Oct 21, 2008 6:48 pm US/Eastern
Haitian Pres. Seeking More Aid From S. Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
Haiti's President visited South Florida in hopes of securing more aid for his hurricane ravished country.
In an exclusive interview with
CBS4's Sharri Williams, Rene Preval spoke candidly about the deplorable state of Haiti and his hopes of restoring it.
Preval says the first and foremost priority is to get help to the millions of Haitians who are suffering.
"The first phase was rapidly bringing assistance to these isolated communities, the second phase is bringing over 6 months food aid to these communities," said Preval. "The third phase will be re-construction-rebuilding bridges rebuilding houses for these people who are in an extremely difficult situation."
Preval flew to Florida to meet with leaders in Broward County who reached out to him with a plan that would provide Haiti thousands of portables that were used in 1992 when Hurricane Andrew hit.
"So we may have around 6 to 7 thousand portables that will be implanted throughout the entire Republic of Haiti to house schools, to house health centers and also shelters nearby so that people can be protected and safe," said Preval.
The international community has heard Haiti's cry for help and has responded by pledging millions of dollars along with supplies to get the country back on its feet. Preval said South Florida has been very generous in making donations.
Last month,
CBS4's Williams traveled to Haiti and saw the destruction and the despair in people's eyes. One overwhelming complaint being made at the time was that the government was not doing enough and people lacked trust in those in power.
"What will you do and continue to do to make sure that the confidence is restored in the people, that the government is working to make a positive change," Williams asked Preval.
"When we came to power there was 40% percent inflation. Now inflation is down to 7.5 percent. When we came to power growth was negative, last year we experienced 3.5 percent growth. This does not mean that people are satisfied but it does mean we are stepping in the right direction," replied Preval.
U.S. Representative Alcee Hastings is pushing for temporary protective status for Haitians in this country. He says it's inhumane to send men and women back to Haiti when the country is recovering from severe storms. The temporary protective status would allow Haitians to work legally in this country and halt the deportations of non-criminals.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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