“Les Haïtiens sont des Français égarés sur le sol d’Haïti”. Nous citons cette phrase pour une certaine raison. Nous avions appris que l’intelligence ne se montre pas par la vitesse dont nous pouvons ajouter des numéros de Mathématiques, de Physique, ou de Chimie mais par notre aisance d’adopter la langue (française) pour expliquer les formules de ces sciences exactes.

Les séquelles de notre éducation pointent du doigt le fait que les notions apprises dans toutes les matières ont été produites en français (Littérature (haïtienne –française), Sciences Sociales, Chimie etc.). Le problème n’est pas le fait que nous ayons été enseignés en Français mais plutôt que cette éducation produite dans une langue étrangère, part, dès son début, en guerre contre notre langue maternelle qui se verra obliger de naturaliser des mots de la langue conquérante.

Ainsi donc, avions-nous appris nous à juger nos éducateurs par leur maîtrise de la langue française et à négliger, quelque peu, leur production intellectuelle. Nous nous souvenons longtemps âpres de ceux-là qui maitrisaient presque tous les mots de Petit Larousse; des mots qu’ils semaient dès qu’ils rentraient dans les salles de classe et nous émouvaient tous avec leur diction.

Et le résultat est décevant, comme longtemps déjà Fréderic Marcelin l’avait fait remarquer, l’éducation à la française est chargée de lacunes… elle ne permet pas aux étudiants d’avoir des initiatives humaines, ils sont des brevetés. Ce qui rend certainement, l’avenir des étudiants confus. Souvent ils manifestent le complexe du refus de parler le Kreyòl. Ils ont appris à tourner leur langue sept fois dans leur bouche avant de se prononcer. Ces étudiants qui se verront refuser de parler le Kreyòl dans l’enceinte même des institutions d’Etat et pour ne pas aussi être la risée de ceux-là qui les verraient comme des ignorants dans la langue de Molière.

C’est de part cette situation que le français a envahi le Créole haïtien (notre langue maternelle) pour laisser imprégner des segments d’une langue qui a domine depuis des siècles notre formation intellectuelle.

Qui de nous, sans se voir regarder de travers, pourrait délibérément dire à une personne, qui qu’elle serait, “Ale lave bòbòt ou? Aucun ! Nos enseignants, par mesure d’une certaine civilité, nous ont appris que les mots koko, zozo, konyen, etc” sont des mots sottises que nous devons éviter de prononcer, et vite, ils seront remplacés par des mots français. Sûr, vous direz que la meilleure façon de dire le mot « Konyen » serait « Fè bagay » Toutefois, pensez-vous que la traduction française « faire l’amour » fait vraie justice à cette action. Serait donc qualifié de brute, de pervert, ou de dévergondé quiconque oserait emprunter ces mots ou ce genre de langage. Et pour rendre matières pires, nous prenons l’habitude de franciser les mots créoles.

Certains écriront “Al fermer porte la” au lieu de “Ale fèmen pòt la.” Ce qui montre que L’Haïtien éduqué parle et écrit le Kreyòl en Créole (francais) parce qu’il ne pense qu’en Français (langue de sa formation) et nos grands-parents et notre pays en souffrent du reflet de cette renaissance qui passe pour un élément de modernisation linguistique (chez nous).

La raison de ces commentaires est pour l’intérêt de promouvoir le Kreyòl au delà des frontières nationales en préservant nos acquis culturels. Il nous faut à priori établir une différence entre ce qui fait l’originalité de notre langue et ce que nous avons hérité des anciens colons.

Et notre rêve de Kreyòl se réalisera sans nous isoler du reste du monde qui veut jusqu’à présent maintenir une façon détournée de rester en contact avec nous, en accusant notre langue. Il nous faut les dire et à n’importe qui qui veut nous entendre que le Kreyòl n’est pas le Français et que notre langue est codifiée, regularisée, et grammatisée toutes comme les autres langues vivantes.

A bon entendeur; salut!!!

Bobb Q Rousseau pour Page One Magazine

© 2011, Leogane Magazine. All rights reserved.

L’opinion des autres ne doit pas compter plus que la votre,plus que ce que vous pensez et dites sur vous- même.Si tel est le cas l’estime de l’autre prime sur l’estime de vous-même.Or ils sont distincts.L’estime de soi vous donne une très grande capacité a vous aimer d’abord qu’importe ce que les autres pensent.En tant qu’enseignant je disais toujours a mes élèves:” Votre bonheur ou votre malheur dépend de vous et de vous seul.”Que feriez-vous si vous étiez le seul sur cette terre? Ce souci de connaitre l’opinion des autres n’existerait même pas.On plaint les égoïstes mais pas les égocentriques.L’égoïste ne donne pas ,l’égocentrique donne même pour se faire plaisir.L’égoïste a horreur des autres,l’égocentrique a besoin des autres parce qu’il se place a leur milieu.Ce dernier fait tout pour être le centre d’intérêt du milieu ou il évolue voire du monde: donc il est utile et agréable. J e vous exige d’avoir une bonne dose d’égocentrisme pour trouver la totale en confiance en vous.

Cessez d’utiliser des efforts pour plaire aux autres.Si vous avez peur que l’on ne vous aime pas,vous avez besoin d’un remède pour remonter votre confiance en vous-même.Ne pas tolérer qu’on rejette vos idées,vos valeurs,vos opinions et même votre croyance,c’est s’exposer a souffrir toute votre vie.Si vous vous aimez et êtes confiant en vous-même l’amour ou l’opinion des autres importe peu.Cela ne sous entends pas qu’il faut négliger son apparence. Mais non il faut faire de l’effet sur les autres.Faire de l’effet ne doit pas être votre principale préoccupation car souvent les autres sont eux-même occupes et ne remarqueront même pas votre apparence.Tant que vous vous connaissez et avez confiance en vous même,vous vous occuperez moins a impressionner les autres.Si vous pouvez atteindre ce niveau.vous aurez fait la moitie du chemin qui mène a la confiance en soi.Ne vous sous-estimez pas en adoptant les opinions des autres surtout leurs pensées négatives au détriment de vos bonnes idées.Remarquez que leurs conseils sont souvent sans fondement voire leurs critiques aussi.Soyez vrai avec vous-même, vous êtes ce que vous êtes et ce que vous décidez d’être.En vous nourrissant des opinions des autres,certains vous diront d’aller a gauche,d’autres a droite pour la même situation.C’est la confusion totale qui vous mène a la plus grande peur qui soit : la peur de savoir ce que les autres pensent de nous.Inconsciemment ,trop de respect humain vous conduit a l’idolâtrie.Trouvez -vous des amis qui vous aiment pour ce que vous êtes vraiment et non  pour ce que vous devriez être. On ne vous aimera pas comme vous le souhaitez si vous n’êtes pas authentique. Les interprètes des chansons ne sont pas plus appréciés que les chanteurs originaux .Il ne faut pas être d’accord avec les autres pour attirer leur sympathie.Faire semblant aussi est déloyal et vous enlèvera votre vraie nature,votre conscience,votre valeur.Quoiqu’il arrive soyez confiant, soyez vous-même!

