John Miller Beauvoir is the President of the Center for Reflection, Education and Debate (CRED), a youth organization involved in education and civic action to promote and mentor a new generation of young leaders in Haiti. John Miller is currently in Montreal, where he continued studies at master's degrees in political science. In an exclusive interview with HaïtiLibre, President of CRED, answers our questions about the surprising return of former President Jean-Claude Duvalier, after 25 years of exile in France.

HL/ CB : What is the position of the CRED about the return of Duvalier?

John Miller : We must address the return of the dictator on the legal and political plans. The Haitian Constitution of 1987 does not recognize exile. However, man is accountable of political and economic crimes that are alleged. No one should forget, even in the name of the national reconciliation, the pages of history written in red ink under the Duvalierist. There can not be reconciliation without justice and reparation.

On the political level, we believe that Haitian society has rejected this troubling past. It chose, for better or worse, the aspirations and promises of democracy. Haitian elites do not match with the aspirations and profound claims of the population, from which the blockage and to some extent, nostalgia for the Duvalier era. However, we are confident that, for the most part, the Haitian people rejects and "the veiled dictatorship" that represent the status quo and the hard-line dictatorship that symbolizes the person of Jean Claude Duvalier.

HL/ CB : What consequences the presence of the former dictator may have on the current political crisis?

John Miller : In the current context marked by an acute political crisis, his presence will fuel the confusion and increase the division within the Haitian family. It can also be used as a diversionary tactic to divert attention to the recommendations of the OAS [Organization of American States] about the election crisis. The actors who are now back to the wall, against the recommendations of the OAS will receive the came of Duvalier as a godsend which at least gives them time to breathe. I also appeal to young Haitians of the need to learn the history of Haiti. The wear of time does not transform a torturer as a savior.

HL/ CB : What do you think of the statement of Jean Claude Duvalier, when he says "I'm here to help" ?

John Miller : If it really came to help, his first act would be to make a mea culpa to the nation, restore the stolen funds and to put himself at the disposal of the justice. This is the first thing to do in the name of public morality.

HL/ HaitiLibre /CB