Baby Doc could get millions

Haitians in Florida could be incensed to learn of a recent report that Former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier, who was exiled from Haiti after he was overthrown in 1986, could receive almost six million dollars that he was accused of stealing from that country. Since the exile of Duvalier and his wife, Michelle in 1986, he has been living in France. The Duvaliers were divorced some years ago. The funds, alleged to be deposited in Swiss bank accounts, were frozen by the Swiss government in 2002, after the Duvalier family had set up a foundation in Liechtenstein, Switzerland.

Repots are that in 2005 Haiti’s interim government confirmed that it was in negotiations with Switzerland to provide a large percentage of the money back to Haiti to be used for humanitarian projects. However, these talks were reported to be unsuccessful. The Swiss government then set new deadlines and stipulations for the funds to be unfrozen and distributed.

The reports state that a spokeswoman for the Swiss government in Washington, D.C. said attempts have been made to get the relevant parties “to the table” so that an agreement could be made on the allocation of the frozen funds. These parties include the current Haitian government, and two of Duvalier’s sisters. The Swiss has been unable to locate the sisters, who are believed to live in Florida, or get the legal cooperation from the Haitian government. Without such a meeting, and an agreement reached, the funds could be given unrestricted access to the funds as early as next month.

According to the last update, Barry Irving is in Calcutta, India. This is what he had to say in his last blog:

Dear Friends:

I apologize for being out of touch, but I had to put my game face on to travel 2,000 nautical miles in two days. Since Tuesday I’ve flown through the air spaces of Iran, Oman, and Pakistan. Currently I am located on the Far East side of India, in Calcutta, after landing in Mumbai yesterday. Being in India is a unique experience and a major change from Dubai. Although I haven’t yet had the opportunity to experience the culture here, I did make several observations from the air, where I could see the clear divide between rich and poor. I was surprised to see all the private aircrafts, which I was told is an indication that the aviation industry is expanding in the country. On the down side, the poverty here is unbearable to see. As we drove from the airport, I saw people living in the streets in hammocks and washing their clothes in puddles on the road. In some areas there was a vile smell in the air. Witnessing this poverty truly made me appreciate the freedom and opportunity available in the U.S. In the states, we all have a CHANCE to live our dreams. In some countries, it’s not an option. If you are born poor, you may die poor, whether you have potential or not. I wish I could inspire young people everywhere to rise above their surroundings, but I’m doing the best I can.

On a more positive note, I had the rare opportunity to see an Airbus A380 takeoff and land for a demo flight in Mumbai. It was amazing to see the world’s largest civilian aircraft, not yet released, maneuver around the airport. For such a large aircraft it is very quiet. Seeing it up close was definitely a high note for me in Mumbai in the scorching heat. For all you aviation enthusiasts, I took some pictures of the A380 that will be posted on the website once I reach Hong Kong.

Special thanks to everyone for all of your prayers. God Bless. For more log on to www.experienceaviation.com

Haiti’s Preval meets with President Bush

Haitian President Rene Preval, on his first official visit to the United States since being elected as Haiti’s president a year ago, met with President Bush at the White House last week. Reports are that Preval outlined a long list of issues he wants the U.S. to assist Haiti with. This included better protection for undocumented Haitian migrants and more U.S. investment in Haiti.

It has also been reported that the American president quietly rebuked Preval for his relationship with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, one of US’s nemeses. Chavez has promised Haiti, among other kinds of aid, $57 million to rebuild airports, an oil deal that could save Haiti up to $150 million and a new oil refinery. Preval attended a summit of leftist leaders hosted by Chavez in Caracas, Venezuela last month. The reports state that Bush reminded Preval that the U.S. actually delivered on its commitment.

The United States is currently providing some $200 million in aid to Haiti annually, and has provided the country with $700 since 2004. In contrast, much of what Chavez has promised has yet to arrive.

Haitians drown as boat capsizes in Turks and Caicos

Tragedy continues to plague Haitians who attempt to flee their impoverished homeland in boats in search of a better life. Last week, a boat transporting some 150 Haitians capsized as it was being towed by Turks and Caicos police to a harbor. Reports are that thirty six people drowned, and more than forty are missing in the shark-infested waters. Seventy-eight Haitians were rescued and are being held in a detention camp at South Dock, in the Turks and Caicos.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are British territories just north of Haiti, and is a frequent destination for Haitians fleeing their homeland.

Reports from the Turks and Caicos are that the 30-foot sailboat which was extremely overcrowded had been intercepted about two miles south of Five Cays on Providenciales Island in the early hours on Friday, May 4. After being intercepted the vessel was being towed by the police to the island. The boats encountered rough seas and the one transporting the Haitians capsized. Although the Turks and Caicos police immediately tried to rescue the ill-fated passengers, many disappeared. Reports that several of the bodies recovered had shark bites all over them.

The last update on Experience Aviation showed Barrington in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He was fortunate to meet up with Jamaicans living in Dubai. This is what he had to say in his April 25 blog:

“Today was certainly a memorable for me as I had the opportunity to meet with fellow local Jamaicans here in Dubai. At a brunch organized by Nicole Williams, the wife of a Jamaican Emirates pilot, I had the opportunity to spend time with passionate Jamaicans who encouraged me to continue pursuing my dreams and encouraging students. Most of these Jamaicans were pilots for local airlines in Dubai and they made me feel at home.” For more on Barry Irving visit www.experienceaviation.org