Canada`s Haiti-Born Governor General Visits Homeland
March 9, 2010
CaribWorldNews, PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Tues. Mar. 9, 2010: Canada`s Haitian-born Governor General, Michaëlle Jean, and her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, touched down in her native land on Monday, for a two day visit to the earthquake devastated area.
Governor General Jean and Mr. Lafond were met upon their arrival by President René Préval and Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive and both were later taken to a ceremony to mark International Women`s Day.
`This year, International Woman`s Day is even more moving for me, because I am by your side, sisters of Haiti, as you strive to recover from disaster and rebuild. First of all, I want to join with everyone mourning the disappearance in the earthquake on January 12 of so many Haitian women committed to defending women`s rights, some of whom had very close ties with Canada,` said the Governor Genera in remarks at the ceremony.
She also revealed that from the tragedy she `learned that every trial is an opportunity to find inner strength and learn from our experiences so that we can overcome and carry on.` And she reminded all Haitians: `you are not alone.`
`It is up to you, the women, to be the pillars on which to rebuild, as you always have been, through your endurance, through the strength of your convictions, and through your unwavering hope in the face of all adversity,` said Jean. `All my faith rests in you. I cannot tell you how moved I am to be here with you.`
The visit to the Republic of Haiti is slated to strengthen the partnership between the two countries as the governor general sough to also emphasize the importance of education and culture, as well as the involvement of women and young people, in Haiti`s long-term reconstruction and development strategy.
GG Jean and Mr. Lafond are set to visit the Dominican Republic tomorrow, March 10, 2010 to also `strengthen the relationship between the Republic and Canada and to recognize the Dominicans` leadership in reacting to the Haitian crisis.`
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