Overthrow of Haiti’s Aristide Revisited by Damning Documentary

If you only followed the story in the mainstream press, then you probably have little understanding of why Haiti’s duly elected President, Jean Bertrand Baptiste, was deposed in 2004, and all with the considerable involvement of the U.S. military and other nations supposedly dedicated to democracy. But now, thanks to Nicolas Rossier, who took the time to uncover the long-suppressed ugly underbelly of the story, we have a better understanding of the series of tragic events which led to the toppling of the Baptiste government.

And it is this untangled web of deceit, betrayal and political violence which

is chronicled in Aristide and the Endless Revolution, a damning documentary which raises some serious questions about the Central intelligence Agency’s role in the popular President’s ouster. The film asserts that, in fact, this coup d’etat marked the fourth such American intervention into the affairs of Haiti in the last 90 years.

 Even Aristide himself had been deposed once before, in 1991, also allegedly at the direction of the CIA. Why would Uncle Sam seek to overthrow this much beloved, former parish priest who had been swept into office by an overwhelming majority of the vote?

This illuminating production hints that the answer might have to do with his advocating reforms which might adversely affect American business interests monetarily, such as a campaign for reparations for this poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Sadly, Haiti has only gone downhill since Aristide, with the land being marked by political instability and a further decline in the already woeful standard of living.

Not exactly a ringing endorsement of the dubious Bush Doctrine of unilateral intervention as ostensibly implemented here, in Iraq, and who knows where next.

Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 95 minutes
Distributor: Baraka Productions
by Kam Williams