FLASH : A batch of 385 visas for Brazil has arrived

The Visa Application Center for Brazil (CAVB), operated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM-Haiti), informs that "all those who submitted their applications in 2024 or 2025 are taking time to process. Due to the current situation, the Brazilian Embassy in Haiti has encountered logistical constraints related to air transport, limiting the production of approved visas. A first batch of 385 visas has been received and is being distributed. Others will follow soon; we ask you to be patient. Thank you for your understanding."

Ouanaminthe : Major Flooding

The heavy rains that hit the city of Ouanaminthe on May 5, 2025, caused significant flooding, particularly in the working-class neighborhood of Gaya. Joanis Fleury, head of Civil Protection for the Northeast, reported a provisional toll of 3,286 flooded homes and 4,365 families affected. Authorities, in collaboration with Civil Protection, quickly implemented emergency measures to assist those affected. No loss of life has been reported.

Diaspora : Legal Consultation on Immigration

The Consulate of the Republic of Haiti in Orlando informs the Haitian community in Central Florida that the Consular Post and the organization "FLIC" will provide a legal consultation on immigration on Saturday, May 10, 2025, between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the Consulate's premises located at 1616 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

Pope : 2 Votes, 2 Black Smokes

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. (Vatican Time), black smoke rose from the small chimney protruding from the Sistine Chapel, to the left of St. Peter's Basilica. Therefore, no Pope was chosen by the college of 133 cardinal electors following this first ballot. This vote is not surprising, since since 1878, ever since the conclave was established in the Sistine Chapel, the first smoke of the conclave has always been black. This Thursday, May 8, at 9:15 a.m., the electors of the Supreme Pontiff will have to vote twice (in the event of non-election in the first ballot). This morning at 11:50 a.m., black smoke was seen again. The next vote begins at 4:30 p.m....

IOM : 18 Water Pumps Rehabilitated

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has rehabilitated 18 water pumps in Croix-des-Bouquets and Tabarre, improving access to drinking water for thousands of people. As part of this initiative, 54 community members were trained to maintain the pumps, thus strengthening social cohesion between host communities and displaced families.

MMSS : Concrete results expected soon

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Jack Ombakale, spokesperson for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS), announced on Radio Télévision Caraïbes that decisive operations were underway and that concrete results were expected, remaining discreet about details classified as strategic. Ombakale acknowledged that the mission's initial commitments had been delayed, but emphasized that the terrain was now better controlled. He stated : "We understand the tactics of the armed groups. We know what happened in Kenscoff, Savien, and around the National Police Academy," also reiterating that the mission was acting with the resources at its disposal.

HL/ HaitiLibre