Two people from Alberta who recently managed to leave Haiti as gang violence continues to keep the Caribbean country in turmoil are sharing their thoughts on the ongoing crisis and expressing their gratitude for being safe.
Barry Kalinski, who has visited the country about 10 times, described the situation as the worst he has ever witnessed, emphasizing the need for significant changes in Haiti.
Kalinski mentioned encountering roadblocks and hearing gunshots in the past, but he had never seen the situation reach this level before.
Kalinski, the reeve for the Municipal District of Bonnyville, recently spoke to Global News after managing to leave the troubled country on a U.S.-organized flight. He highlighted the relief of being able to return home just before his 39th wedding anniversary.
He acknowledged that being separated from his family for that long was particularly tough, especially for his wife.
Marc Honorat, originally from Haiti but now living in Airdrie, Alberta, spoke to Global News about finally leaving the country and reuniting with his family in Florida.
Honorat expressed his surprise at the unexpected escalation of violence, recalling the complete shutdown of the airport, which left him with no means of leaving Haiti.
He described the emotional struggle of leaving behind his family and community in such a difficult situation.
Honorat and his wife, Lisa Honorat, co-founded Haiti ARISE Ministries, which still has around 200 staff members in Haiti operating a children’s home and schools.
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CREDIT: https://www.haitiarise.org/
On Monday, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced an evacuation plan for citizens still in Haiti who wish to leave. The country is facing various issues, including food shortages and escalating violence perpetrated by armed gangs.
Earlier this month, Haiti extended its state of emergency and implemented curfews. Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who assumed office following the 2021 assassination of then-president Jovenel Moïse, declared his intention to resign.
During his tenure, armed gangs gained increased wealth and influence, leading Henry to seek international assistance in addressing the situation in 2022.
A recent United Nations Human Rights Office report revealed a significant rise in killings and injuries due to gang violence in Haiti in 2023, with 4,451 people killed and 1,668 injured. In 2024, 1,554 people have already been killed and 826 have been injured.
Kalinski had traveled to Haiti on a church mission to provide assistance to orphans and seniors there.
He said that through his work, he helps many people who are in need, and even small tasks like fixing a doorknob on an old house can bring a significant impact to orphans, making him feel very good.
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Supplied by Barry Kalinski
While in Haiti, the security situation worsened quickly, and Kalinski drove with an American volunteer to a distant part of the island from Port-au-Prince, in an attempt to find a safer place.
He said he never felt like he was in danger, and even if he was, the prayers and thoughts from many people made him feel very supported.
He found the prayers and thoughts from others to be very overwhelming.
Kalinski mentioned that he and others were supposed to leave on March 17 on a flight organized by a non-profit. However, due to several issues, only some people could get on the flight. He expressed relief when he finally boarded a flight arranged by U.S. authorities a week later.
He expressed how good it felt to be home, as anyone could imagine.
Marc Honorat went to Haiti on Feb. 21 and intended to leave on March 8. However, gang violence kept him from leaving until March 22.
He recounted his struggles in trying to leave Haiti, mentioning that his wife tried to contact organizations to help him, but they were asking for a large amount of money that he didn't have. He decided to stay in Haiti to help despite the challenges.
His wife contacted Agape Flights Inc., which eventually brought him back home.
“Three days before they were able to fly, they said, ‘Well, we’re coming on March 22 so get ready. We will try our best to come and get you and some other people,'” Marc Honorat said.
He expressed missing Haiti, as it's his birthplace and where he grew up. He looks forward to going back when it's safe, but for now, he's happy to be back with his wife and kids.
Lisa Honorat mentioned that in their years of work, they have faced risks and challenges primarily due to natural disasters.
She explained that the current situation is causing a lot of insecurity compared to the Haiti they have known for a long time.
She said that it's currently not safe and that they cannot bring their family there at the moment. It's difficult for them to fear for her husband's life as a national, as they have always felt safe in Haiti before. She expressed sadness about not being able to be there now, but she's relieved that her husband is home.
She added that in their previous visits to Haiti, people have always been friendly and welcoming, and despite the widespread poverty, they have felt relatively safe. However, in recent years, it has felt increasingly dangerous, with more people avoiding Port-au-Prince at all costs.
Kalinski talked about how his spiritual faith helped them through challenging times in Haiti.
He mentioned that he regularly read from the Bible to assist him in trying to become a better person.
Kalinski stated that he thinks his first-ever trip to Haiti, years ago, had a significant effect on his view of humanity.
He said that he has a lot and doesn't require anything more, feeling very fortunate and giving more than he did 14, 15, 20 years ago. He noted the imbalance between their abundance and the lack of resources for others.
It appears that there is always a desire for more, despite having plenty. He emphasized the availability of food every day and his never experiencing hunger.
He expressed his empathy for those who struggle to have a meal every day, especially for parents with pressure to provide for their children, acknowledging that he has never had that experience.
Marc Honorat expressed his hope that people worldwide, especially political leaders, are observing the situation in Haiti and providing assistance.
Lisa Honorat pointed out that Haiti has significant needs, and they feel compelled to support it rather than turning their backs on it.
She emphasized the importance of someone paying attention and offering support and assistance.
Marc Honorat stressed the significance of educating the younger generation to bring about change in Haiti, outlining their ongoing and future efforts in this area.
Kalinski anticipates that he will likely visit Haiti again in the future.
He mentioned that traveling to Haiti and offering assistance is not easy but emphasized the appreciation of the people in that country.
–With files from Global News’ Kabi Moulitharan and Aaron D’Andrea, The Associated Press’ Edith Lederer, and The Canadian Press
Recently, a state of emergency and curfews in Haiti were extended earlier this month.
