Haiti, the site of the most successful slave revolt in history, is now the poorest country in the Americas, and among the most foreign dominated. It has survived political violence throughout its history including a mid-twentieth century US occupation and successive dictatorships. Now under the auspices of the UN and aided by multiple NGOs is this island nation turning the corner?
Hardly, says York University Professor Justin Podur who has recently authored the book Haiti's New Dictatorship, The Coup, the Earthquake and the UN Occupation. In this interview Podur argues that even with elections and foreign assistance by the UN, EU, Canada and the US, the ruling authority in Haiti can be accurately described as a dictatorship.
Also, we take a look at North-Eastern US states following the carnage wrought by Hurricane Sandy, estimated to be one of the most destructive storms to ever hit the United States. Community broadcaster Ken Freedman of Hoboken, New Jersey and Michael Premo of Brooklyn relate their observances and experiences on the ground in these devastated areas, and how grassroots organizations are successfully rising to the challenge of providing relief to the survivors of the superstorm.
Interviews: Michael Welch
(1:50-27:30) Justin Podur on Haiti's New Dictatorship (28:01-42:10) Ken Freedman on Hurrican Sandy in New Jersey (42:20-58:04) Michael Premo on Hurricane Sandy in New York.