Qu’ on se mette au travers de votre route pour vous rendre la vie difficile,gardez votre calme! Confiant,assure, sans hostilité aucune,continuez votre route.Ne pas réagir aux boutades des autres peut bien les offenser.Ils auront choisi de l’être .Être confiant, être soi-même sont des ingrédients du bonheur et du succès.Votre plus grande réalisation sur cette terre doit être ” la perfection de vous-même”.Elle vous apprendra a  arriver a vos fins et a triompher des obstacles.

“Être confiant est l’arme la plus redoutable des gagnants”.

Cineus Gerard Elvis,mentor a ses heures perdues.

© 2011, Leogane Magazine. All rights reserved.

Se sentir malheureux est un peu le résultat de la comparaison entre soi-même et les autres plus fortunes que soit.C’est un jeu qu’il faut jouer dans les deux sens.Avez-vous déjà demande aux autres ce qu’ils apprécient le plus en vous et ce qu’ils vous voleraient si c’était possible? Vous seriez étonné d’apprendre toute les richesses que vous possédez et que vous ignorez: votre sourire,votre douceur ,votre langage,votre prestance,votre caractère,votre maitrise ,votre charme,votre humeur,votre humour,votre délicatesse, votre loyauté,votre courtoisie,votre équité,votre générosité,votre sens de partage et de responsabilité,vos conseils ,votre tact,votre bon sens,votre sagesse etc. Remarquez qu’il n’y a pas d’argent, de biens matériels dans cette longue liste pourtant inachevée.L’évidence est claire que vous ignorez souvent l’étendue de votre richesse.Que de biens agrémentent votre vie!

La vraie richesse contient plus que l’argent ou les objets de valeur.Ce n’est pas tant que vous possédez qui compte mais ce que vous voulez en faire et la façon de l’utiliser.Vous pouvez être aussi malheureux avec 100 dollars qu’avec 1000000 de dollars.Alors quoi? Il faut savoir reconnaitre et utiliser toutes les autres richesses.Qu’y a-t-il de plus doux et de plus désarmant qu’un sourire? De plus enivrant qu’un chaleureux baiser d’amoureux? De plus curatifs que les caresses,les charmes et l’affection d’une mère? De plus apaisants que les mots d’un poète? De plus rassurant que les conseils d’un bon ami? Que dire d’autres?

Quand vous vous sentez frustre ,désappointé parce qu’une personne possède une chose que vous n’avez pas et désirez, dites vous bien que quelque part quelqu’un d’autre changerait bien de place avec vous. Recherchez le luxe qui s’apparente a la liste ci-dessus et votre trésor deviendra inestimable.Avant de trouver un coin a part ou vous vous sentirez confortable avec une forte somme d’argent, pensez a être une personne recherchée pour vos qualités de cœur qui rendront toutes les places du monde vivables autour de vous. Il existe mes chers amis beaucoup de richesses dans ce monde et en vous qui méritent d’être reconsidérées,réévaluées,redécouvertes.Surmontez votre aveuglement.

Vous n’êtes pas aussi riche que vous aimeriez l’être parce que vous ne prenez plus le temps de puiser ce qui est réellement nécessaire dans les tréfonds de votre cœur pour mener une vie a l’aise.SENECA ,philosophe romain disait:”Ce n’est pas celui qui a peu mais celui qui veut plus qui est pauvre” Moi j’ajoute:” La pauvrete est le mepris de ce qu’on a”. Prêtez attention a vos qualités et les dons offerts par la nature et non a ceux que vous ne possédez pas et vous apprécierez chaque jour, chaque heure,chaque minute ,chaque seconde de votre vie la vraie richesse.

© 2011, Leogane Magazine. All rights reserved.

Après avoir décroché leur billet pour jouer parmi l’élite du football haïtien, Valencia de Léogâne et Triomphe de Liancourt se sont affrontés vendredi dernier pour le compte de la première manche de la finale du championnat national de D2.

A l’arrivée, les Léoganais se sont imposés difficilement face aux Liancourtois. Devant un public tout acquis à sa cause, le Valencia a ouvert le score à la 32ème minute par son buteur maison, Rosemond Dieufils.

A la reprise, les assauts répétés des Liancourtois allaient produire leurs effets grâce à Clerval Changlet qui a pu rétablir l’équilibre à la 65ème minute et ce pour le plus grand bonneur de ses fans qui rêvent d’imiter leurs homologues du Tempête FC de Saint-Marc, vainqueur du tournoi d’ouverture du championnat national Digicel et de l’AS l’Estère, dominateur du championnat national de D3.

Alors qu’on s’achemine vers le score de parité entre les deux protagonistes, à neuf minutes de la fin de la rencontre, Emerson Michel (81′) bénéficiant d’un ballon à l’entrée de la surface de réparation ne s’est pas fait prier pour catapulter le ballon au fond des filets des Artibonitiens et d’un coup, les locaux ont repris l’avantage pour finalement l’emporter (2-1).

Pour s’adjuger du trophée récompensant le lauréat du championnat national de D2, les Léogânais n’auront besoin que d’un match nul et d’une victoire. En revanche, les Liancourtois doivent obligatoirement remporter la finale retour.

Et pour ravir le titre de champion, les hommes du Triomphe doivent gagner le match retour et ce sans encaisser de but pour éviter l’application de la règle voulant qu’en cas d’égalité de points et de buts, le but marqué à l’extérieur comptera pour deux. Toutefois, une courte victoire (1-0) suffira à l’équipe du Triomphe pour compléter la belle série des équipes issues du département de l’Artibonite, cette saison.

Signalons que la finale retour est programmée pour ce dimanche à Liancourt et mettra aux prises au parc Chritian Dorsonne, l’équipe de Triomphe et le Valencia de Léogâne.

Résutats de la finale aller
Vendredi 18 mars: Valencia – Triomphe: 2-1
Dimanche 27 mars: Triomphe – Valencia:

Légupeterson Alexandre /petoo76@aim.com

© 2011, Leogane Magazine. All rights reserved.

ECOLE NATIONALE DES GARCONS
DANTON 1068
DUMONT 824

ECOLE NATIONALE DE DESSOURCES
DANTON 1048
DUMONT 981

ECOLE WESLEYENNE DE DUFORT
DANTON 1017
DUMONT 1069

ECOLE NATIONALE DE BELLOC
DANTON 317
DUMONT 340

ECOLE NATIONALE DE BELLOC
DANTON 508
DUMONT 633

AIDE DU BON SAMARITAN BELLOC
DANTON 317
DUMONT 340

ECOLE NATIONALE DE GUERIN
DANTON 1211
DUMONT 726

ECOLE NATIONALE DES CROIX DES PERES
DANTON 759
DUMONT 636

ECOLE NATIONALE DES PAPETTES
DANTON 1147
DUMONT 678

DESLLANDES
DANTON 969
DUMONT 948

ORANGERS
DANTON 805
DUMONT 638

PAGUES
DANTON 222
DUMONT 437

BEAU SEJOUR
DANTON 134
DUMONT 154

CITRONNIERS
DANTON 200
DUMONT 515

FONDWA
DANTON 264
DUMONT 178

CORAIL LEMAIRE
DANTON 278
DUMONT 241

GROS MORNE
DANTON 337
DUMONT 241

CORMIERS
DANTON 478
DUMONT 377

PETIT APON
DANTON 262
DUMONT 260

FONDS DES BOUDAINS
DANTON 545
DUMONT 786

PALMISTE-A-VIN
DANTON 460
DUMONT 383

ACUL
DANTON 131
DUMONT 128

Le victorieux l’aurait gagné à 52.87% avec 706 voix de plus

TOTAL DEFINITIF

DANTON 12.738
DUMONT 12.032

Léogâne Magazine

© 2011, Leogane Magazine. All rights reserved.

