Haiti - FLASH : Artisans and tourists victims of racket at the artistic village of Noailles
The inhabitants and some 200 artisans of the artistic village of Noailles (Commune of Croix-des-Bouquet, West Dept.), famous for its cut metal art works, live under threat and fear for more than a week .
Members of a gang of Remy impose their law and ransom craftsmen but also tourists. The population has tried to oppose by creating a brigade, but without weapons this people's brigade is powerless to stop these rackets.
According to the testimonies of terrorized merchants, they are harassed daily by armed men who demand 10,000 gourdes or more daily depending on the circumstances and beware of those who do not pay at the end of the day, violence is at the rendezvous and we count already 5 deaths among residents for a week...
The population of Noailles who saw police intervene for the first time Friday, denounce the slow response of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) to restore order and peace although the authorities are informed of the situation.
For its part, the PNH acknowledges being aware of what is happening in Noailles and explains its delay on the ground because the gangs had received reinforcements and had to review plans for interventions to avoid endangering the lives of citizens. However, the PNH indicates that Friday afternoon it made 5 arrests in Noailles and that it is only a beginning...
