Remember the tragedy in Haiti

As time goes by it is easy to forget the tragedy in Haiti. The big media machine is always looking for something new. But the tragedy does not stop when the media lights are off. The poorest country in the world is still in shambles.

For his part, Samuel Dalembert has been remarkable. He continues to beat the drum for his struggling homeland. If you know anything about Sammy, you know his charity is not something new. It is not merely the result of recent events. Sammy has demonstrated his concern for those in need throughout his career. Those tears are genuine.

In an age where athletes are castigated for there behavior outside the game, Sammy stands out. Putting basketball aside for a moment. You gotta respect the guy for his efforts.

HATI FACTS

Population: 9 Million
Median Age: 20.2 Years
Life expectancy at birth: 60.78 years
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 2.2%
Major infectious diseases:
  degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea,    hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
water contact disease: leptospirosis
Ethnic Groups: 95% Black, 5% white or mulatto
Religions: 80% Roman Cathloc, 16% Protestant
Languages: French, Creole
Literacy Rate: 52.9%

History

The native Taino Amerindians - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when it was discovered by COLUMBUS in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola. In 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island, which later became Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean but only through the heavy importation of African slaves and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th century, Haiti's nearly half million slaves revolted under Toussaint L'OUVERTURE. After a prolonged struggle, Haiti became the first black republic to declare independence in 1804. The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has been plagued by political violence for most of its history.