Durant le comptage des bulletins, ils ont enregistrés 450 bulletins pendant qu’ils ont donné 400.

Le responsable du Bureau #17 a crié que ce pourrait bien une erreur. Le Bureau Central a recompté les votes plusieurs fois pour ne compter que 450.

 ”Il a ouvert la boite, il a aussi compté avec nous; nous avons compté 450 voix. Nous lui avons donné 400 voix et voici le document qu’il a signé acceptant 400 voix,” a déclaré un membre du bureau central qui veut garder l’anonymat parce qu’il n’était pas autorisé pendant que l’investigation se poursuit.

Tous les 450 votes venus de ce bureau ont été enregistrés pour Me. Danton; pas un n’a été for Me. Dumont. Les votes sont automatiquement annulés, ce qui donne une avance de 368 voix à Me. Dumont.

L’enquête se poursuit.

© 2011, Leogane Magazine. All rights reserved.

Désormais, tu resteras muet puisque tu n’as pas eu le courage de mentir à son sujet. Tu peux dire tout ce que tu veux, mais le passé incassable de cet homme sera le seul témoignage qui démentira et refutera toutes accusations non-fondées portées contre lui.

Ce n’est pas par égoisme ou par desir frivole qu’il s’est porté pour candidat pour la députation de Léogâne. C’est tout simplement sa détermination de continuer à donner aux jeunes Léoganais un avenir solide et prometteur.

Ses expériences tant au niveau de la justice, du social, et de l’éducation et son fougue pour représenter Léogâne même au delà des frontières nationales font de lui ” Vir Bonus dicendi peritus’‘ pour la position ideale.

Ses axes prioritaires pour la politique Haitienne gravite autour la santé, l’agriculture, l’éducation, les infrastructures routières, et le development industriel de la commune.

Il est Député pour la députation mais il a un ideal de président. Il est l’homme dont le passé professionel acheminera Léogâne vers les portes du progres.

Sa philosophie est de stimuler une communauté léoganaise plus fraternelle où l’esprit de  partage prédomine. Partage de connaissance, de joie, de soucis à travers une dynamique sociale où le dialogue, le respect mutuel et la communication se joignent pour faire de nous des frères et soeurs dans le vrai sens du terme, pour faire de nous une vraie communauté et une grande commune que les autres villes prendront comme exemple.

Son ideal c’est de créer une Léogâne décentralisée où toutes les sections communales arriveront à concevoir leur propre développement et  construire un leadership où l’industrie, le commerce, l’agriculture trouveront leur place dans la grande cité.

Aucun autre Député ne vient pour offrir Léogâne ce qu’il entend offrir. Il symbolise l’idee de progrès constant, de development réel, et d’harmonie parfaite.

Mer chers amis, nous vous présentons Me. Danton Léger, Député de Léogâne.

© 2011, Leogane Magazine. All rights reserved.

Ils campagnent à travers les sections communales qui selon Wilson Jean-Baptise reunissent en leurs bastions, la grande majorité des voteurs.

Me Danton a fait alliance avec le Maire de la Commune de Léogâne, Santos Alexis tandis que Mr. Dumont est en train de payer l’erreur de vouloir représenter la ville sous la banière de INITE quoiqu’il a ouvertement déclaré que son choix politique n’a jamais été Jude Celestin mais Jacques Edouard Alexis.

En effet, Mr. Dumont était le représentant de Jacques Edouard Alexis à Léogâne où il y était venu deux fois durant son inaperçue campagne présidentielle.

Léogâne Magazine a conduit un micro-troittoir ce 24 Février 2011 où des reporters ont ciblé 500 personnes en vue de leur demander qui ils pensent remporteront le dernier chapitre de la course électorale.

Pendant que la question n’était pas qui ils iront voter le mois prochain, 199 ont repondu qu’ils voteront Mr. Dumont and 201 ont dit qu’ils voteront Me. Danton pendant que 100 disent qu’ils sont encore retissants à donner leur voix à n’importe des deux.

Léogâne Magazine sera en direct au jour des élections en vue de tenir la Disapora informée du roulement des activités dans les bureaux de vote..

Léogâne Magazine

© 2011, Leogane Magazine. All rights reserved.

The purpose of this textual matter is to prevent blight, to secure healthy and humane living conditions, to protect the integrity of investments in real property, to prevent the decline of real estate values, to improve aesthetics, and to protect the public health, safety and welfare.  In order to secure this goal, Léogane Statutes is adopted and activities contrary to this chapter are deemed to constitute a matter of public concern which must be regulated or prescribed through the exercise of the City’s police powers.

(A)     No person shall leave unattended any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer or mobile home on any public highway or private or public property, for such time and under such circumstances as to cause the vehicle to reasonably appear to have been abandoned. Except as otherwise provided in this section, whenever any vehicle has been left unattended without the permission of the property owner for more than 72 hours, the vehicle is deemed abandoned and constitutes a public nuisance.  A motor vehicle shall not be considered an abandoned motor vehicle when it is out of ordinary public view, or when designated as not abandoned by a duly authorized police, municipal, or county official pursuant to municipal or county ordinance.

(B)     Any vehicle in violation of this section shall be impounded until lawfully claimed or disposed of under Léogane Statutes.

(C)     Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a forfeiture of 1,000 gds, plus costs and fees.  In addition, any person who violates any provision of this section shall be subject to payment for the actual costs of impounding and disposing of the vehicle impounded.

(D)    Members of the Police Department so authorized by the Chief of Police may remove or cause to be removed any abandoned vehicle.

What is an Abandoned Vehicle?

* A vehicle, which has been left, unwanted and appears to be discarded by its owner or by others.
* In an unroadworthy condition and has no valid license plate displayed.
* Is in such a condition that it should be destroyed.

What is Not an Abandoned Vehicle?

* Badly parked or obstructive vehicles;
* Road traffic accident vehicles awaiting recovery;
* Broken down vehicles;

If a vehicle is deemed to be abandoned, an enforcement officer will serve the relevant notice on the vehicle. After expiration of that notice and if the vehicle is still unclaimed by the owner, it will be removed and disposed of. To report a suspected abandoned vehicle by telephone please ring the sous-commissariat de Leogane.

© 2011, Leogane Magazine. All rights reserved.

