Haiti solidarity in Newcastle

Sunday, February 21, 2010 - 11:00
By Steve O’Brien

NEWCASTLE – Forty-five people attended a fundraiser for the Haitian Emergency Fund on February 10. The Haitian Emergency Fund is a grassroots organisation in Haiti made up of unions, women's groups, and human rights activists. The lively crowd heard Caribbean music and a presentation by Stuart Munckton, an editor of Green Left Weekly.

Munckton contrasted Haiti's inspiring history of struggle with the way the corporate media portrayed the country. The depiction of Haiti as a basket case is used to justify the country's continued exploitation by imperialism and its occupation by pro-US military forces, Munckton said.

He also contrasted Western 'aid' with Cuba's selfless support for Haiti following the earthquake. Over $450 was raised by the event, which was organised by the Newcastle branch of the Socialist Alliance.

The night also served as a launch of the newly renovated Resistance Centre.

From GLW issue 827