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Haiti: MINUSTAH hands refurbished school to local authorities


The UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti's (MINUSTAH) Brazilian contingent handed the Ecole Nationale de Cité Soleil to the local authorities, after having rehabilitated the school. At a short, but solemn, ceremony, the Brasilians officially handed over the building that had been serving as the contingent's headquarters.

"The handover of this building to the authorities in Cité Soleil is a sign of change for the area," declared Colonel Barrosso Magno, commander of the Brazilian contingent. "The work we did here is not for the benefit of the soldiers, but for Cité Soleil's population."

In his remarks, the deputy mayor of Cité Soleil, Gustave Benoît, recounted the efforts made by the Brazilians to bring security to the zone as well as to improve the living conditions of the local people.

Recalling the different military operations that have taken place and the humanitarian activities that have been accomplished, Mr. Gustave thanked the Brazilians for their work with the local people. "Today we are able to say that Cité Soleil is no longer a lawless zone," he declared. "Everyone is able to come to Cité Soleil to help the local people, thanks to the efforts of the Brazilians and Haiti's National Police."

The event also showcased local support for the newly elected leaders. In fact, until now, the city council had been meeting outside the neighborhood. The City Hall is still marked with bullet holes, signs of the fighting that took place in Cité Soleil. However, the City Hall is functioning again, thanks to the efforts of the Brazilian contingent, the Haitian government, and the National Police. Electricity is still furnished by generators.

Despite the recent difficulties, the residents of Cité Soleil seem to be taking advantage of this new peaceful era. The movie theater has been renovated and the former "Jamaica Base" of the Evens gang has become a cultural center and a daily meeting place for youths, both signs that Cité Soleil is on the right track.

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