Haiti - Social : Balance sheet of first two days of National Carnival 2013
At a press meeting, Régine Godfrey, Minister of Communication, on the stand of the Ministry presented a positive balance of the participation and behavior of revelers for the 2nd fat day : minor injuries, some arrests including 2 for theft, 3 for possession of knives and one for act of violence and no fatalities "We would like to inform the public about the number of people who were injured. The Carnival Committee told us that about 70 people were injured slightly [...] really, I honestly think that Carnival is a success, to get there, many safety measures have been taken, the police did a great job, the OFATMA [Office of Workers' Compensation Insurance, Sickness and Maternity] and Public Health have also done a nice job [...]"
However, this report relate only to cases reported by the Carnival Committee, on their sides, the health authorities have reported 379 people injured, for the first two fat days.
Dr. Ernst Robert Jasmin, Departmental Director North Public Health, said that 172 people had been treated against Sunday against 207 Monday, mostly minor injuries caused in fights or shoving on the parade route, noting that most of the patients had returned to their homes, noting, however, that there had been some cases of stab wounds and fractures, without specifying the number.
On the side of arrests, officials of the National Police of Haiti, confirm that there were few arrests and concern mainly some individuals, especially seeking to disrupt the festivities. Some were released shortly after their arrest, while others are still in custody.
