The crisis in Haiti becomes a political launchpad
The 7.2-magnitude earthquake that rocked southern Haiti on Aug. 14, killing 2,200 people, struck a country already in crisis. In the absence of a concerted state relief effort, prominent Haitian politicians have supplied much of the relief supplies, including hot meals, medical supplies and even cash — often with their names prominently affixed on the containers.
- launch pad ( launching pad ) : (우주선 등의) 발사대
- concerted : (특히 둘 이상의 사람·국가 등이) 합심한, 결연한
But with elections on the horizon, the efforts have raised difficult questions about the fine line between offering urgently needed aid and cynically exploiting the suffering.
- on the horizon : 곧 일어날 듯한
- exploit
1. <산야 등을> 개척하다, <자원을> 개발하다, 활용[이용]하다
2. <남을> (부당하게) 이용하다; <노동력을> 착취하다, 등쳐 먹다
3. 광고 선전하다, (선전하여) 판촉하다
Michel Martelly, a former president who is widely believed to be preparing a new campaign, was mobbed by Haitians pleading for help when he arrived via charter plane carrying medical supplies and envelopes of cash. “Here is our president!” the crowd chanted.
- charter plane : 전세기
Context: Jovenel Moïse, who was president until he was assassinated last month, cemented his campaign lead by delivering a shipment of rice bearing his party slogan to survivors of Hurricane Matthew in 2016 shortly before the vote.
Political office has traditionally been the main route for personal advancement in Haiti, which has a weak economy and deep-rooted corruption, and receives large amounts of international aid. The nation of 11 million people has about 200 political parties.