Military

DATE=2/29/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=HAITI REACT UPD(L-O)

NUMBER=2-313647

BYLINE=MICHAEL BOWMAN

DATELINE=PORT-AU-PRINCE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///// MUST REPLACE CR2-313645. DELETES ACT 2 AND ADDS LOCAL CREOLE RESIDENT'S ACTS. /////

INTRO: In Haiti's capital, the departure of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide has been met with shooting, looting and many expressions of relief. V-O-A's Michael Bowman reports from Port-au-Prince.

TEXT: /// AMBIENT SOUND: SHOOTING -- FADE UNDER TEXT ///

In the neighborhood surrounding Haiti's national palace, enraged gangs still loyal to the president patrolled the streets in unmarked cars and shot randomly at local residents hours after Mr. Aristide's departure.

Once the gangs drove off, curious people ventured out of their homes.

One resident who simply identified himself as a local businessman bore a wide smile.

/// BUSINESSMAN ACT ///

I am more than happy. Why? Because the devil has left the country, OK?

/// END ACT ///

Another man had a message for Haiti's former leader.

/// LOCAL RESIDENT ACT IN CREOLE -- FADE UNDER TEXT ///

He said, Tell Aristide he must never come back to Haiti.

Those most stridently loyal to Mr. Aristide were in more of a shooting mood than a talking mood, and this reporter did not attempt to approach them. But one resident said he was sad to see the president go for economic reasons.

/// ANOTHER LOCAL RESIDENT IN CREOLE -- AND FADE UNDER TEXT ///

He said, his job depended on Mr. Aristide at the national palace, and now he is without work.

Elsewhere, thick black smoke rose from several streets near the palace, as rioters smashed their way into shops and businesses, torching many of them once they made off with everything of value inside.

/// AMBIENT SOUND: LOOTERS -- FADE UNDER TEXT ///

At a ransacked fire station, one man found the keys to an enormous fire truck, and attempted to make off with it.

/// AMBIENT SOUND: FIRE TRUCK -- FADE UNDER TEXT ///

Many residents' initial reaction to Sunday's news was one of caution. One man said he expected residents to throw a huge street party later in the day.

/// MAN IN CREOLE -- FADE UNDER TEXT ///

He says, The people are not convinced yet that Aristide has truly left for good. That is why there are no celebrations on the street. When the people know for sure, they will joyfully take to the streets en masse -- at least once the shooting stops. (SIGNED)

NEB/MCB/RAE