As the unrest in Haiti continues to spread, many are desperate to flee the island.
Typically that's caused a global backlash where countries are slamming shut immigration doors that were hardly open in the first place. That's being felt in Belize by the local Haitian Community, which is trying to send one of its own to Mexico or Guatemala for treatment.
He is André Douzey, the security guard who was shot at Vin Hong Store on February the 17th. He is still at the KHMH but looks like he'll need a miracle to get specialized treatment - Alfonso Noble has the story.
Alfonso Noble Reporting,
A week ago, he was listed in a serious condition but now Haitian security guard Andre Douzey has almost recovered from two gunshot wounds. Almost but not quite as his left hand could be permanently damaged from a gunshot wound to the shoulder. His surgeon Dr. William Coleman says that he needs specialized neurological attention urgently or he could lose the use of his left arm for the rest of his life. But that attention can only be found in Mexico or Guatemala. The Haitian community has put together a collection to pay for his treatment but he's been unable to get a visa.
Marie Josean,
"We went all about trying to get the visa. I went guatemewla first and showed them the letter from Dr. Coleman but they said no, there is a war right now in Haiti and all other kind of things. I understand that but this is an emergency and we need the help."
But she can't get help simply because of André's nationality - he's a Haitian - and with the current difficulties in that country he's a persona non-grata just about everywhere but here.
Marie Josean,
"What happens is because he is from Haiti. I don't understand it."
So now she's making a plea to those embassies to help him.
Marie Josean,
"We need them to help us. The doctor says we just need a couple days there. Andre is crying, he wants to go home. He needs the medical help."
Marie Josean is just a friend and fellow Haitian who's taken the 30 year old under her care.