Paradise Lost is the second part of a four-part series examining failed states. The program focuses on Haiti, the first black republic and the poorest country in the western hemisphere. It also is a prime example of a country that has a history of failure to provide for its citizens and the stories of violence and lack of services referred to in Paradise Lost are horrific.
This well researched documentary is primarily comprised of interviews with experts from non-governmental organizations and, although it is well produced, the program moves a bit too quickly through several topics. The opening segments are the most compelling with startling statistics on violence and the health care crisis. The program could also benefit from more interviews with some of Haiti?s citizens about the challenges of daily life.
For those of us living in the western hemisphere, it?s important for us to understand our neighbors and Paradise Lost is a good introduction to the problems one of our poorest.
Paradise Lost is a sobering documentary about the poor conditions in Haiti, and the government?s inability to improve the quality of life for its people. Healthcare, poverty, corruption, crime, and lack of services all are addressed by the reporter and the experts (mostly from Non Governmental Organizations) who appear in the piece. As one might expect, the picture is very bleak, although the report manages to highlight a couple of encouraging developments. The reporter?s narration is competent, if a little formal, and the report does a good job of providing history and context to today?s situation. Where the piece falls short however is in building compelling scenes, and including the voices of ordinary (non ?expert?) Haitian people. There is a powerful scene near the top of the story at a maternity ward, and I found myself wanting to hear more first-hand experiences such as this, rather than the analyses of professionals. Nevertheless, it?s important that Haiti not be forgotten even though it?s not in the headlines these days.
Comments for RN Documentary: Paradise Lost
This piece belongs to the series "RN Focus: Failed States"
Produced by Eric Beauchemin
Other pieces by Radio Netherlands Worldwide
Rating Summary
2 comments
John Voci
Posted on November 27, 2006 at 10:23 AM | Permalink
Review of RN Documentary: Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost is the second part of a four-part series examining failed states. The program focuses on Haiti, the first black republic and the poorest country in the western hemisphere. It also is a prime example of a country that has a history of failure to provide for its citizens and the stories of violence and lack of services referred to in Paradise Lost are horrific.
This well researched documentary is primarily comprised of interviews with experts from non-governmental organizations and, although it is well produced, the program moves a bit too quickly through several topics. The opening segments are the most compelling with startling statistics on violence and the health care crisis. The program could also benefit from more interviews with some of Haiti?s citizens about the challenges of daily life.
For those of us living in the western hemisphere, it?s important for us to understand our neighbors and Paradise Lost is a good introduction to the problems one of our poorest.
Taki Telonidis
Posted on November 25, 2006 at 05:30 AM | Permalink
Review of RN Documentary: Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost is a sobering documentary about the poor conditions in Haiti, and the government?s inability to improve the quality of life for its people. Healthcare, poverty, corruption, crime, and lack of services all are addressed by the reporter and the experts (mostly from Non Governmental Organizations) who appear in the piece. As one might expect, the picture is very bleak, although the report manages to highlight a couple of encouraging developments. The reporter?s narration is competent, if a little formal, and the report does a good job of providing history and context to today?s situation. Where the piece falls short however is in building compelling scenes, and including the voices of ordinary (non ?expert?) Haitian people. There is a powerful scene near the top of the story at a maternity ward, and I found myself wanting to hear more first-hand experiences such as this, rather than the analyses of professionals. Nevertheless, it?s important that Haiti not be forgotten even though it?s not in the headlines these days.