NEWCASTLE – Forty-five people attended a fundraiser for the Haitian Emergency Fund on February 10. The Haitian Emergency Fund is a grassroots organisation in Haiti made up of unions, women's groups, and human rights activists. The lively crowd heard Caribbean music and a presentation by Stuart Munckton, an editor of Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly.
Munckton contrasted Haiti's inspiring history of struggle with the way the corporate media portrayed the country. The depiction of Haiti as a basket case is used to justify the country's continued exploitation by imperialism and its occupation by pro-US military forces, Munckton said.
He also contrasted Western 'aid' with Cuba's selfless support for Haiti following the earthquake. Over $450 was raised by the event, which was organised by the Newcastle branch of the Socialist Alliance.
The night also served as a launch of the newly renovated Resistance Centre.