The fishing industry includes any industry or activity concerned with taking, culturing, processing, preserving, storing, transporting, marketing or selling fish or fish products. It is defined by the FAO as including recreational, subsistence and commercial fishing, and the harvesting, processing, and marketing sectors. The commercial activity is aimed at the delivery of fish and other seafood products for human consumption or as input factors in other industrial processes. Directly or indirectly, the livelihood of over 500 million people in developing countries depends on fisheries and aquaculture. There are three principal industry sectors: The commercial sector, traditional sector and recreational sector.

a) The commercial sector: comprises enterprises and individuals associated with wild-catch or aquaculture resources and the various transformations of those resources into products for sale. It is also referred to as the seafood industry, although non-food items such as pearls are included among its products.

b) The traditional sector: comprises enterprises and individuals associated with fisheries resources from which aboriginal people derive products in accordance with their traditions.

c) The recreational sector: comprises enterprises and individuals associated for the purpose of recreation, sport or sustenance with fisheries resources from which products are derived that are not for sale.

How many times have Larionne flooded the city of Leogane and people are literally catching fish with their bare hands in the water. I can recall plenty of times. These fish are already growing abundantly in the rivers, lakes and ponds. What we intend to do is simply cultivating them in a more responsible manner. The national and local strategy of growth and discount of poverty rests on the creation of wealth, which have to benefit primarily the poorest populations, and on a good management of natural and environmental means. In this strategy of lasting development, the area of agriculture and aquaculture are identified as the premier vectors for growth. In the past 20 years, aquaculture has become an important and viable sector of the agricultural industry. The growth of this industry is expected to continue and expand. Consumers are eating more fish than at any time in the past. The aquaculture sector will become the major player in increasing the production of freshwater fish not simply to fulfill the communities needs but also to export. The purpose of this plan is to assess Leogane’s potential for developing an aquaculture industry. The natural resources of Leogane are varied, diverse and overall more than adequate to support the development of an aquaculture industry. Some of Leogane’s advantages are:

1) A warmer growing season that provides production advantages.

2) Adequate and accessible groundwater resources in Leogane.

3) Abundant supplies of surface water suitable for a diversity of aquaculture uses throughout the region.

4) Leogane’s topography and soils are ideal for aquaculture development.

5) Leogane receives an average annual rainfall of 137 cm (54 in).

Commercial sector:

The commercial sector of the fishing industry comprises the following chain:

1. Commercial fishing and fish farming which produce the fish

2. Fish processing which produce the fish products

3. Marketing of the fish products

Status of Aquaculture:

Aquaculture continues to grow in popularity around the globe. Although it has been practiced for centuries, recent growth can be attributed to a new understanding of the technologies necessary to raise fish under controlled conditions. A number of aquatic species are being considered for culture as food animals in Haiti. Some of the technology needed to grow these species can be transferred from other aquaculture species areas. In 1999, Cuban experts in fresh water fish breeding began their work in an area shortly larger than one hectare (2.4 acres), built by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), but they returned home in 2004, in times of a tense political situation in Haiti. Four years later, they came back to this country with the intention to create availability of food for Haitians, with easy to adapt species. In 2009, almost 50,000 young fish were launched into the water in the country. Many aquatic species are presently cultured commercially in Haiti. Due to the flux of the aquaculture industry, there may be other aquatic species with unknown or yet unrecognized potential for culture in Leogane. The most dramatic example of aquaculture success happened with development of the catfish industry. Tilapia and other exotic fish are potentially important aquaculture species. The advantages of culturing tilapia are the high tolerance to poor water quality conditions and the ability to utilize plank-tonic organisms as food as well as commercially prepared feeds.

Natural Resources:

The water, land, and climate characteristics provides great potentials for developing a successful aquaculture farm in Leogane. The region has areas with large reservoirs of ground water which have excellent water quality for fish production. Leogane has a sizable coastal area bordering the Atlantic ocean which supports shrimp and oyster fisheries as well as saltwater fin fish.

The tropical atmosphere in Leogane provides an excellent opportunity for production advantages. Whereas row crops and livestock suffer from heat stress, warm-water fish may benefit from heat stimulated growth and the long duration of warm weather. Displacement of certain row crops by aquaculture may improve profitability of farm enterprises. The heavy clay soils that lack fertility for row crop production could be prime sites to consider for development of aquaculture facilities. Ponds used for fish culture can be used as water storage reservoirs for irrigation of row crops or watering livestock. Extensive areas where cultivation has ceased because of infertile soils could also be considered for aquaculture sites, provided that water impermeable soils are available and the topography is suitable.

Water Requirements:

Pond culture is the most common and extensive culture system for fresh water aquaculture. Water is supplied by collection of runoff from rainfall, or by pumping from wells or surface water accumulations such as reservoirs or streams. For commercial production of catfish, a water volume of 2,000 to 3,000 gpm is recommended for a unit of four 17.5 acre ponds. This recommendation is approximately 30 to 40 gpm for each acre of pond water area. This large volume of filling capacity is to allow pond filling in a short time span. The amount of water used for aquaculture ponds includes the volume used to fill the pond initially and any amount needed to maintain the minimum water level of the pond during the year. Evaporation and seepage cause most water loss from ponds. Rain falling directly on the pond surface or runoff from rains replaces some water lost during the year. Ponds with negligible seepage should be able to remain adequately full with average rainfalls. In dry years, makeup water would be required from either runoff or pumped water to maintain an adequate pond water level.

In general, water that is free of toxic pollutants can be used for aquaculture. However, some naturally occurring minerals can make some waters more suitable than others. Total alkalinity of water should be above 100 mg/L for best quality even though fish are often grown in water with less than 20 mg/L alkalinity. Iron above 0.5 mg/L is detrimental to fish but can be removed by water treatment. For aquaculture purposes, iron removal can be accomplished by aerating the water, holding until the iron has oxidized, and filtering the oxidized iron with sand filtration. More complex treatment may be required in specialized situations. Iron can be more dangerous to some fish than others and trout, for example, would suffer in iron concentrations that catfish could tolerate. Gases can be present in ground water at concentrations that cause supersaturated conditions when the water is raised to the surface and heated. Supersaturated amounts of nitrogen or carbon dioxide may create a condition in fish called gas bubble disease. Excess gases can be removed by aerating the water before use for aquaculture facilities.

Water Availability:

Surface waters in Leogane are suitable for a diversity of aquaculture uses. In Haiti there are two rainy seasons, April–June and October–November. Water for large freshwater aquaculture facilities could be available from the major surface water streams i.e. Larionne. One of the greatest resources of Leogane but sadly for years its citizens have failed to capitalized on its resources. Leogane also receives an average annual rainfall of 137 cm (54 in), which should keep the ponds mostly filled throughout the year. We will not solely rely on the rain however, in periods of low stream flow reservoirs and deep well drilling will also be utilized to support the farms.

Land:

For most types of aquaculture, suitable land is a primary consideration for site location. Topography must be considered to allow economical facility construction. Soils of the type that hold water must be available on the site without excessive excavation.

