Exiled Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier Returns To Haiti After 25 Years
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After 25 years in exile, Jean-Claude Duvalier aka "Baby Doc" has returned to Haiti and the question of the day is- what on earth is he doing there? His return certainly doesn't bode well, as if Haiti needs any more drama and upheaval.
Haiti has never had an easy time of it, always mired in poverty and ruled by some of the most corrupt leaders in the world. The Duvaliers, both father and son dictators were hated by most, living opulent lives while the people suffered immeasurable poverty. Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier started his reign in 1957, initially promising to help the people but eventually turning into a dictator who refused to relinquish power after his initial 6-year term. In 1964 he actually elected himself 'President for Life". When he died in 1971, he passed stewardship of Haiti to his 19-year-old son, Jean-Claude, who really had no interest in running the country. Baby Doc wasn't quite as evil as his dad, but was ineffectual leaving the running of the country to his mother Simone Duvalier and all his dad's old pals. Corruption continued until he was ousted in 1986 and fled to France with his wife. During Papa Doc's reign, anywhere from 20,000 to 60,000 people were known to have been killed by his henchmen and he stole millions from the government coffers.
According to a report in 2004 by Transparency International (an anti-corruption organization) Jean-Claude was said to have stolen anywhere between $300 million and $800 million.
Apparently, for years he has been hoping to return to Haiti and in 2007 President Rene Preval gave the okay, as long as he was willing to face the music, so to speak- his involvement in so many deaths and the embezzlement of all those millions.
Baby Doc claims his return has no political implications, and that he just wishes to help Haiti get back on its feet.
"I'm not here for politics," Duvalier told Radio Caraibes. "I'm here for the reconstruction of Haiti."
Whatever that means.
Although his companion claimed he was in Haiti for three days, it seems doubtful, as is the real reason he chose to come back. There are all sorts of speculation as to why, but the odd thing is, that in spite of the fact that both father and son were horrendous rulers, they still have supporters there.
"I don't know much about Jean-Claude Duvalier but I've heard he did good things for the country," said 34-year-old Joel Pierre. "I hope he will do good things again."
People have short memories.
Only time will tell what his true intentions are.
Sources: My Way, MoreOrLess.Com
