighbourhood in Cité Soleil. He expresses his deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims of this horrific act.”
The gang leader was very motivated. Media reports indicate that he believed witchcraft or voodoo was behind the death of his own son. Unleased was a wrath that left humanitarian groups and those advocating for a return to peace in Haiti, stunned.
A BBC report revealed the people were rounded up, asked no questions and shot or stabbed to death. The mutilated bodies were then burned in the streets.
“… the UN political mission – BINUH – reiterates its call on all political actors to redouble efforts to keep their commitments to move
towards the restoration of social peace and the organization of elections for the Haitian people.
The Mission adds that efforts to improve security in the country will only generate lasting progress if they are also accompanied by progress towards the organization of credible, participatory and inclusive elections.
In this period of major uncertainty and emergency, the political mission says, political stability is necessary to improve the overall situation in the country.
In this regard, the UN Mission in Haiti welcomes the continued efforts of CARICOM’s (Caribbean Community’s) Eminent Personalities and hopes all those involved in the transition will play their full role to ensure its success.”
This incredible instability has raged on since March 4, when Haitian gangs attacked the Toussaint Louverture International Airport. They overwhelmed the weakened Haitian National Police and barred the then Prime Minister, Dr. Ariel Henry from re-entering the country.
Over 5,000 people have been killed in the tyranny. This latest massacre has forced some 10,000 people to flee the area in fear for their own lives and safety and despite the deployment of 416 foreign police, the carnage continues.
“The Secretary-General calls on the Haitian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that perpetrators of these and all other human rights abuses and violations are brought to justice,” said the UN, adding that “The Secretary-General reiterates his pressing call to Member States to provide the Multinational Security Support mission the financial and logistical support required to successfully assist the Haitian National Police in addressing gang violence. He also calls on all Haitian stakeholders to accelerate progress in the political transition.”
It is a political transition that has been fraught with failures. Still the hope is CARICOM will be able to get Haiti across the line, to an agreement which establishes when a national election can be held.
“Our mission in Haiti reiterates its firm commitment to support any effort aimed at restoring the confidence of the Haitian people in their authorities, in complete freedom and independence.”
There is anticipation for a greater impact of the security personnel, as over 600 new Kenyan officers, trained by the UN, are expected to join the effort to stabilise the Republic.
PHOTO BY ERIKA CHILDS CHARLES (Facebook)
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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