Hudson Valley Haitians decry gang violence plaguing island nation
Reports indicate many thousands of people are fleeing their homes, adding to the 300,000 already displaced by gang violence.
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The gang violence and turmoil in Haiti is hitting close to home for some people in the Hudson Valley.
News 12 spoke with Lancu Laurole on Tuesday at Konbit Neg Lakay in Spring Valley.
She came to the area in December from Haiti.
"It's just a chaotic situation in Haiti and the lack of a government administration," Laurole said through a translator.
Most of her family is still in the Caribbean country and she says that it concerns her.
When asked about how her relatives are, her translator told News 12 that "she doesn't really know actually where they are. But with the grace of God, maybe they're probably OK."
Reports indicate many thousands of people are fleeing their homes, adding to the 300,000 already displaced by gang violence.
When asked about what she believes will solve the problems, her translator said, "according to her, a new government with a different perspective. Vis a vis the gangs, have control of the country. So therefore, that would probably be the first step."
News outlets report that Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced on Tuesday that he will resign and that a transitional team will be tasked with picking a temporary leader until another election.
News 12 also spoke with Renold Julien, who leads the community center that helps new arrivals.
He believes certain countries need to do less.
"Maybe if the United States, Canada and France leave us alone, maybe we will be able to take care of our business because everyone they have selected for Haiti, all of them have been bad," says Julien.
According to the most recent Census, there are 15,000 Haitians that call Rockland County home, with about 6,000 living in Spring Valley.
