Yesterday we made a call to support Batay Ouvriye in the wake of hurricane Matthew.
The RRN understands the need for immediate relief and aid, but we also recognize the limits of these efforts. They are short term band-aids. We choose to support Batay Ouvriye because they are fighting to address the root causes of Haiti’s situation. They are pushing to build a new Haiti, based on the interests of the people. about the need to lend solidarity, not charity to our sisters and brothers in Haiti.
This morning, we received a letter and appeal for international solidarity from Batay Ouvriye organizer, Yannick Etienne:
In the aftermath of the disaster Hurricane Matthew brought on in the country, we, in the May First Federation-Batay Ouvriye (ESPM-BO), are particularly hit also, especially in the North-West where we have a significant presence. In this context, in Anse Rouge, Jean Rabel, Bonbardopolis, Mole St Nicholas, and the rural areas in the vicinity of these cities, several comrades lost everything. It is difficult to explain this situation to people who are not undergoing this experience; he or she may not understand what it means when one says “he or she lost…everything!”
Homes, huts, pets, farm animals, documents (legal and also political pertaining to the struggle…), friends, families, comrades… In the same vein, all harvests are lost to the last bit, there are no seeds, as most of the land is washed away… Therefore, the people have no idea how they are going to farm the land again… A disaster turning up as a bottomless abyss.
In addition, the SOTA-BO comrades who, though they live in Port-Au-Prince at present, have families that are victims of Hurricane Matthew in the Southern region, a portion of the Western and Northwest regions. Likewise, the families lost everything they need to live on. Also, most of them have no way of getting news on how the situation is evolving where they came from. So, they necessarily wish to go and see how things are and provide some support in the wake of such calamity.
With all of that going on, Batay Ouvriye feels compelled to respond. That’s why, today, we are making an urgent appeal for SOLIDARITY to all our comrades, friends, supporters, if they can and want to collaborate, to help us come out of this urgent situation we are facing. Solidarity is an important sentiment, which should be manifest in such difficult times the workers are facing today. For this we are providing information concerning the bank account for ESPM-BO, which can be used for fund transfer.
Thank you very much.
While we thank everyone in advance, we affirm, as always: despite all our difficulties, the STRUGGLE HAS JUST BEGUN!
For ESPM-Batay Ouvriye,
Yannick ETIENNE
How you Can Help
1. Send a wire transfer donation directly to Batay Ouvriye.
Account’s name:
ENTESENDIKAL PREMYE ME BATAY OUVRIYE
Account No.:
45-1100-989-8
Bank’s name:
SOGEBANK S.A. Route de Delmas, Port-au-Prince, Haiti (509) 2815 5595
Swift Code for Sogebank:
SOGHHTPP
Corresponding banks in the US:
BANK OF AMERICA/MERRILL LYNCH, New York, N.Y. USA
Swift Code: BOFAUS3N
Or
Bank of New York Mellon, New York, USA
Swift Code: IRVTUS3N
2. Mail Checks to:
Frantz Wainwright*
35 NW 195 ST
Miami, FL 33169
* Please write check out to Frantz Wainwright & note BO donation.
* We’re working on a way to receive online donations, but don’t have 501(c)3 status.
3. Email the RRN if you’re in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area, and you’d like to send cash to be taken to Haiti this week – RRNsolidarity@gmail.com.
4. Follow, Like & Subscribe to the RRN for ongoing updates and campaigns to support independent and autonomous workers’ struggles.
Twitter: @RRNsolidarity
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RapidResponseNetwork/
Newsletter/updates sign up: http://goo.gl/Me35SH
On behalf of the RRN & Batay Ouvriye, thank you for your solidarity!
#RRNSolidarity
#SolidarityNotCharity
#HurricaneMatthew
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