Impact of Gangs on Daily Life in Haiti

In Haiti, gangs exert considerable control over everyday life, particularly affecting transportation and safety. Young children, some as young as 12, engage in criminal activities, carrying weapons to rob individuals. The presence of gangs is blatant, with armed members overseeing toll booths on national roads, forcing travelers to pay or risk losing personal belongings, such as mobile phones. This pervasive threat creates a culture of fear among the populace, compelling drivers to prepare for these encounters. Despite the dangers posed by gangs, some individuals maintain a sense of security rooted in personal faith, believing that their circumstances are divinely guided and that their safety is not solely determined by external factors.