Surface features must be built into or built around when designing aquaculture facilities. Watershed ponds are most economical when built in shallow bowl shaped basins which require the shortest possible dam. Valleys or gorges which require great amounts of fill to construct dams are poor sites for ponds. Damming flowing streams usually is not appropriate because pond fertility will be diluted and fish are washed downstream in periods of high flow. To use large watersheds with flowing streams, ponds can be placed side by side on each bank of the stream then filled with water diverted from the stream. Dams should be constructed to allow draining of the pond. Ponds that cannot be drained by gravity are not easy to manage. Ponds built in low areas often cannot be completed because heavy equipment will not stand up on wet soils or debris cannot be removed from the wet soils. Excavated ponds that reach below the water table do not make good aquaculture ponds. Level land can be used for ponds by ditching away from the pond drain to lower areas. Pond construction requires soils with enough clay to make the pond nearly impervious to seepage. Fine textured clays or silty clays are preferred for dam building. For moderate to low seepage, at least 25% clay with sand and loam must be used. Soils with more than 80% clay are not good for pond construction because they swell when wet and crack when dry, allowing water to leak from the pond. Ideal soils for pond construction have 35-45% clay content.

Saline Waters:

The Atlantic Ocean and the estuaries that borders Leogane are natural resources that could provide opportunities for development of saltwater aquaculture. Few aquaculture enterprises have developed in the coastal areas of Leogane. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the world harvest in 2005 consisted of 93.3 million tonnes captured by commercial fishing in wild fisheries, plus 48.1 million tonnes produced by fish farms. In addition, 1.3 million tons of aquatic plants (seaweed etc) were captured in wild fisheries and 14.8 million tons were produced by aquaculture. The top producing countries were, in order, the People’s Republic of China (excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan), Peru, Japan, the United States, Chile, Indonesia, Russia, India, Thailand, Norway and Iceland. Those countries accounted for more than half of the world’s production; China alone accounted for a third of the world’s production. Aquaculture is the cultivation of aquatic organisms. Unlike fishing, aquaculture, also known as aqua-farming, is the cultivation of aquatic populations under controlled conditions. Mari-culture refers to aquaculture practiced in marine environments. Particular kinds of aquaculture include alga-culture (the production of kelp/seaweed and other algae); fish farming; shrimp farming, shellfish farming, and the growing of cultured pearls. Fish farming involves raising fish commercially in tanks or enclosed pools, usually for food. Fish species raised by fish farms include carp, salmon, tilapia, catfish and cod. Increasing demands on wild fisheries by commercial fishing operations have caused widespread overfishing. Fish farming offers an alternative solution to the increasing market demand for fish and fish protein.

Fish processing is the processing of fish delivered by commercial fisheries and fish farms. The larger fish processing companies have their own fishing fleets and independent fisheries. The products of the industry are usually sold wholesale to grocery chains or to intermediaries. Fish processing can be subdivided into two categories: fish handling (the initial processing of raw fish) and fish products manufacturing. Aspects of fish processing occur on fishing vessels, fish processing vessels, and at fish processing plants. Another natural subdivision is into primary processing involved in the filleting and freezing of fresh fish for onward distribution to fresh fish retail and catering outlets, and the secondary processing that produces chilled, frozen and canned products for the retail and catering trades. Fisheries are estimated to currently provide 16% of the world population’s protein. The flesh of many fish are primarily valued as a source of food; there are many edible species of fish. Other marine life taken as food includes shellfish, crustaceans, sea cucumber, jellyfish and roe. Fish and other marine life are also be used for many other uses: pearls and mother-of-pearl, sharkskin and ray-skin. Sea horses, star fish, sea urchins and sea cucumber are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Tyrian purple is a pigment made from marine snails, sepia is a pigment made from the inky secretions of cuttlefish. Fish glue has long been valued for its use in all manner of products. Isinglass is used for the clarification of wine and beer. Fish emulsion is a fertilizer emulsion that is produced from the fluid remains of fish processed for fish oil and fish meal.

Fish markets are marketplace used for the trade in and sale of fish and other seafood. They can be dedicated to wholesale trade between fishermen and fish merchants, or to the sale of seafood to individual consumers, or to both. Retail fish markets, a type of wet market, often sell street food as well. Most shrimps are sold frozen and are marketed in different categories. The live food fish trade is a global system that links fishing communities with markets. The traditional fishing industry, or artisan fishing, are terms used to describe small scale commercial or subsistence fishing practices, particularly using traditional techniques such as rod and tackle, arrows and harpoons, throw nets and drag nets, etc. It does not usually cover the concept of fishing for sport, and might be used when talking about the pressures between large scale modern commercial fishing practices and traditional methods, or when aid programs are targeted specifically at fishing at or near subsistence levels.

Demand:

The demand for seafood products is strong, and seafood businesses have prospered over the past few years as a result of a growing domestic seafood market. Fish imports represent nearly 75% of annual consumption in Haiti, despite the enormous potential offered by the 1535 km coastline of Haiti.

Competitions:

The competitive forces in the industry also require close examination. The ease with which new competitors can enter the industry should be considered. How rapidly will new entrants emerge or existing capacity expand in response to favorable price levels? How much will prices fall if production increases significantly? If the aquaculture project relies on outside sources for inputs such as feed, seed stock, etc., particular attention needs to be given to the potential market power of these suppliers. The same issues arise relative to the market power of buyers or processors. How able and likely are suppliers or buyers to squeeze margins if they have to obtain significant market power due either to size or limited numbers? Competitive advantage is also a function of the number of available substitute products. How sensitive is the market to price differences between competitive products?

Financing:

Because aquaculture is a developing industry, financing for aquaculture has been limited by the lack of experience on the part of both lenders and producers, as well as by the slow rate at which the industry infrastructure has developed. Despite obstacles, the prospects are brighter today than they have ever been. The growth of the aquaculture industry will continue because of opportunity for farmers and for the public benefits it provides. The major benefits include providing a safe and healthful food product for consumers, reducing the deficit in seafood trade, and creating jobs. The potential for future growth of the aquaculture industry is strong according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Although there are a number of specific concerns related to the availability of financing for aquaculture, the most significant changes in lending practices and policies are not unique to aquaculture but are applicable to all agricultural borrowers. These changes are primarily the result of the significant loan losses, and the high number of financial institution failures. Lenders are risk averse by both nature and regulation. Because risk is largely a function of uncertainty, the less a lender understands about a business or an industry, the greater the potential risk perceived. This risk is compounded if prior experience is lacking on the part of both the lender and management of the aquaculture operation. While part of the problem is perception, the risk of something going wrong actually is greater until an adequate amount of experience is gained.

A second problem is a function of the rate of development of the industry infrastructure and the size of the market. This problem manifests itself in the collateral value of the specialized equipment and improvements required for aquaculture production. If a market is expanding or well established, specialized items tend to have a more ready market. However, the current situation in Leogane aquaculture would likely require a large discount from the construction or purchase price in order to protect the lender from a limited market. The marketability of an aquaculture operation can be roughly judged by the number of marketing channels that are bidding for the firms product. If there is only one marketing channel, the market is subject to less competition or assurance of a continuing market. Therefore, in a market where there is only one market for the farm’s production, improvements may be valued at as little as 10 to 20% of cost or book value, while the existence of three or more marketing outlets may increase this value to 40 to 60%. More marketing channels indicate that the market is more mature and established. Obviously, these valuation factors are also influenced by the size, financial strength and reputation of the marketing outlets involved.

A third problem which affects the availability of financing for aquaculture is the difficulty in establishing a value for growing products. There are significant limitations on inventorying the products, both in terms of quantity and quality.

