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Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: Ohio Haitian Migrants
HEADLINE: Haitians in Ohio react to allegations they are eating residents’ cats
TEASER: Migrants express fear over fake news that could put their lives at risk
PUBLISHED: 09/17/2024 at 11:40am
BYLINE: Obed Lamy
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Springfield, Ohio
VIDEOGRAPHER: Obed Lamy
VIDEO EDITOR: Obed Lamy
ASSIGNING EDITOR: Sandra Lemaire
SCRIPT EDITORS: Holly Franko, Mia Bush, djones ok
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA
PLATFORMS: WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 3:29
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: TVR
EDITOR NOTES:))
((INTRO:))
[[A small town in the Midwestern state of Ohio finds itself at the center of a controversy involving fake news about migrants eating residents’ pet cats and dogs. VOA Creole traveled to Springfield and has this report narrated by Elizabeth Cherneff.]]
((NARRATION))
Haitian migrants living in Springfield, a small town in the Midwestern state of Ohio, are making headlines nationwide after being accused of eating residents’ pets. The allegation, posted on social media and amplified by the Republican vice-presidential nominee, Ohio Senator JD Vance, was repeated in last week’s debate by former President Donald Trump, sparking outrage.
Haitian migrants in Ohio, like Clio, deny the allegations.
((Clio Paraiso, Haitian Migrant)) ((In Creole))
“I saw it on the internet. People talking about how Haitians are misbehaving. But definitely there’s no proof. Anyway, I don’t walk around town.”
((NARRATION))
Although local authorities confirm there is no evidence of migrants eating pets, the rumor has prompted numerous bomb threats, forcing school closures, and is negatively affecting Haitians’ lives in Springfield.
[[For radio: Baptiste is a Haitian migrant here.]]
((Baptiste, Haitian Migrant)) ((In Creole))
“Since we’re Haitian, when news like that is published in the media, it scares us. We’re just searching for a better life.”
((NARRATION))
Another Haitian migrant, who spoke to VOA on the condition of anonymity for security reasons, says an angry resident pulled a knife on him.
((Haitian Migrant)) ((In Creole))
“I got a phone call, and I stepped outside with a friend. We were just standing, and I saw a guy’s truck. I wasn’t even touching it – and he came out and asked what are you doing? We said we’re just standing we aren’t leaning on your truck. The guy struck a pose like he was ready to fight. And his wife told us just leave, go back inside. So we ignored him and left, but what really stunned me is the guy turned and said ‘you f--- the Haitians’ – then he pulled a knife on me.”
[[FOR RADIO: Bryan Heck is the Springfield City Manager.]]
((Courtesy: Facebook.com/CityofSpringfieldOH)) [add this courtesy]
((Bryan Heck - Springfield City Manager))
"Springfield is a dynamic community with many positive attributes. It is disappointing that some of the narratives surrounding our city have been skewed by misinformation circulating on social media, and further amplified by political rhetoric in a current highly charged political election cycle."
((NARRATION))
The migrant issue is complicated. It goes beyond allegations of eating pets.
There are more than 15,000 Haitian migrants living in Springfield, which has a total population of 60,000. Montae is a local resident who says the Haitian migrants are taking jobs from Americans.
((Montae, Springfield Resident))
“Jobs are getting took up, man. You know all these factory gigs, 50 people that could be 50 Americans that don’t have jobs instead. Instead, the Haitians take exactly all those 50 spots, man. So that’s 50 people that don’t have a job.”
((NARRATION))
Ernest is a customer service representative at Adasa Latin Market. He says over 70% of his customers are Haitian and the influx of migrants has created some conflict with local residents.
((Ernest, Customer Service Representative))
“This is a small town. People are narrow-minded in some areas, so I can see how they would feel that way. And it’s also because people don’t know the cultural differences and how to behave in certain matters.
((NARRATION))
One migrant says he was threatened after moving to Springfield from Florida three months ago. Now he’s thinking about packing up and leaving town.
.
((For VOA Creole in Springfield, Ohio, Elizabeth Cherneff, VOA News ))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateSeptember 17, 2024 11:34 EDT
BylineVOA Creole Service
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
