In the early 2000s, I was introduced to a successful businessman living in Florida who was a native of Haiti. He said no American, particularly us white people and especially women, should ever set foot in Haiti. Exceptionally dangerous, crime ridden and corrupt. One of the more popular crimes,, he said, is kidnapping for ransom and white people, supposed are all wealthy to Haitians, making them especially good targets. Much of the time the ransom is paid, but the victim is killed or never found. And the police, if they aren't participants in these crimes, look the other way.
The stories this man told were scary. The country is terribly poor and with a lack of meaningful work, crime is a way of life in order to survive. This man was lucky to escape. Some generous people sent him to college in Florida and once he started making enough money, he brought his mother and 4 younger siblings out of Haiti as well. Going back to Haiti, even for a visit, is out of the question. It's too dangerous even for him.
