 |
Center Elmont Memorial Senior class President Ian Feurtado speaks to the crowd. |
By Darlie Gervais
Haitian Times Staff
ELMONT, Long Island - As news of high rise food price and violent demonstration continue to spread in Haiti, New York elected officials teamed up with Haitians in an effort to help the impoverished nation deal with its severe food shortage and escalating prices.
"Assemblyman Tom Alfano, State Senator Dean Skelos, Father Eddie Julien and Haiti Consul General Felix Augustin kicked-off a food drive in Elmont with Haitian Haitian Americans United for Progress (HAUP), Haitian American Family Association of Long Island, local schools and businesses to address the starvation crisis of children in Haiti.
During the launch, Alfano pointed to very poignant photos of children starving in Haiti during the current food crisis. It was those very photos that moved hundreds in Elmont to start the movement.
“When you look at these photos you know clearly we have to do something. This is about saving children; it’s as simple as that,” Alfano said.
Three weeks ago, Haitians erected barricades and tried to storm the National palace as protests against rising food price have paralyzed the country. Some protesters carried empty plates to show the government they had nothing to eat.
“This food drive is so important to the children of Haiti,” Consul General Felix Augustin said.
International relief agencies have appealed for emergency funds to help Haiti and other poor countries hit by food riots. The U.N. Security Council deplored the violence and called for emergency aid to relieve hardship in a country where 80 percent of the people live on less than $2 a day.
“This is a human rights disaster that must be dealt with by the UN and caring nations must get involved with now. We can’t let another day go by without getting involved and demanding action,” said Assemblyman Alfano.
Students from Elmont Memorial High School and local elementary and Catholic schools and Haitian community leaders and organizations have lent their support to the drive. The food drive is a collective effort that will entail food collections in schools, churches and local businesses throughout the area.
“This is an outstanding show of community support for our Haitian neighbors. I’m proud to not only lend a hand to the food drive, but will continue to work with Assemblyman Alfano, and [the community],” Senator Skelos said.
“Our prime emphasis in this food collection is to collect the two basic meal staples that are desperately needed- rice and beans. That is what we need the most and I hope that residents will respond with,” said Assemblyman Alfano.
According to Alfano, Haitian Senate President , Senator Kelly Bastien will assist in the distribution of canned and non-perishable foods in villages throughout Haiti.
Senator Bastien and Assemblyman Alfano have held several meetings with Haitian community leaders before the launch.
I feel personally obligated to help my fellow Haitians after I see them eat mud cake on TV. This is a way we can actually do something now,” said Elmont resident David Duchatellier.
The cost of staples such as rice, beans, fruit and condensed milk has gone up 50 percent in the past year, while the cost of pasta has doubled.
“Our class Elmont Memorial High School Senior Class President Ian Feurtado said, “our class couldn’t be more proud and honored to take an active role in helping collect food for the children of Haiti. The pictures on TV and news reports are very serious and that’s why we have to get involved.” Elmont Memorial High School Senior Class President Ian Feurtado said.
“I recognize that these are very difficult times everywhere, and that some of the most basic things have unexpectedly become luxuries for many people, especially in Haiti, “ Elsie Saint Louis Accilien, Chairwoman of Haitian Americans United for Progress said.
The canned and non-perishable food drive collection points are: Associated Supermarket on Linden Boulevard, Dr. Max Noel’s office on Dutch Broadway, OKKK Karate School on Elmont Road, Duch Travel on Linden Boulevard, Assemblyman Alfano’s office, HAUP on Linden Boulevard, Elmont Memorial High School, Gotham Avenue, Dutch Broadway, Alden Terrace, Clara Carlson, Covert Avenue and Stewart Manor Schools. |