© 2011, Leogane Magazine. All rights reserved.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

OWNER. A person who holds a legal title of a vehicle, or in the event a vehicle is the subject of the agreement for the conditional sale or a lease thereof with the right of purchase upon performance of the conditions stated in the agreement and with an immediate vendee or lessee or mortgagor of vehicle is entitled to possession, then the conditional vendee or lessee or mortgagor shall be deemed the owner for the purpose of this chapter, or an association of persons or a corporation in whose name the title is registered.

DRIVER. Every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle.

MOTOR VEHICLE. Every vehicle which is self-propelled, but not operated on rails.

EMERGENCY VEHICLES. Vehicles of the fire department, police vehicles and ambulances and emergency vehicles of municipal departments or public service corporations as are designated or authorized by the Chief of Police.

HEAVY TRUCKS. Every motor vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property and having a carrying or towing capacity of 1½ tons or greater.

SEMI-TRAILER. Every vehicle with or without motor power, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by motor vehicle and so constructed that some part of its weight and that of its load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle as a heavy truck.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. Every officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations.

OFFICIAL TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICE. All signs, signals, markings and devices placed or erected by authority of a public body, agency or official having jurisdiction thereof for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding the movement of traffic.

ROADWAY. Any portion of a road, improved or otherwise, ordinarily used for the movement of vehicular traffic.

UNIMPROVED ROAD. Any road which has been accepted into the county road system for perpetual maintenance thereof and which construction consists of either a gravel, shale or dirt road base or mixture thereof.

GENERAL SPEED RESTRICTIONS.

(a) No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and without having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. In every event, speed shall be so controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the highway, in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.

(b) The driver of every motor vehicle shall, consistent with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, drive at an appropriate speed when approaching and crossing an intersection, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway and when a special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions. Where no special hazard exists, the following speeds shall be lawful, but any speed in excess of such limits shall be absolute evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful. No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed in excess of that listed below:

(1) Thirty-five miles per hour for any motor vehicle operating on any unimproved road.

(2) Thirty miles per hour for any heavy truck or semi-trailer operating on any unimproved road.

(3) Twenty-five miles per hour in any business district

(4) Twenty-five miles per hour in any residential district

(5) Twenty miles per hour at all school zones

(6) Fifty miles per hour on 2-lane roadways

The speed restrictions set forth above shall not apply to emergency vehicles when the vehicle is responding to an emergency call.

(a) No person shall drive any motor vehicle in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, exhibition of speed or acceleration and no person shall aid, abet, promote, assist or in any manner participate in any such race, competition, contest, test or exhibition. A violation of this subsection shall be an unclassified misdemeanor.

(b) No person shall accelerate or try to accelerate a motor vehicle at a rate which causes the drive wheels to spin or slip on the road surface. This subsection shall not apply during periods of inclement weather.

(c) No owner or person in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit that vehicle or any vehicle under the person’s control to be used by another person for any of the purposes listed in subsection (a) or (b) of this section. If any vehicle is witnessed by a police officer to be in violation of this section and the identity of the operator is not otherwise apparent, the person in whose name such vehicle is registered as the owner shall be held prima facie responsible for such violation.

(d) Whoever violates this section shall be fined for the first offense not less than 1,006.25 HTG nor more than 8,050.00 HTG, or imprisoned not less than 7 days nor more than 14 days or both. For each subsequent like offense, the person shall be fined not less than 2,012.50 HTG nor more than 16,100.00 HTG, or imprisoned not less than 15 days nor more than 30 days or both. Upon receiving notice of a conviction for a first offense, the City shall forthwith suspend the driver’s license of the person convicted, for a period of not longer than 6 months. Upon receiving notice of a conviction of a subsequent like offense, the City shall suspend the driver’s license for a 1-year period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there shall not be a suspension of driver’s license upon conviction for a first offense under subsection (b) of this section.

(e) No person shall drive a vehicle over any bridge or elevated structure constituting a part of a highway at a speed which is greater than the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to such bridge or structure, when such bridge has traffic-control devices displayed.

(f) No person shall drive a vehicle over any bridge or elevated structure constituting a part of a highway when such vehicle’s gross weight, including carried load, is greater than the maximum weight which can be maintained with safety to such bridge or structure, when such structure has traffic-control devices displayed.

© 2011, Leogane Magazine. All rights reserved.

A person over 21 years of age may operate or ride upon his or her “personal” motorcycle without wearing protective headgear.  A person under 16 years of age may not operate or ride upon a moped unless the person is properly wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head.

All persons seeking a motorcycle endorsement, regardless of age, are required to take a motorcycle safety course.

A “professional motorcycle taxi driver” may not operate a motorcycle unless the person is wearing a protective headgear and an eye-protective device over his or her eyes.

A person operating a motorcycle or moped shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, and such operator shall not carry any other person, nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle or moped, unless such motorcycle or moped is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two persons or upon another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle or moped at the rear of the operator.

Passenger footrests are required if carrying a passenger. Every passenger on a motorcycle shall keep his feet on the footrests while such vehicle is in motion.

No person shall modify the exhaust system in such a manner that the noise emitted is above that emitted by the vehicle as originally manufactured.

The license tag of a motorcycle or moped must be permanently affixed horizontally to the ground and may not be adjusted or capable of being flipped.

Any person operating a motorcycle or moped shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.

Any person operating a motorcycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:

a. When overtaking or passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction.

b. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

c. When reasonably necessary to avoid any condition, including, but not limited to, a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, or substandard-width lane, that makes it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For purposes of this paragraph, a “substandard-width lane” is a lane that is too narrow for a motorcycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

A person propelling a motorcycle solely by human power upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances, except that such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.

No person shall propel a motorcycle upon and along a sidewalk while the motor is operating.

HEADLAMPS ON MOTORCYCLES.

Every motorcycle during darkness shall be equipped with at least one and not more than two lighted headlamps.

The headlamp upon a motor-driven cycle may be of the single-beam or multiple-beam type, but in either event, when the vehicle is operated during darkness, the headlamp shall comply with the requirements and limitations as follows:

(a) The headlamp shall be of sufficient intensity to reveal a person or a vehicle at a distance of not less than 100 feet when the motor-driven cycle is operated at any speed less than 25 miles per hour and at a distance of not less than 200 feet when operated at a speed of 25 to not exceeding 35 miles per hour, and at a distance of 300 feet when operated at a speed greater than 35 miles per hour.

(b) In the event the motor-driven cycle is equipped with a multiple-beam headlamp, the upper beam shall meet the minimum requirements set forth above and the lowermost beam shall meet the requirements applicable to a lowermost distribution of light.

(c) In the event the motor-driven cycle is equipped with a single-beam lamp, it shall be so aimed that when the vehicle is loaded none of the high intensity portion of light, at a distance of 25 feet ahead, shall project higher than the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes.

TAXI PERMIT REQUIRED.

A) It shall be unlawful to operate a motor vehicle as a vehicle-for-hire in Léogane unless that vehicle is permitted by the City.

(B) The City of Léogane will issue taxi permits yearly based upon application for renewal by permit holders. The effective date of a renewal permit is the date of issuance by the City or January 1, whichever is later. All taxi permits expire on the December 31 immediately following the effective date.

