Unit VII: 'Recent' History of the Caribbean Region (7/3)

Cuba
In 2006, Fidel Castro handed over temporary control of Cuba to his brother Raul. In 2008, that transfer of power was made permanent. However, earlier in the 2000s, Fidel Castro did an interview with ABC's Barbara Walters.

Haiti
Corresponding text found on p271-277 of Brief History of the Caribbean.

Period following the exile of Jean-Claude Duvalier marked by instability and virtual absence of govt
1987 - New Constitution approved; markedly divides power; created almost permanent gridlock
Most influence held by regional leaders and not central govt until Dec 1990 elections (respectable)

Jean-Bertrand Aristide elected President; trained (eventually suspended) as Catholic priest, laicized 1995
Supported by rural citizens and poor of Port-au-Prince where he had ministered; Lavalas 'Party'
Agitated, violent, activist supporters infamous for violent acts in support of Aristide
Govt institutes high tariffs; discusses expropriation of lands and funds; economy moved close to collapse
Aug 1991 - National Assembly moves for vote of no confidence; vote suspended due to violent opposition
Sept 1991 - Aristide travels to NY for UN; military coup; returns and calls for uprising
Aristide exiled to Venezuela
1992 - Aristide moved to Washington DC to advocate for his return to presidency

US President Bush ordered embargo on Haiti and its military govt in 1992
Subsequent economic destitution led +35,000 Haitians to flee (rafters)
June 1993 - Clinton Administration increases economic pressure for Aristide return
Military leaders and Aristide meet and agree on terms for return in Oct; terrorized Aristide supporters
Oct 1993 - 200 US & Canadian soldiers arrive with Aristide in Haiti; violent opposition and civil unrest
Jan 1994 - Aristide hosts conference in Miami to demand active US involvement
May 1994 - Clinton modifies US refugee policy for Haitians; thousands more picked up at sea

President Clinton addresses American public on Haiti

US reimposes trade embargo; UN authorizes US invasion of Haiti
Sept 1994 - Haitian military leaders flee prior to US invasion
Oct 1994 - Aristide returned to power; sanctions lifted; Haiti in shambles; avg income = $220/person
March 1995 - US troops leave; UN peacekeeps takeover security

Aristide abided by conditions of reinstallation; market reforms; leave office in 96; ensure democracy
Lavalas successful in elections; Rene Preval elected President in Dec 1995 with Aristide support
Aristide upset with some Preval initiatives; Lavalas split into pro-Aristide and pro-Preval factions
Haitian economy supported by international aid, remittances, and illegal activity
2000 Presidential election marred by violence between competing factions

As part of this topic, we will also view Frontline: The Quake on the 2010 Haitian earthquake.

The Anglophone Caribbean

Jamaica
Democracy remains vibrant in Jamaica but economic problems persist; Causes?
Drug trafficking and subsequent violence have become most pressing concern
2006 - Portia Miller-Simpson (PNP) became 1st female PM in Jamaica
JLP govt and PM Bruce Golding problems in Dudus Coke affair highlight Jamaican issues