Just days ago, Fontaine Hospital Center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti witnessed a distressing incident that exposed the gravity of the country’s ongoing gang violence crisis. Surrounded by an armed gang, the medical center became a temporary prison for women, children, and newborns, leaving everyone inside in desperate need of assistance and rescue. This incident highlights the daily realities faced by those living in the capital’s Cite Soleil slum, where gangs routinely subject residents to violence and fear. In this article, we delve into the chilling events at Fontaine Hospital Center and shed light on the broader issue of escalating gang violence in Haiti.
The Hostage Situation:
Fontaine Hospital Center, under the dedicated leadership of founder and director Jose Ulysse, is an oasis for the community amidst the chaos inflicted by local gangs. Unfortunately, on that fateful day, the hospital also became a target. The armed gang surrounding the premises torched nearby homes, trapping the people inside and preventing their escape. Though initially feared to have entered the hospital, it was later confirmed that the gang members did not manage to breach its walls.
Dire Call for Help:
Amid the crisis, Ulysse took to social media, pleading for help and drawing attention to the dire situation unfolding at the hospital. The bravery and determination of the heavily outnumbered hospital staff to protect the vulnerable population were truly remarkable. Responding swiftly, members of Haiti’s National Police force arrived with armored trucks, allowing the safe evacuation of 40 children and 70 patients to a private residence in a more secure part of the city. The patients included children requiring critical care, some relying on oxygen to survive.
The Gang Menace:
The gang responsible for this reprehensible act was identified as the Brooklyn gang, led by Gabriel Jean-Pierre, also known as “Ti Gabriel.” Jean-Pierre is not only the head of the Brooklyn gang but also a leader within the formidable G-Pep gang alliance, one of two rival coalitions in Haiti. The Brooklyn gang, with its 200 members, exerts control over certain pockets of Cite Soleil, engaging in activities such as extortion, hijacking, and perpetuating general violence. A recent United Nations report described the G-Pep alliance and its affiliates as diversifying their revenue streams, including engaging in kidnapping for ransom. This increased financial power strengthens their capacity to maintain violence across the region.
Escalation of Gang Violence:
Haiti has been facing a worrying rise in gang power since the tragic assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. Kidnappings and killings have multiplied, leaving citizens vulnerable to the whims of these criminal organizations. This incident at Fontaine Hospital Center is just one example of the ever-increasing audacity and disregard for human life displayed by these gangs.
The hostage situation at Fontaine Hospital Center in Port-au-Prince serves as a devastating reminder of the prevalence and ruthlessness of gangs within Haiti. Everyday citizens, especially those residing in the Cite Soleil slum, face ongoing threats of violence, rape, and murder. The government, national police force, and international community must unite to address this grave issue, ensuring the safety and well-being of all Haitian residents. Only through collective action can the people of Haiti reclaim their communities and safeguard their future from the clutches of these criminal organizations.
Market Capital Research 