IT has been one year since the devastation of Haiti by a massive earthquake. The natural disaster attracted the attention and the charity of the world, and we have watched with interest and compassion as the nation has struggled to rebuild itself, fought off a cholera epidemic and withstood a less than inspiring first round of presidential polls. Haiti is on very wobbly legs, right now, and the return to Haitian soil, after a quarter of a century absence, of Jean Claude Duvalier or Baby Doc Duvalier would seem to do little to shore things up. ‘Baby Doc' is the son of Francois ‘Papa Doc' Duvalier, who took power in Haiti in 1957 and handed it on to his son, who was overthrown in 1986 and hounded out of the country by jeering crowds. The very dark years of Duvalierism were marked by prison camps, torture, arbitrary arrest, extrajudicial killings and intimidation and persecution of political opposition. Current president Rene Preval had said that Duvalier would be liable to arrest for the deaths of thousands of people and the theft of millions of dollars. As yet, it is unclear why Duvalier has returned, but he does have a following that harbors fond memories of the order that was maintained during the days of the Duvalier dynasty. They have forgotten only that the order was maintained by one of the world's most fearsome secret police agencies. Duvalier's return could open the door to other exiles. Fears are that the ousted president, Jean Bertrand Aristide could follow suit and make his own ‘triumphant' return. Haiti needs neither of these men now. They were shown the door and asked to close it behind them. Mature leadership is needed now more than ever, not a return to the savagery and corruption of former, failed governments. __
