Latest news with #Port-au-Prince
CBS News
3 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Haitian Americans desperate to return home amid violence and travel restrictions
Haitian Americans stranded in the U.S. say they are growing desperate as ongoing violence and the shutdown of commercial flights into Port-au-Prince keep them from returning to their home country. Despite a Level 4 travel advisory and mounting dangers, many say their lives and work are in Haiti and they're willing to risk everything to go back. It's been several months since any commercial airline has landed in Haiti's capital, leaving families separated and humanitarian efforts stalled. The situation became more dire after a Spirit Airlines plane was shot at while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince last November. "As soon as the airport is open, I will go back" Pastor Jean Rigaud and his wife, Melande, have been stuck in Miami since February of last year, waiting for a safe way back to Haiti, where they run a church, school, and orphanage. "As soon as the airport is open, I will go back because they are waiting for me so I'm more effective in Haiti," said Jean. His wife, Melande, says she shares that urgency - even though she knows the risks. "This is hard to say. I may go; they may kill me too, but this is my country." The Rigauds say, despite the chaos and bloodshed, Haiti is where they are needed most. Their orphanage houses 50 children, and their school serves hundreds more. "Life in Haiti is very hard, very tough. There is no life. The children cannot go to school. They're not safe. There is no hospital. They destroy everything," said Melande. Asked why she still wants to return, she simply replied, "This is my country!" Jean added, "I dedicate my life to stay in Haiti to minister to the good people in Haiti and to help mostly children." "It's very dangerous to get to Port-au-Prince" Though the airport in Cap-Haïtien remains open, only one airline currently flies in and out - and it's on the opposite end of the country. Reaching Port-au-Prince by road is treacherous, especially with widespread gang activity. Sylvain Exantus, who lives in Tabaire near Port-au-Prince, says gangs burned down his home. Now stuck in Miami, he too longs to return but says it's impossible. "By normal roads, it's very dangerous to get to Port-au-Prince," he said. Fear for the future amid TPS concerns Many Haitian Americans are now speaking out in desperation, hoping for stability in Haiti and concerned about their immigration status in the U.S. The Trump administration's plan to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Haitians has added urgency to their situation. Despite the violence and uncertainty, those like the Rigauds and Exantus say their heart is still in Haiti - and they will return as soon as they can.
CBC
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Montreal director's new film shows different, beautiful side of Haiti
Joseph Hillel's film 'At All Kosts' looks at the courage and dignity of people living in Haiti. He's hoping to show a different side of the country often characterized by its political unrest and brutality.
CBS News
17-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
American-born South Florida woman plans family move to Haiti despite ongoing turmoil
As many flee Haiti due to political instability and violence, one South Florida woman is going against the tide and packing her bags and moving her family to the country she considers home. Rebekah Antoine, an American-born public health professional, says her heart has always been in Haiti and now, she's ready to make it her permanent home. A heartfelt homecoming Like many in the Haitian diaspora, Antoine dreamed of returning to her ancestral homeland. Though born in Miami, she says her connection to Haiti has only grown stronger over the years. "I don't want to live in this climate," Antoine said. "Despite everything happening in Haiti, it's home. I'd rather be home and make home better instead of being somewhere where my people and I are not welcome." The decision didn't come lightly. Antoine reflected on the worsening situation in Port-au-Prince but ultimately felt compelled to return. "I had to reflect last year—Port-au-Prince is not getting better any time soon—but I gotta go back. I start to feel frustrated with the situation and I'm like I need to go back and I want to help." Preparing for a new chapter Antoine, a registered doula with a master's degree in public health from Florida International University, already has a job lined up with the nonprofit Mama Baby Haiti. Her husband's work is remote and her children are enrolled in school in Cap-Haïtien. "I have taught them Haitian Creole. They speak, they read Haitian Creole as good as you can as a Haitian American," she said. With potential changes to U.S. immigration policy looming—including the possible end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians—Antoine says she wants to be on the ground to help. "With what happened with Trump, if all these people are going to be sent back, we need people there capable to receive them and provide care. Pregnant women are going to get deported." Though she admits to feeling fear, Antoine says it's not holding her back. "Bravery is not having no fear, it's doing something in spite of fear." She plans to leave after her children finish the school year and she's already bought one-way plane tickets.
