Haiti New Parliament

Independent Films, Politics

Haiti took possession of a temporary new Parliament premises funded by United Nations and USAID sources. The premises are modest and built on site of old Parliament building which was destroyed by the earthquake.

Hours before the Haitian elections final results were announced, the Chief of the UN Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Edmond Mulet, handed over the new temporary parliament buildings to the President of the Haitian Senate.

A total of 700,000 US dollars were spent on the pre-fabricated structure, which sits on the site of the former parliament, destroyed during the 12 January 2010 earthquake.

SOUNDBITE (French) Edmond Mulet, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH):
“In a certain way, these temporary buildings are the image of the country. Which, despite the vast damage caused by the earthquake, have chosen to rise proudly for a democratic reconstruction, even in such difficult circumstances.”

The handover comes just in time to allow the 49th parliamentary session to start their work, due to begin on 27 April 2011.

SOUNDBITE (French) Kelly Bastien, President of the Senate:
“This building will provide us with acceptable working conditions, while we are waiting for the temporary site, as signed with USAID.”

The complex consists of five pre-fabricated buildings equipped with AC and wi-fi internet connection. It will serve both for the lower house and the senate and will accommodate 230 civil servants.

This project comes under the mandate of MINUSTAH to reinforce the Rule of Law as well as supporting the government institutions.

Final election results indicated that popular musician Michel Martelly won the presidential runoff poll last month with 67.57 per cent of the votes, beating his challenger, former first lady Mirlande Manigat.

Directors:

• Muhamed Sacirbey UNTV

Producers:

• Susan Sacirbey