Clairin
Haiti Grassroots Watch, April 18, 2012
Port au Prince--One year ago, a dozen people died and at least 30 were blinded or paralyzed by “clairin” – locally made alcohol – that had been spiked with methanol (wood alcohol). What have Haiti’s various authorities done? Fifteen months later, have police discovered the criminal responsible for selling the toxic brew? Are clairin-drinkers better protected? Has justice been served?
A three-month investigation from Haiti Grassroots Watch discovered no trace of investigation, no evidence of consumer protection,
nor any kind of judicial proceedings. But journalists did find some clues… Lack of will? Political pressure? Incompetence? The reader can decide.
In the meantime, this criminal tragedy could repeat at any moment. Worse, the authorities continue to mystify the public with promises and “commissions,” while the national clairin industry disappears under a tidal wage of imported clairin...
http://www.ayitikaleje.org/haiti-grassroots-watch-engli/2012/4/17/liquid-death.html