Only one reference to the Mutual Aid Savings and Loans Cooperative (Coopérative d'aide mutuelle d'épargne et de crédit, COPAMEC) could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints for this Response. The Haiti Press Network provided the following information in a 9 August 2002 article from Grand'Anse Jérémie, in the west of the country:

[translation]

Members of the bankrupt CREFIDES and COPAMEC cooperatives continue to pressure those in power for refunds of their capital, and are threatening to take more decisive measures in their fight against government negligence. These tenacious investors gave directors until August 16 to comply with their demands. After that date, they threaten to do whatever necessary to satisfy their claims. According to investors, the amount invested in both companies totals some 5 million gourdes.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Haiti Press Network. 9 August 2002. "Provinces : Ouest." http://www.haitipressnetwork.com/news.cfm?articleID=2464 [Accessed 1 Apr. 2004]

Attempts to reach the Haitian telephone directory assistance and the Haitian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chambre de commerce et d'industrie d'Haïti, CCIH) were unsuccessful.

Internet sites, including: Agence haïtienne de presse, Alterpresse, Amnesty International (AI), Haitian Times, Haïti en marche, Haïti Info, Haïti Progrès, Haiti Star, Human Rights Watch (HRW), Miami Herald, Radio France International (RFI), Radio Métropole, United States Department of State, Vision 2000, World News, World News Connections (WNC)
Publications:

Europa 2002