Martelly Kicked off Himself First Day Carnival in Les Cayes

From: Defend.ht

LES CAYES, Haiti (defend.ht)- President Martelly launched himself Sunday, February 19th, Carnival in Les Cayes, third largest Haitian city. He hosted the first day of the national carnival, heading up musical bands, mingling with the crowds in the streets and chanting to the delight of carnival-goers.

Tens of thousands of people from various departments of Haiti and abroad attended the first day fat (Sunday, February 19, 2012) of Haitian carnival, held for the first time in Les Cayes, the third largest city in Haiti, located about 200 km south of the capital city, Port-au-Prince.

Officials, tourists, foreign and Haitian journalists were present to launch this annual cultural event, interspersed with a few incidents that have not disturbed the feast.

President Michel Martelly kicked off the first day of fatty national carnival themed: “Haiti’s taking off, Les Cayes gets ahead”.

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The president was traveling on a motorcycle sometimes, sometimes walking on foot through the carnival path, has seen the online agency AlterPresse.

Dance schools, youth clubs, musical bands, 18 bands and 11 floats paraded about 2 kilometers. The procession started from the street Toussaint Louverture Gabions (south of the city) to go to the Boulevard Des Quatre Chemins.

Martelly’s supporters waved placards to send messages to parliamentarians who, they think, prevent their president to work.

Meanwhile, several slogans against the head of state were noticed on some of the city walls. Some describe Martelly an "enemy of the people" and "domestic of bourgeois", “down with Martelly”.

Organizationally, sensitizers conveying messages of peace were mobilized. Health structures were reinforced and mobile and fixed teams were formed to care for any injured.

The National Police of Haiti (PNH) has visibly increased its workforce in the South. Police officers have maintained a constant presence throughout the journey.

Several arrests were made and firearms seized, a police source told. Some cases of injuries and traffic accidents were also recorded, according to this source. However, it is reported that a sailing ship trying to reach Les Cayes for carnival was wrecked causing five deaths.

Public Treasury has disbursed 50 million gourdes for the festivities. Disbursements have been considerable in the private sector, according to what was observed.

Economic benefits are expected in Les Cayes. This carnival is an opportunity for this city to show their potential cultural and tourism, said a representative of the city within the national committee.

He welcomed the progress of the first day fat, "despite some weaknesses related to setbacks." The carnival will continue Monday and end on Fat Tuesday.