In defense of Haiti’s image

Dear Editor:

As I'm sure most of you are aware, another study has surfaced linking

Haitian immigrants to the introduction of AIDS in the US. The study was conducted by professors at the University of Miami and the University of Arizona. Clearly, the results of this study put a stain on Haiti's reputation in the US and make things more trying for Haitian immigrants.

You may recall that several years ago, a similar study was put forth and the strong negative reaction from the Haitian community prompted the US government, namely the Center for Disease Control, to come out and denounce the findings.

I believe we again need to take action and raise awareness of this issue within the US government. Having Haitian leaders visit Washington to raise this issue and provide the facts to the US officials will go a long way in accomplishing that goal and protecting and defending Haiti's image.

To that end, if members of the community are interested in considering a trip to DC to help get this message out, I would be more than happy to help arrange meetings with the appropriate officials, including the Center for Disease Control, the Department of Health and Human Services, Members of Congress, and others.

We need to strike fast and efficiently on this topic before this misinformation has a chance to sink into the psyche of Americans and US officials. I believe your involvement would be greatly helpful on this front. I would strongly encourage you to make the trip -- it is certainly a worthy cause!

Stanley Lucas
President
Washington Democracy Project
The Haitian Coalition USA