(C) Only one motor vehicle may be assigned per permit at any time.

APPLICATION AND RENEWAL PROCESS – TAXI PERMIT.

(A) In order to apply for a taxi permit, the applicant shall complete the form supplied by the City Clerk’s office and shall file:

(1) With the City Clerk:

(a) The address and complete legal name, including any aliases and business names of the applicant, along with the names of all owner(s), partner(s), member(s), shareholder(s), officer(s), and/or director(s) of the applicant as appropriate to the entity;

(b) The physical address of the applicant;

(c) The form of the business;

(d) The name under which the applicant, if selected as a permit holder, will conduct business which name shall be the advertised name under which taxi service will be provided to the public;

(e) The make, model, year of manufacture, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the vehicle license registration number of the motor vehicle expected to be assigned to the permit, if known;

(f) A description of the distinctive color scheme to be applied to the permitted motor vehicle along with the applicant’s proposed lettering or numbering, which will be applied to the exterior of the permitted taxi and which shall be distinct from the color scheme used by other permit holders;

(g) A description of the applicant’s hours of operation;

(h) An insurance policy or certificate of insurance, or proof of a commitment to bind same, by an insurance company authorized to conduct business in the country and reflecting coverage or the availability of coverage for personal injury and property damage arising or resulting from the operation or use of the permitted motor vehicle as a vehicle-for-hire, including uninsured motorist coverage, with limits of not less than 397,500.00 HTG because of bodily injury or death of one (1) person in any one (1) accident and not less than 1,192,500.00 HTG because of bodily injury or death in any one (1) accident, and if the accident has resulted in injury to or destruction of property not less than 198,750.00 HTG because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one (1) accident and also including a provision in or rider to the policy requiring thirty (30) days prior written notice of cancellation of the policy by the carrier to the City Clerk;

(i) A non-refundable application fee to be set by ordinance;

(j) The signature of the applicant or of a person authorized to sign on behalf of the applicant;

(k) A statement issued by the City Clerk’s Office stating that the applicant is in compliance with City, and in compliance with the City’s business license ordinance; and

(2) With the Department of Public Safety:

1. A full and complete set of fingerprints of the applicant, and of its owner(s), partners, officers, directors, and of members or shareholders owning twenty percent (20%) or more of the outstanding shares or membership interests of the entity, or a copy of the applicant’s current chauffeur’s license; and

2. A copy of a current criminal history obtained within thirty (30) days prior to the date of application reflecting the criminal history of the applicant, and of its owner(s), partners, officers, and directors, and of its shareholders or members owning twenty percent (20%) or more of the outstanding shares or membership interests of the entity.

3. The information described in subdivision above shall together consist of a completed application. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

(B) Applications for permit renewal shall be submitted no later than thirty (30) days before expiration, along with a copy of a current motor vehicle inspection report.

QUALIFICATIONS OF APPLICANT – TAXI PERMIT HOLDER.

A) An applicant for a taxi permit, and its shareholders, officers, directors, members, partners, economic interest holders or others who own or control twenty percent (20%) or more of the shares, membership or ownership interests of the applicant, must be of good moral reputation and character shall possess the following additional qualifications:

(1) Not be addicted or habituated to the use of drugs and alcoholic beverages.

(2) Have had no felony conviction for five (5) years immediately preceding the date of application, and have had no conviction in the past ten (10) years for any felony or misdemeanor crime the elements of which are similar to crimes described: Murder, Manslaughter, Criminally negligent homicide, Reckless endangerment, Kidnapping, Sexual assault, Robbery.

(3) Be at least 18 years of age.

(4) Have filed a completed application for permit issuance or renewal.

(B) Each applicant and permit holder shall meet the qualifications as set forth in this Section throughout the year for which a taxi permit is issued and further has a continuing, affirmative duty to disclose any facts or conduct which may affect their ability to meet these qualifications.

VEHICLE EQUIPMENT AND INSPECTION.

(A) Vehicles to be utilized as taxies shall be marked and equipped as follows:

(1) The taxi permit number assigned to the vehicle and the service identification shall be permanently affixed to each side of the vehicle in type that is at least six (6) inches in height. The word “taxi” or the name of the permit holder and/or business name shall be illuminated by a top light structure affixed to the vehicle, in readable letters which are not less than two (2) nor more than twelve (12) inches high.

(2) A light of not less than two (2) candle power shall be arranged so as to illuminate the entire passenger compartment of the vehicle while passengers are entering or exiting the vehicle;

(3) No sight-obscuring shades, blinds or glazing materials may obstruct vision into the interior of the vehicle from the exterior of the vehicle; and

(B) Mandatory Vehicle Safety Inspections. Prior to issuance of a taxi permit, and prior to the renewal of a taxi permit, the permit holder must have conducted and the vehicle assigned to the permit passed, a vehicle safety inspection by a Qualified Mechanic. This vehicle examination shall determine if the motor vehicle assigned or to be assigned to a permit is mechanically safe for operation, properly equipped to comply with all existing requirements.

(C) The Department of Public Safety may require and conduct additional inspections at such times as may reasonably appear to be necessary due to accidents, repairs, or when there is reasonable cause to believe that conditions of the vehicle assigned to a permit adversely affect the safety of the motor vehicle.

ASSIGNMENT OF VEHICLE TO PERMIT.

(A) NEW OR RENEWAL PERMIT. Upon issuance of a taxi permit, the permit holder must identify a motor vehicle to be assigned by the City to the taxi permit. The motor vehicle to be assigned to a permit must comply with all vehicle equipment and inspection requirements. A permit holder shall make application to the City Clerk for assignment of a motor vehicle to their permit within forty-five (45) days of issuance of the permit or earlier request a voluntary suspension of the permit. The application shall include identification of the motor vehicle, identification of the interest of the permit holder in the vehicle, proof of insurance required and verification from the Department of Public Safety that the vehicle complies with the vehicle marking requirements and has passed a vehicle safety which shall constitute a completed application. Upon receipt of a completed application, the City Clerk shall take such action as may be necessary to assign the motor vehicle to the permit. Failure to make timely application or to apply for and receive a voluntary suspension extending the time by which a motor vehicle shall be assigned shall result in immediate revocation of the taxi permit. Only one motor vehicle may be assigned to a permit at any time.

(B) LOSS OR DAMAGE: Immediately upon the destruction, substantial damage, or loss of a motor vehicle assigned to a taxi permit the permit holder shall notify the Police of the loss or damage. If a damaged vehicle is not repaired and placed back in service, or replaced within ninety (90) days after substantial damage, the taxi permit for the vehicle shall be revoked. If the permit holder provides the Director of Public Safety with a written statement from an automobile repair shop, auto parts supply business, or car dealer advising that required parts are not available, the Director of Public Safety may extend the time to repair the vehicle for a period not to exceed an additional ninety (90) days. Approval of extension will be provided to permit holder in writing.

