Wednesday, February 23, the end of the demonstration by workers in the textile sector who refused the daily minimum wage of 685 Gourdes (+37%) decided by the Government https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36009-haiti-flash-minimum-wages-the-government-readjusts-upwards-final-version-official.html and continued to demand a minimum daily wage of 1,500 Gourdes turned tragic, when heavily armed men, wearing balaclavas whose vehicle wiped throwing stones, opened fire on the demonstrators.

Maxihen Lazzare, photojournalist of the online media RDI was shot and died on the spot and three other journalists were injured, two of them by bullets and the third by a stone throw: Sony Laurore of Laurore News TV, Yves Moise of RCH 2000 and Alvarez Destined from Lakay TV. During this shooting, injuries were also reported by witnesses among the demonstrators.

In addition, during the day on the road to the airport, while several hundred workers were demonstrating, several people were injured by gunfire from individuals wearing PNH uniforms and traveling in a vehicle without plaque, causing great tension and panic in the area.

The police had to intervene on several occasions to try to disperse the demonstrators with tear gas and restore public order.

Reacting to this day of violence, Prime Minister Ariel Henry declared "While committing to guarantee the freedom to demonstrate, in compliance with the law and republican values, the Government recalls the responsibility of public authorities to ensure order and security with a view to restoring peace. I deplore the death of journalist Lazard Maximilien, which occurred during workers' demonstrations on Wednesday. I also condemn the violence that has caused injuries. I offer my condolences to the family of the deceased, as well as to the other victims of these brutal acts."

The economist Joseph Harold Pierre estimates that the daily minimum wage should be between 900 and 1,700 gourdes, but he recognizes that the State cannot accede such an increase which would make Haiti lose all competitiveness compared to other countries of the region. An opinion shared by other economists who also fear that Haiti is out of the game with a minimum wage of 1,500 Gourdes per 8-hour working day in the textile sector.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36009-haiti-flash-minimum-wages-the-government-readjusts-upwards-final-version-official.html

SL/ HaitiLibre