HaitiXchange caught up the Rara band Dra Ra Ra during their first rehearsal of 2009. Their founder, Pè Yves, discussed their new Carnival song “Tout Moun Sou Do” [Everyone on Their Backs], as well as their plans to attend Barack Obama’s inauguration on January 20th.
Haiti is 205 years old today. What would Haiti’s founding fathers think of the Haiti of today? Would they be impressed in the changes that have been made since colonial times, or would they be utterly disappointed at the inability of the country to move forward.
Unlike previous years, Haitians do not need to fear a rise in crime during this holiday season. In the commercial center of Port-au-Prince, people are going about their business without the fear of being robbed by bandits. Haitians appreciate the efforts of law enforcement to insure minimal security.
For some time now, Haiti has been witnessing a new phenomenon: people have stopped worrying about painting their homes. They live in the houses even before they have time to be completed. A quick glance at any shanty town as well as the more affluent neighborhoods in Haiti’s capital, reveals to what degree this phenomenon has taken hold.