(C) SALE OR REPLACEMENT: The permit holder shall make application to the City Clerk to change the vehicle assigned to a permit. The application shall be filed with the City Clerk and include identification of the replacement vehicle, identification of the interest of the permit holder in the vehicle, proof of insurance, and verification from the Department of Public Safety that the vehicle complies with the vehicle marking requirements, and has passed a vehicle safety which shall constitute a completed application. Upon receipt of a completed application the City Clerk shall take such action as may be necessary to assign the new vehicle to the permit. Upon reassignment of a replacement vehicle to a permit, it shall be a violation to continue to operate the prior-assigned vehicle as a vehicle-for-hire in the City.

GROUNDS FOR DENIAL, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF TAXI PERMIT OR APPLICATION.

A taxi permit, an application for a taxi permit, or an application for transfer of a permit may be denied, suspended or revoked for any of the following reasons:

(A) Failure of the applicant or permit holder to meet or to continue to meet the minimum standards and qualifications.

(B) Falsification of any statement or providing misinformation in the application for taxi permit. Misinformation presented in an application may be grounds for denial, revocation, or suspension and may subject applicant to criminal prosecution.

(C) Violation by the permit holder or any of the permit holder’s chauffeurs of any applicable provision of the City law relating to the use or operation of a taxi.

(D) Charging any fare that is different than or that does not meet the requirements of the allowable fare charge as determined by the City.

(E) The cancellation of any insurance required by this Chapter and permit holder’s failure to acquire replacement insurance prior to the effective date of that cancellation;

(F) Conviction in any jurisdiction of the permit holder or any officer, manager, director, general partner, or shareholder or member owning twenty percent (20%) or more of the ownership interest in the permit holder, of any of the following offenses:

(1) A felony conviction within five (5) years of application date, or a conviction in the past ten (10) years for any felony or misdemeanor crime;

(2) A felony, any portion of the sentence of which was served within five (5) years immediately preceding the application;

(3) Reckless driving or negligent driving on two (2) or more occasions within a consecutive twelve (12)-month period occurring within one (1) year immediately preceding the application or at any time after its issuance; and

(4) Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or intoxicating liquor on one (1) or more occasions within a twelve (12)-month period occurring within one (1) year immediately preceding the application or at any time after its issuance;

(G) Knowingly permitting a taxi to be operated by a person who is impaired by a controlled substance or who is under the influence of a controlled substance without a prescription;

(H) Failure to obtain a current City business license or patent;

PROCEDURE FOR DENIAL, REVOCATION OR IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF TAXI PERMIT.

(A) NOTICE OF NON-COMPLIANCE. Prior to initiation of any proceeding to deny eligibility for or to revoke a taxi permit or a chauffeur’s license the City Manager, in the case of a taxi permit, or the Director of the Department of Public Safety, in the case of a chauffeur’s license, shall issue to the applicant, permit holder or licensee a notice of noncompliance with the requirements. The notice shall identify the basis for action or decision against the applicant, permit holder, or license and shall specify a period of time, not to exceed thirty (30) days, within which the applicant, permit holder, or licensee may demonstrate compliance with the requirements.

B) IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION. If the City Manager or Director makes a determination that the permit holder or licensee has failed to maintain the insurance required or that the permit holder, licensee or use of a permitted motor vehicle presents an immediate threat to the health and safety of the public, the City Manager or Director may issue a written notice of noncompliance stating the reasons for the immediate suspension, that the suspension shall be effective immediately, and that the permit holder or licensee has a right to request a hearing on the decision of immediate suspension before the City Manager to be held within seven (7) business days of that request. The City Manager may extend the time for the date of holding the hearing at the request of the licensee or permit holder, or upon good cause shown by the Director. A determination that the permit holder or a licensee presents an immediate threat to the health or safety of the public shall be based upon reasonable cause that the motor vehicle assigned to a permit fails to comply with applicable vehicle safety codes or that a condition creates an immediate and substantial risk of harm to passengers or the public if the vehicle is used for hire or if the licensee were to continue to operate a vehicle for hire. After the hearing, the City Manager shall issue a decision as to whether to uphold or to rescind the immediate suspension. The suspension shall remain in effect until the permit holder or licensee presents evidence to the City Manager demonstrating that the required insurance is in place, that there is not a substantial risk of harm to passengers or the public and shall remain in place through any subsequent process to revoke the subject permit or license.

(C) NOTICE OF INTENT TO REVOKE. Where the City Manager or the Director of the Department of Public Safety is not satisfied that the applicant, permit holder or licensee has presented sufficient evidence or information to demonstrate compliance with the requirements, the City Manager or the Director may issue a notice of intent to deny the application or to revoke a permit or license. Notice by City Manager, in the case of a taxi permit, or by the Director of the Department of Public Safety, in the case of a chauffeur’s license, notifying an applicant, permit holder, or licensee that the City intends to revoke their permit or license or to deny their application shall be served on the applicant, permit holder, or licensee in person. The notice shall state the reasons for the proposed action and that the proposed action shall take effect upon the expiration or thirty (30) days unless earlier appealed by the applicant, permit holder or licensee to the City Council.

(D) APPEAL. An appeal of a notice of intent to deny or revoke or of an immediate suspension shall be made no later than thirty (30) days from the date of the notice issued by the City Manager or the Director. Upon receiving a timely notice of appeal, the City Clerk shall put the appeal on the agenda for a public hearing at a regular meeting of the City Council to be held within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice of appeal from the applicant, permit holder, or licensee. The Council shall hear the appeal de novo and the parties to the appeal may be represented by counsel and present witnesses and evidence on their own behalf and shall have the right to cross examine witnesses and rebut evidence against them. After the close of the hearing, the Council shall issue written findings affirming, rescinding, or modifying the decision of the City Manager or of the Director.

(E) An appeal from any final decision of the Council shall be to the Superior Court, and shall be made no later than thirty (30) days following service in person of that decision upon the affected licensee or permit holder at their last known address. Review by the court shall be limited to determining whether the decision appealed is supported by substantial evidence.

CHAUFFEUR’S LICENSE REQUIRED.

(A) No person may operate a taxi or other for-hire vehicle upon any city street unless the person is licensed.

(B) Chauffeur licenses shall be renewable according to the laws of the country.

DISPLAY OF IDENTIFICATION.

The operator’s permit shall be displayed by the licensee while operating a taxi, on the dashboard between the drivers’ seat and the passengers’ seat in a manner that is visible to passengers in the back seat.

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES.

No person shall:

(A) Transport more than 2 passengers on a motorcycle,

(B) Operate a taxi or other for-hire vehicle within the City unless that vehicle has been assigned to a permit.

(C) Charge a fare different from that authorized by the Council;

(D) Solicit passengers for hire in any manner which endangers pedestrians, potential passengers or other users of the City’s roadways.

(E) Attempt to attract the attention of members of the public by word of mouth, signal, nod or other demonstration while in motion, nor solicit passengers in any manner that would endanger the safety of pedestrians, passengers or other vehicles;

(F) Transport or offer to transport additional passengers in an occupied taxi without the permission of the passengers first occupying the vehicle.

(G) Consume any intoxicating liquor while on a work shift as a chauffeur or within four (4) hours preceding operation of a taxi or other for-hire vehicle.

(H) Purchase alcoholic beverages while in a permitted vehicle, except that a passenger paying a fare may purchase and transport unopened alcoholic beverages.

(I) Operate a taxi or motor vehicle for hire within the City unless licensed as a chauffeur.

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