A Florida couple’s trip to the Dominican Republic for a wedding turned into a nightmare when their 2-year-old son, Julien, became trapped in Haiti due to the country’s escalating violence and upheaval. Philippe-Olivier Armand and his wife, Olivia Turnier, left Julien with relatives in Haiti on March 1, expecting a short visit that turned into nearly three weeks of uncertainty and stress.
Haiti has been engulfed in chaos as gangs launched a coordinated offensive against the government, leading to widespread violence and insecurity. The situation worsened to the point where parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, resembled a war zone, with the main airport shut down.
After days of anxiety, Julien, along with other relatives, boarded a helicopter that flew them to Cap Haitien, where they were then airlifted to Florida by a charter plane sent by the Florida Department of Emergency Management. The U.S. State Department has been assisting in evacuating Americans from Haiti, with 160 individuals already helped to leave the country.
The Armand family’s ordeal highlights the growing need for evacuations from Haiti, as the security situation continues to deteriorate. With gangs controlling key roads and access points, many are calling for international intervention to stabilize the country and ensure the safety of its citizens.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the Armand family was finally reunited in Florida, thanks to the efforts of various organizations and individuals involved in the evacuation process. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those caught in the midst of Haiti’s turmoil and the urgent need for international support to restore peace and security in the country.
