Haiti Marks 6th Anniversary Of Devastating Earthquake
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Haitian across South Florida marked the anniversary of a devastating earthquake that rocked the capital city of their homeland six years ago.
The Haitian government estimates 300,000 were killed and 1.5 million left homeless after the magnitude-7.0 quake struck Port au Prince. Unstable construction throughout the island country was a major factor in the death toll.
A contingent from Lynn University, 12 students and two faculty members, was in Port-au-Prince on a January Term course titled "Journey of Hope" to serve the people of Haiti when the quake struck. Four students and both faculty members were killed.
The Little Haiti Cultural Complex (LHCC) will host a vigil which will begin with a candle-lit procession at 4:30 p.m. from the Toussaint Louverture monument on 62nd St. and N. Miami Ave. to the LHCC courtyard.
The vigil will immediately follow at 6 p.m.
"We believe that there is an artistic spirit in all of us that nourishes our humanity and enriches our society," said Sandy Dorsainvil, the manager of the LHCC. "Therefore, we are honored to provide the Haitian community with a memorable event to pay homage to those who passed away during the quake and celebrate those who survived."
While the country continues on the road to recovery, Senator Marco Rubio issued a statement on the challenges it still faces.
"Three years ago, I visited Haiti and witnessed the spirit and determination of people committed to rising above these circumstances - dreams that sadly remain largely unrealized," said Rubio. "Haiti faces great uncertainty this month as it races to hold an election on January 24th and transfer presidential power by February 7th as its constitution stipulates. It's critical that the U.S. do all we can to ensure constitutional order is preserved and democracy can move forward."
Rubio added that the U.S. will stand with the people of Haiti "to assist this process and the ongoing recovery."
